Katy ISD Adds Another Career and Technical Education Program to Serve Students Post Graduation
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KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 5, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy ISD continues to evaluate emerging industries and workforce trends to give students the skills for success after graduation in many fields. This year the District adds an Underground Utility Program to an already growing list of career paths.
This academic year, Katy ISD introduces its new Underground Utility Location program, providing students with hands-on training for one of the nation's fastest-growing skilled trades. Sponsored by USIC, the nation's largest underground utility locating company, this innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) program teaches students to locate and identify underground electric and natural gas utility lines using industry-standard technology.
“Students develop essential skills in safety, mapping, problem-solving and damage prevention while gaining real-world experience,” explains a representative with Katy ISD. “As communities continue to grow and infrastructure investments increase, trained utility locators play a vital role in protecting people, preventing service disruptions and supporting construction projects.”
This new program joins other programs that prepare students to enter directly into the workforce after graduating from Katy ISD. Students can also choose to take these applications and certifications and expand on them in higher education.
Programs such as Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Texas Real Estate Sales Agent, Water and Wastewater Operator and Underground Utility Location allow students to graduate with the knowledge, technical skills and credentials employers are seeking today. Last year, Katy ISD graduated their first students from the Water Operator Licensing Program.
By partnering with industry leaders and aligning coursework with workforce needs, these Career and Technical Education pathways help address critical workforce shortages across Texas while empowering students to discover meaningful careers, reduce the cost and time required for postsecondary training and become productive contributors to the communities they serve.
This latest program falls under the District’s Miller Career & Technical Center. Learn more about it and other programs offered at their website.
As employer needs evolve and new career pathways emerge, the District will continue exploring innovative programs and partnerships that provide students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to enter high-demand careers.