In a new episode of The Building Texas Show, Andrew Johnson III, head of workforce education at Lone Star College, delivered a direct message to Texas employers: the future of their workforce is already on campus. With 95,000 students across North Houston, Lone Star College offers a captured audience of trained, eager candidates that companies can tap into at a fraction of the cost of staffing agencies, which charge 35 percent above wage for talent searches.
Johnson emphasized the strategic advantage of community colleges in addressing the rising demand for skilled technicians, advanced manufacturing talent, and AI-driven industry roles. Large employers including Foxconn, Apple, SpaceX, SLB, and Daikin have already visited Lone Star College and begun hiring directly from its programs. The college's workforce model is built on customized training, continuing education for rapid upskilling, and credit-based pathways for long-term career mobility. By 2027, Lone Star plans to launch a fully autonomous manufacturing line to give students hands-on experience with future-ready production systems.
Affordability is a key differentiator. While for-profit technical schools often leave graduates with high debt, Lone Star students typically spend around $7,000 total and enter high-paying careers. Through dual-credit programs with local school districts, students can earn up to 60 college hours at no cost, accelerating workforce readiness. Employers are also creating co-op models, hiring students while they study.
Johnson, a third-generation shipbuilder who earned his PhD at age 62, understands the transformative power of community colleges firsthand. He aims to shorten pathways for students by bringing them together with employers on campus. The college invites local employers to build custom training programs, recruit from the student pool, and develop apprenticeship partnerships. As Texas experiences a manufacturing boom, Johnson urges companies to meet their community college to gain a competitive advantage.
Watch the full episode featuring Andrew Johnson III at The Building Texas Show and subscribe to the series for updates on Texas communities and industries.
