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Workforce Solutions Capital Area and UA Local 286 Plumbers & Pipefitters are holding an open house event this Saturday to promote their local pre-apprenticeship class and encourage residents to pursue a career in a trade.
The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum Pre-Apprenticeship Program (MC3) is a two-week course that guides participants through a range of skills across the trades, first aid and safety, and OSHA certification.
A new collaboration between CapMetro and Workforce Solutions Capital Area will help develop more than 1,000 local jobs as the transit authority revs up its Project Connect mass transit program.
On Monday, the CapMetro Board of Directors approved the launch of the Transit Workforce Partnership Work Plan, with a total cost capped at $366,000. The board didn’t hold any discussion on the item prior to the vote, but CapMetro’s finance committee previously recommended approval on the item at its Oct. 12 meeting.
The partnership is contracted for a three-year period, with a projected launch date in November. As part of the collaboration, WFSCA will work alongside its education and business partners to identify possible candidates from its talent pools and fulfill CapMetro’s workforce needs.
CapMetro’s finance committee approved Wednesday moving forward on a collaboration with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to help develop more than 1,000 jobs for the transit authority’s Project Connect program. The three-year partnership will begin in December, with a total cost capped at $366,000.
The collaboration will tap into WFSCA’s education and business partners to expand CapMetro’s access to a talent pipeline. WFSCA will help identify gaps in CapMetro’s talent pool and map out in-demand positions and necessary skills to fulfill those needs.
This week, 36 middle school girls have their hard hats and safety goggles on along with their power tools in tow ready to tackle new tasks.
It’s all part of the free Camp NAWIC, or the National Association of Women in Construction, which provides hands-on learning. Those behind the camp said they want to see more women make their mark in the male-dominated industry.
There are 104,159 people who work in construction in the Austin area, and women only make up about 10% of that, according to Workforce Solutions Capital Area. That’s similar to the ratio nationwide.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area estimates that by 2031 the Austin area will need 4,156 HVAC mechanics.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area reports $44,000 as the median annual income. [An industry professional] said those interested in the field could eventually make up to $100,000 annually.
As Austin continues growing, the metro will require more skilled workers to build and maintain everything going up across the region. With the goal in mind of introducing the next generation of skilled talent to opportunities in the trades, we hosted the annual Metroplex Career Rally at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 286 on March 22 and 23 for local students.
Members of six local Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) provided hands-on demos and workshops for 80 middle school and 200 high school students over the two-day event. With thousands of local job openings for occupations like plumbers, electricians, carpenters and more, the importance of growing the next generation of craftspeople becomes more apparent.
“Apprenticeship is very important to our industry. There is no better training model—the hands-on method works great. We take someone who is interested in getting their foot in the door and we get them working and they earn while they learn,” said Joe Cooper, Training Director at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 286 and a member of the Capital Area Board of Directors.
“The apprenticeship model helps us to renew our ranks and ensure we have the next generation of skilled craftspeople. Apprenticeship lets our contractor partners, our journeymen, and our apprentices give back and have some shape and control over the industry we work in,” Joe said.
Participating students came from campuses in Austin, Del Valle, Manor, and Pflugerville independent school districts. Students with the YouthBuild Austin program at American YouthWorks also joined.
Students learned about eligibility requirements, benefits, and what a typical work day looks like as apprentices in electrical, plumbing, ironworking, carpentry, and sheet metal.
Emanuel Calwac, a senior at Del Valle High School, said, “My favorite thing about the event is all the people who came out to support us and teach us about things we don’t know, like the trades and careers we can choose and all the things we can think about for our future lives.”
Hunter McIntee, a student at American YouthWorks, said, “I’m really interested in these programs, mainly the carpenters program. I want to see where I can get my foot in the door with that and make huge steps toward my future goals and career.”
Additionally, career and education outreach specialists with WFS Capital Area hosted a workshop on career exploration utilizing tools created by the board and the Texas Workforce Commission to help students plan and budget for their adult lives.
