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.
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