United ISD pursuing co‑op agreement with Laredo College to recruit electricians, HVAC and diesel technicians

United Independent School District staff presented a proposed cooperative affiliation with Laredo College intended to recruit graduates into trade roles including electricians, HVAC technicians and diesel/mechanics.

A human resources presenter introduced Dr. Roberto Hernandez, associate provost for Laredo College, who described the college’s credentialing for trade programs. "For the electrical example, they'll have a 1 year certificate that covers, a semester of residential and then a semester of commercial and industrial. The licensure comes further down the road because they need to have a certain amount of hours experience," Hernandez said.

District staff described the approach as a coaching and outreach model: visiting high schools, middle and elementary feeder schools and engaging students before they graduate from college programs so the district can "hook them and bring them on board." The proposed agreement would initially focus on three programs: HVAC, electrical and diesel mechanics.

Trustees asked whether students finish with certificates and whether the district has already hired graduates; staff said the district had recently hired at least one diesel mechanic from the partnership and that facilities and other departments have visited Laredo College programs. The affiliation sample presented to the board had not yet been signed; staff asked for trustee support to pursue the agreement.

Background and limitations: trustees were told certificates are awarded by Laredo College on program completion; licensure for electrical trades requires additional work hours beyond the one‑year certificate. No formal board action was taken at the workshop; staff sought direction and support to finalize the agreement.