National Technical Institute Celebrates 232 Houston Graduates - 10 to 1 Public Relations
Back To The National Technical Institute Press Room

National Technical Institute Celebrates 232 Houston Graduates

HOUSTON, Texas (Aug. 18, 2026) – National Technical Institute (NTI), a leading vocational trade school founded in 2003, recognized 232 graduates across its two Houston campuses, honoring students who completed HVAC, plumbing and electrical certificate programs. The Northwest Campus celebrated 204 graduates on Aug. 8, and the Southeast Campus honored 28 graduates on Aug. 14.

A Closer Look at the Graduating Classes

NTI’s Northwest Campus class included 98 HVAC, 65 electrical and 41 plumbing technicians. More than 40 of those graduates secured jobs before completing their coursework, with Career Services Advisors actively connecting additional graduates to local hiring partners. The Southeast Campus class included 14 HVAC technicians, 6 electrical technicians and 8 plumbing technicians, trained through NTI’s Traditional and Fusion programs.

“I was really nervous coming here as a female in a mostly male dominated field. But once I got here, it really just, it felt right and it felt like home,” said Savanna Bluff, recent NTI Houston Plumbing Graduate. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’ve enjoyed working with my hands and I’ve enjoyed the people. I’ve met so many friends and I’ve been able to network and really see that plumbing has so many different options for me.”

Savanna Bluff spent years working in the restaurant industry before making the decision to pursue a more stable, better-paying career in the skilled trades. She enrolled at NTI Houston and graduated as a certified plumbing technician.

“These graduates represent exactly what NTI Houston is built for, and we’re proud to prepare people with the skills and confidence to launch careers in trades where demand continues to grow,” said Dexter Bethers, Campus Director, National Technical Institute Houston Northwest. “Every class that comes through these doors impresses me with their commitment and growth, and knowing that employers are eager to hire them makes each graduation one of the most rewarding days of the year.”

Meeting a Growing Need

Houston’s skilled trades shortage and sustained construction growth make this graduating class a critical resource for the regional workforce. Surveys by national contractor associations consistently show that 70% to 80% of firms report persistent struggles to fill hourly craft positions. These NTI graduates enter the Houston workforce as trained HVAC, plumbing and electrical technicians at a time when the regional industry needs them most.

“Walking through that door that day, like, literally changes, changes everything. Within my first week here, I felt like I was related to the family here. It really changed my life around. People here actually care,” said Tyrone Hunter, NTI Houston Plumbing Graduate. “They are willing to go the extra mile, hands-on with everything that they do here. Honestly, I would advise anybody who really wants to come to a trade school NTI would definitely be the place. They’re hands-on with your practical, your everything academics, and just consider yourself to be family as well.”

NTI’s Jersey Village Northwest Campus serves students across Northwest Houston, and the Clear Lake/Pearland Southeast Campus extends access to trade education for Southeast Houston residents. Both campuses feature state-of-the-art labs equipped with professional tools and industry-standard equipment designed to mirror real field conditions. To accommodate students who are currently working, classes run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with morning, mid-day and evening options available on weekdays and Saturday classes offered at both campuses.

NTI offers certification programs through in-person and hybrid learning in 12 to 16 weeks, with new classes starting every month, and pairs each graduate with a personal Career Services Advisor who connects them to local hiring partners.

For more information, visit https://www.ntitraining.com.

How severe is the skilled trades labor shortage in Houston?
Surveys by national contractor associations consistently show that 70% to 80% of firms report persistent struggles to fill hourly craft positions, making trained tradespeople critical to Houston’s workforce. National Technical Institute is helping address this gap, graduating 232 Houston-area HVAC, electrical and plumbing technicians in August 2026. These graduates enter the market at a time when Houston’s sustained construction growth makes their skills more essential than ever.

Which trades are most in demand in Houston right now?
HVAC, electrical and plumbing technicians are among the most sought-after skilled workers in Houston’s growing job market. National Technical Institute’s August 2026 graduating class included 98 HVAC, 65 electrical and 41 plumbing technicians across its two Houston campuses. Houston’s sustained construction growth and skilled trades shortage make these career paths strong options for workers entering the field.

How long does it take to earn a trade school certification?
National Technical Institute offers HVAC, electrical and plumbing certification programs that can be completed in 12 to 16 weeks through in-person and hybrid learning. New classes start every month, so students do not have to wait long to begin. This accelerated path allows workers to enter the trades workforce faster than a traditional four-year degree.

Are there flexible class schedules at trade schools for working adults?
National Technical Institute offers classes from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with morning, mid-day and evening options on weekdays and Saturday classes at both Houston campuses. This schedule is designed to accommodate students who are currently working while pursuing a new career. Both the Jersey Village Northwest Campus and the Clear Lake/Pearland Southeast Campus provide these flexible scheduling options.

How do trade schools help graduates find jobs after completing their programs?
National Technical Institute pairs each graduate with a personal Career Services Advisor who actively connects them to local hiring partners in Houston. More than 40 Northwest Campus graduates secured jobs before completing their coursework, demonstrating the strength of NTI’s employer network. Career Services Advisors continue working with graduates to ensure strong job placement outcomes.

Can women build successful careers in the skilled trades?
Women are finding rewarding and stable careers in trades like plumbing, a field historically dominated by men. Savanna Bluff, a recent National Technical Institute Houston plumbing graduate, said she felt at home immediately and discovered a wide range of career options available to her in the field. She transitioned from the restaurant industry to a certified plumbing career after completing NTI’s program.

What should I look for when choosing a vocational trade school?
The most important factors include hands-on training, flexible scheduling, career placement support and access to industry-standard equipment. National Technical Institute’s Houston campuses feature state-of-the-art labs equipped with professional tools designed to mirror real field conditions. NTI also pairs every graduate with a personal Career Services Advisor to connect them to local Houston employers.

Is it possible to get a job before finishing a trade school program?
Strong career placement support can help students secure employment before they even graduate. More than 40 National Technical Institute Northwest Campus graduates secured jobs before completing their coursework in August 2026. NTI’s Career Services Advisors actively connect students to local hiring partners throughout the program, not just at graduation.

How are trade schools helping address Houston's workforce shortage?
Houston’s skilled trades shortage and sustained construction growth create a critical need for trained tradespeople, with 70% to 80% of contractor firms reporting struggles to fill hourly craft positions. National Technical Institute graduated 232 HVAC, electrical and plumbing technicians from its two Houston campuses in August 2026. These graduates immediately strengthen the regional workforce at a time when demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow.

What career opportunities are available after completing an HVAC, electrical or plumbing certification?
Graduates of HVAC, electrical and plumbing programs enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in Houston’s job market, with employers actively competing for skilled workers. National Technical Institute graduates train on industry-standard equipment in state-of-the-art labs designed to mirror real-world field conditions, preparing them for immediate employment. With 70% to 80% of contractor firms nationwide reporting difficulty filling skilled positions, NTI graduates have strong job prospects from the moment they earn their certifications.