The event concluded with Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing Labor for the Texas Workforce Commission, speaking about the opportunities the students had explored: “What I see here in this room are future employers. With your initiative and the skills you will gain in the trades, you will own your own business one day.”
For Hakim Budillo, a senior at Del Valle High School, his plans are set: “My plans for the next couple years are to be a welder here at Local 286.”
Electrician is an occupation growing in demand in Austin, with an average entry level hourly wage of $16.55. To help connect residents interested in the skilled trades, we joined Lone Star Construction Trades Training (Lone Star) to host a five-day, 40-hour pre-apprenticeship class in March 2021 at the Austin Electrical Training Alliance!
Eighteen residents signed up for this training at no cost to them. The students first learned about safety, basic tools and circuity. Hands-on tasks included installing receptacle switches and lights. Next, they learn about ground fault interrupters (GFI), three-way switches and split receptacles. Finally, the students tackled more complex installations like four-way switches, dimmers and lighted receptacles.
Lone Star CTT is a 501(c)3 organization owned and operated by Darci Brennan and Rebecca Young. They are both Journeymen electricians with over 48 years of experience in the electrical trade. Lone Star is dedicated to providing no-cost hands-on training for women seeking a career in the construction trades.
Shane Mullen, who is hard of hearing, has lived in Austin for about two years and works at a lumber company. “My wife saw a post for this training on Facebook and sent it to me. I said I was interested, and she was totally supportive. She helped me fill out the application and sign up,” he said.
“I am really impressed with the two instructors. Their background, their stories, it inspired me,” Shane said. “Having this hands-on training shows me that I am picking this up. It’s really helpful being hands-on, and it’s developed my skill and knowledge of electrical tremendously.
“At first, I was a little overwhelmed. But family and friends told me I could do this. I have learned something new every day and I’m amazed at what I’m doing,” said Shane.
After completing Lone Star’s training, Shane’s future plans are to join International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 520 and become a journeyman.
“My first step is to sign up with the apprenticeship program and keep learning on a daily basis. I want to go to school and learn everything I can to be as knowledgeable as possible,” Shane said.
“I want to support my family and friends, and I want them to be part of this union and to join this program. I am seeing that I can be successful at this, and telling my friends, ‘You were right, I can do this!’” he said.
“My advice for the younger generation for moving up in the world is to utilize your talents,” Shane said. “Go to a trade school. Find your profession—it could be welding or electrical. Whatever you want to do, go for it. Go in and join up. It will lead you to a successful life and a successful career, and it will be a happy life.”
Graduates earn a certificate from Lone Star, as well as their Texas apprenticeship license and their OSHA 10 license (paid for by Lone Star). For a graduation gift, the students receive bags of tools, making them ready to begin working.
Rebecca Young is the Director and Electrical Instructor at Lone Star CTT.
“You go through your apprenticeship and become a journeyman. From there you have all these different paths to take—you can become a foreman, an instructor, an inspector,” Rebecca said. “When I started, I was the foreman, I drove the service van, and I was an inspector for a while. Now I am an electrical instructor. That journeyman license can take you anywhere.
“I’ve been doing this for 29 years. It was the best decision I ever made my entire life. I’ve made so much money and had so much fun doing it,” she said.
Krysta Willis was born and raised in Austin and has done general construction work. She sees Lone Star’s training as an opportunity begin skilled work right away.
“This is like shooting you straight to the job. It shows you what you will be doing,” she said. “I really like that we are spending enough time on each thing to grasp it and moving on. I’m learning a lot of things.”
“The fact that this is taught by other women is so great. This really makes it feel more inclusive and empowering to work with other women. I feel like even after the program, I can reach out to Rebecca and Darci and they will help me,” Krysta said.
Are you interested in launching a good-paying career in the skilled trades? We can help! To begin, contact your local career center and ask about your eligibility.
