National Technical Institute is expanding its reach in Houston with the opening of a second campus in the Southeast located in the South Belt / Ellington area. Enrollment is now open for classes beginning the week of November 24 at the new location, which offers fast-track training programs in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.

Building on the success of its Northwest Houston campus in the Fairbanks / Northwest Crossing part of Houston, the expansion reflects a growing demand for skilled trades training and NTI’s commitment to helping more individuals prepare for stable, high-demand careers in industries essential to the region’s future. NTI Houston campuses are located at:

• Southeast Houston campus - South Belt / Ellington area - 13027 Gulf Commerce Dr. Suite A, Houston, TX 77034
• Northwest Houston campus - Fairbanks / Northwest Crossing area - 9001 Jameel Rd, Houston, TX 77040.

“The demand for skilled trades is stronger than ever, and this new campus allows us to make education in the Houston area more accessible,” said Ryan Woodward, CEO of NTI. “Our goal is to ensure that anyone in the local region who wants to build a better future has the opportunity to do so.” 

To support both Houston campuses, NTI has appointed Felicia Hines as career services advisor. With over 22 years of workforce development experience, Hines brings deep expertise in employer engagement and job placement. She previously served as Director of Employment Services at SERJobs, where she built strategic employer partnerships and led workforce programs.

“Career services is critical to our students’ success,” said Hines. “My role is to ensure that when students complete their training, they have a clear pathway to employment. With the current demand for skilled trades workers, we’re connecting our graduates to employers who are actively looking to hire.”

Texas faces critical labor shortage

The need for skilled labor in Texas is critical. Currently, 76-78% of contractors report difficulty filling positions, particularly in specialized trades. This shortage is leading to significant project delays, with mid-sized commercial projects now routinely including 3-4 weeks of additional scheduling time due to labor availability issues. Factors contributing to the problem include limited investment in career and technical education.

A new generation chooses trades

At the same time, career preferences are shifting dramatically. According to a July 2025 survey by Resume Builder, 42% of GenZers are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, including 37% of those who already have a bachelor’s degree. Their top motivations include avoiding crushing student debt and reducing the risk of being replaced by AI in white-collar roles.

“NTI’s new campus isn't just about classrooms, it’s about hands-on training in fully equipped labs where students gain real skills they can apply immediately,” said Rebecca Stout, NTI's southeast Houston campus director. “The timing couldn’t be better. We’re seeing strong interest from local residents as people are starting to recognize that trade careers offer stability, good pay and protection from both automation and the debt burdens that often come with traditional four-year degrees.”

Prospective students interested in enrolling at NTI’s new Southeast or Northwest Houston campus can visit NTItraining.com/Houston call (346)200-4833 or email info@ntitraining.com to learn more about program options.