BridgeYear Launches First-Ever Automotive Apprenticeship Program in Houston TX
Partnership with Houston City College, Gulf States Toyota, and The Friedkin Group gives 11 recent graduates a direct path to hands-on careers in the automotive industry.
Partnership with Houston City College, Gulf States Toyota, and The Friedkin Group gives 11 recent graduates a direct path to hands-on careers in the automotive industry.
Houston, TX – October 15, 2025 – BridgeYear, a Houston-based nonprofit helping young adults connect to meaningful careers that don’t require a four-year degree, has launched its first-ever post-high school Houston apprenticeship program—a two-year Automotive Technology Apprenticeship developed in partnership with Houston City College (HCC), Gulf States Toyota, and The Friedkin Group.
Eleven recent high school graduates, who participated in a summer pre-apprenticeship program with BridgeYear and HCC, have now begun their paid apprenticeship placements at Toyota dealerships across Houston. These apprenticeships combine hands-on work experience with formal classroom instruction, giving students the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to become certified automotive technicians.
Preparing Students for Career Success
BridgeYear’s Automotive Technology Apprenticeship offers a clear, supported pathway from high school graduation to meaningful work. Over the next two years, apprentices will diagnose and repair vehicles, master advanced technical skills, and earn industry-recognized certifications—all while earning a wage.
“This program opens doors for students who are ready to start their careers right after high school,” said Victoria Chen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BridgeYear. “It’s a chance for recent graduates to earn family-sustaining wages, gain industry certifications, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”
A Collaboration Between Education and Industry
This initiative highlights the power of partnership between nonprofits, educators, and industry leaders. BridgeYear and Houston City College equip students with technical skills and professional readiness, while Gulf States Toyota and The Friedkin Group provide paid apprenticeship opportunities at dealerships throughout Houston.
By aligning education with workforce needs, BridgeYear ensures apprentices have a direct path to career advancement without the financial or academic barriers of a traditional four-year degree.
Bridging High School and Career Pathways
BridgeYear’s mission is to show young adults that there are multiple pathways to career success. By first completing a pre-apprenticeship, students gain exposure to workplace expectations, foundational technical skills, and mentorship—preparing them to succeed in the paid apprenticeship and beyond.
BridgeYear continues to expand access to hands-on, high-demand career pathways across Houston through its Career Test Drive® Fairs, Career Cohorts, and MorePathways® online platform.
How Apprenticeships Fit with High School Pathways
BridgeYear ensures that apprenticeships complement Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses offered in Houston high schools. This alignment helps students continue building on skills they began developing before graduation, creating a smoother transition into meaningful careers.
By working with school counselors and community partners, BridgeYear bridges the gap between high school and the workforce, giving young people access to opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.
Explore Options with MorePathways®
For students exploring their options, BridgeYear’s MorePathways® platform allows users to search Houston apprenticeship programs, certification courses, and short-term training opportunities. Students can filter by cost, duration, and location, and schedule one-on-one advising calls for personalized guidance.
About BridgeYear
BridgeYear connects young adults to meaningful careers through structured programs that combine training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Its mission is to increase access to high-demand, well-paying careers for students who have graduated high school and are exploring alternatives to the traditional four-year college pathway.
Learn more at www.bridgeyear.org.
Media Contact Person:
BridgeYear
Contact Person: Jocelyne Trevino
Phone: (832) 579-0294
Media Contact
Organization: BridgeYear
Contact Person: Jocelyne Trevino
Website: https://www.bridgeyear.org/
Email:
[email protected]
Contact Number: +18325790294
Address:3414 Eastside St.
City: Houston
State: TX
Country:United States
Release id:35623