Offering pre-apprentice dual credit courses can benefit schools and employers alike. For schools introducing career and technical education (CTE) programs, they can gain industry input and guidance from career professionals. For participating employers, they have the opportunity to help guide the next generation of skilled workers.
Electrical contractor TRIO Electric offers a pre-apprentice dual credit course at no cost for students who want to become the future electricians of Austin. The program is entering its third year at Navarro Early College High School and its first year at Travis Early College High School in Austin Independent School District (AISD). The course is part of a partnership between electrical contractor TRIO Electric, Austin Independent School District and Austin Community College.
Participating in the program for its second year is Premier North High School in combination with Premier Pflugerville High School. The Premier schools are ResponsiveEd public charter schools offering credit recovery programs.
TRIO hosted three virtual commitment ceremonies in January for newly participating students: 31 at Travis ECHS; 33 at Navarro ECHS; and 11 students from Premier.
Christina Steele-Hantgin, principal at Travis ECHS, said “You guys are pioneers, and you are building a legacy that will last long after you graduate high school.”
The program teaches students how to be safe, productive and skilled electricians as well as other employable and soft skills. The students attend the TRIO Pre-Apprenticeship Program virtually and safely in-person at their schools, where TRIO has built labs for the students.
Shelia Henry, Executive Director of High Schools at AISD, said, “You have made an investment into your own future. You are making grown men and women decisions about what you will do next in your lives. I wish you success!”
The dual credit courses, through Austin Community College (ACC), include Basic Electrical Theory, Introduction to Electrical Safety and Tools, Calculations, Construction Engineering Technology and Commercial Wiring. The ACC coursework will lead students to a Level 1 College Certificate, which crosswalks with the Texas Education Agency’s Electrical 1 and 2 requirements.
“Our partnerships go beyond just helping our students—we want to help you build a pathway,” Natalia Almanza, Manager of High School Careers Program at ACC, said.
“This program will lead you into a career where you can work your way into becoming a leader at TRIO and at the same time you can choose to work to earn money for college.” Beau Pollock, President and CEO of TRIO Electric
The program will offer learning outside of the classroom as well. Students will visit jobsites to observe electricians completing work, and can accept TRIO’s offer of paid full-time internships in the summer.
Beau Pollock, President and CEO of TRIO Electric, said, “You were told when you enrolled that if you worked hard, TRIO will extend a job offer to you upon graduating high school. This program will lead you into a career where you can work your way into becoming a leader at TRIO and at the same time you can choose to work to earn money for college.”
Elaine Diaz is the Education Instructor for TRIO and has 20 years of experience working in the skilled trades.
“I became a teacher when I started at TRIO Electric. I felt really comfortable with it, being that throughout my career I have worked with many first-year apprentices,” Elaine said.
“You are students in a unique position—the entire country needs trained electricians, and you will be trained to become great electricians. I wish you courage, strength and wisdom in your future as electricians,” said Elaine.
Julian Alvarez, the Commissioner Representing Labor for the Texas Workforce Commission, said, “You will be attending school but also receiving on-the-job experience through paid internships and finally paid employment. The commit you are making today will provide you with the knowledge and expertise that will carry you for a lifetime. Congratulations to the next future workforce of this great state of ours!”
David Arredondo graduated from John B. Connally High School in Austin in 2020 with plans to begin his collegiate career as a soccer player. Despite COVID-19 interfering with his playoff-bound high school soccer season, David impressed college coaches and was slated to join Schreiner University’s soccer team roster. Then David learned COVID-19 would also put an end to Schreiner’s season.
Now newly jobless and with finances a major consideration, attending university was no longer an immediate option for David.
“Tuition was a problem. And I didn’t want to go to college and not get a chance to even play soccer. That was the reason I really wanted to go to college,” David said. “I was more comfortable staying in Austin to learn a trade and earn money.”
David would eventually enroll and earn his electrical apprenticeship license with financial support from Workforce Solutions Capital Area — including a weekly $200 stipend — through a RE:WorkNOW training course at Skillpoint Alliance.
RE:WorkNOW is the no-cost rapid training program for City of Austin and Travis County residents, launched by Workforce Solutions Capital Area.
In response to the workforce crisis brought on by the pandemic, participating RE:WorkNOW training providers have expanded rapid training programs in both remote and hybrid formats. Courses can take as little as four weeks, are aligned with industry expectations, and will result in high-demand jobs at better wages.
Eligible enrollees in RE:WorkNOW courses may receive $200 weekly stipends while they train, along with career advising and placement. Childcare, transportation, and digital inclusion are also provided as needed and as funds are available.
Program graduates are connected to jobs in growing industries like IT, healthcare, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing.
Starting a new life as an electrician
David first became interested in the electrician occupation while at Connally. Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Central Texas spoke to students in his geometry and construction class about the in-demand field. Two of his friends who had earned their pre-apprentice electrical certification at Skillpoint recommended he enroll.
David signed up for the four-week course beginning on October 5, 2020, at no cost and in a fully virtual format. Skillpoint provided course materials, tools, and laptops to the cohort before the class started. In the class, students learned about electrical safety, hand tools, and power tools, and received exposure to different career opportunities within the industry.
In the virtual training environment, Alan Wilson, a Skillpoint instructor, closely reviewed the trainee’s hands-on work wiring device boxes, bending conduit, and assembling raceways through webcam.
“Alan was an amazing instructor,” said David. “In the four weeks he had us, he taught us a lot.”
Students received individual “pods” to practice on, built for home use and similar to what they would typically work on in a training facility.
Support every step of the way
Shortly after enrollment, David was contacted by Hillary Silvas, a career counselor at Workforce Solutions Capital Area.
“Hillary told me how Workforce Solutions wanted to help me, how they can pay me for tools, and how they can pay me for gas money if I needed it to apply for jobs,” said David. “They wanted to see me employed and become an electrician.”
Before enrolling at Skillpoint, David had applied for jobless benefits but was told by the unemployment office that he wasn’t eligible. His reason for leaving was considered willful because he quit his job to attend college and not tied to the pandemic. David was thrilled to hear he qualified for $200 per week through RE:WorkNOW, just from being enrolled in the Skillpoint training.
“Before enrolling, I was asking my parents for money, doing chores for them, and mowing people’s lawns,” David said. “When I received the stipend, it felt like I got paid again. It helped me in that whole month.”
Hillary said Workforce Solutions’ team of career counselors daily hears the stories of many Austin and Travis County residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The entire Workforce Solutions team wants to make sure that they know we hear them and want to help,” said Hillary. “The RE:WorkNOW program specializes in removing barriers to training and providing support along the way.”
“Workforce Solutions made it super easy. Hillary respected that I wasn’t necessarily familiar with what was going on or what I had to do because I felt like a kid still,” said David. “She made the transition to being an adult really easy.”
A recharged career
David graduated on October 31. He received his industry-recognized certifications, including the Texas apprenticeship license and OSHA 10 license, to begin working in the field. He started his job of choice at Beckett Electrical in December, a commercial and construction contractor, earning $32K-$37K.
David said he felt like he had a “team that was helping me get hired,” with support from Workforce Solutions, IEC, and Skillpoint.
David hit the ground running and says he had proved his aptitude in the trade on day one. He credits the know-how to the training at Skillpoint and support from Workforce Solutions.
“I’m just glad I took that class because it really helped me,” said David.
Skillpoint executive director Kevin Brackmeyer gives all the praise back to students who were persistent in overcoming barriers brought on by the pandemic to complete their training.
“Despite 2020 being a challenging and difficult year, our students are committed to pursuing a new direction for their lives,” Kevin said. “Their persistence and commitment speak volumes to their work ethic and willingness to create a better life for themselves and their families.”
David offered this advice to others who may be in a similar situation: “If you really want to do something, you just have to put your mind to it and reach out for help. There are people that really want to see you succeed. I feel like I got in contact with the right people, and they helped me.”
David plans to continue his education through IEC to become a journeyman. Next, he wants to pursue a career in real estate, where he says his experience as an electrician will help him in the long run.
With financial backing from the City of Austin and Travis County, Phase 1 of RE:WorkNOW will provide 260 scholarships to jobless residents for no-cost, rapid, and safe job training. Space is limited, and enrollment into approved courses is handled first-come, first-served.
To learn more and apply, visit reworknow.org/austin.
The elder population of Central Texas is one of the most impacted by COVID-19 and must live isolated to remain out of risk. To provide a space for elder Texans to feel connected and safely interact with their loved ones, Alzheimer’s Texas and the Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Austin) wanted to connect with local students, architects and builders to design and build social booths.
In fall 2020, Alzheimer’s Texas and AIA Austin reached out to Workforce Solutions Capital Area to help identify students for this project. High school students designed and completed social booths that are allowing individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia to safely interact with their families over the holidays.
“These booths are love letters from the communities to the caregivers, to the families, and to the residents,” Ron Morelli, Director of Constituent Relations for Alzheimer’s Texas, said.
Seven groups of four to five students each from schools in Austin, Manor and Round Rock ISDs, KIPP public charter schools and American YouthWorks participated in designing and constructing these booths. AIA Austin connected students with local builders, and St. David’s HealthCare donated funds for the student groups to purchase materials. In addition, the Gulf Coast Carpenters & Millwrights Training Trust Fund identified a builder and donated many supplies to KIPP’s project.
These booths arrived at local assisted living facilities just in time for the holiday season!
“What the three organizations achieved by partnering with each other allowed us a whole, not only to give back to our community, but to create experiences for students to participate and learn throughout the process. The students have been so enthusiastic to provide a real-world solution to the physical separation that COVID-19 has created between individuals,” said Viviana Trevino, designer with Page Southerland Page (an architecture/engineering firm) and Co-Chair of AIA Austin Design Voice.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area provided each student with a $500 stipend through a generous grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company. This project would not have been possible without the connections that our team of four workforce and career development outreach specialists have developed with our local school districts to identify groups of students to work on this project.
Alzheimer’s Texas recently applied to the national Alzheimer’s Association to fund additional social booths. Out of all the grant applications in the nation, Alzheimer’s Texas received a $25,000 grant to scale up this work across the state of Texas!
“Being socially connected in meaningful ways is vital to brain health and survival. We wanted to reimagine how we provided support during an incredibly stressful and isolating time,” said Catherine Campbell, Alzheimer’s Texas executive director.
“This project initially started as a way to connect families with their loved ones but also realize it’s connecting the hearts and minds of multiple generations. It’s been truly heartwarming to witness how these talented students and the central Texas community have come together to build something extraordinary,” Catherine said.
“Knowing we were all able to do something for the community feels great. I love seeing their smiles, their joy, their appreciation for what we did for them.” Calista Velarde, American YouthWorks.
“I think the booth will open more opportunities for families to see their loved ones while keeping everyone safe. I thought this project was a great opportunity to get some hands-on learning experience and a great way to give back to the community,” said Jonathan Gonzales, a student with American YouthWorks.
“Knowing we were all able to do something for the community feels great. I love seeing their smiles, their joy, their appreciation for what we did for them,” said Calista Velarde, a student with American YouthWorks.
Learn about the design process from the students and architects and how they were able to provide a safe space for connectivity in this story from Austin Design Week!
Want to know more about how Workforce Solutions Capital Area assists students, job seekers, employers and educators to explore in-demand career pathways in Central Texas? Go to ClimbtheLadderCTX.com!