AG&P Global is one of many companies looking to put Scorpions to work

Texas Southmost College is building future skilled workers while also building strong relationships with companies and industry partners looking for qualified workers.

Americas, an industry giant, expressed the need for more craftsmen and women and more institutions like TSC to replenish the workforce.

“Texas Southmost College has a state-of-the-art facility for their apprenticeship-type program,” Hulet said. “The first thing that comes to mind is the benefit of having a relationship with TSC is they get a younger generation interested in a technical skill such as welding, pipefitting, and structural fitting.”

There is no secret that there is a need for skilled workers across all fields. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, 7,000 electricians join the field every year, but 10,000 retire, creating a skilled workforce shortage. Hulet echoed the need for certified tradespeople.

“Our industry is suffering from shortages of these types of skilled resources,” he said. “The more people that we can get into that program is not only going to benefit AG&P; it’s also going to benefit the industry.”

Another group that will benefit are the graduating students who exit Texas Southmost College with an unbelievably valuable skill that will help them earn an excellent living wage in today’s economy.

“Employers are actively recruiting our graduates,” said Associate Vice President of Instruction for Workforce Training and Continuing Education, Dr. Joseph Fleishman. “Our most recent group of 42 welding students had three separate employers offer them jobs.  It was amazing, our students had three career opportunities to choose from a week before they even graduated. Employers around the state are currently scheduling dates to come to ITECC to recruit our students.”

Hulet reiterated the close ties between TSC and AG&P which leads to more Scorpion success stories.

“We have a very good relationship with Dr. Fleishman and his team,” Hulet said. “Texas Southmost College has some great training facilities. We always feel welcomed when we go down there. We feel like we are true partners.”

Dr. Fleishman talked about how proud he is to see the programs and offerings at TSC expand and evolve.

“I’m thrilled for the college to have the resources that we have today. We would never be where we are today if not for the vision and leadership of our Board of Trustees.” Dr. Fleishman said. “None of this existed five years ago. To walk into a 20,000 sq foot area and see rigging, commercial roofing, insulation, pipefitting, plumbing, diesel mechanics, and orbital tube welding shows the Board of Trustees’ commitment to serving the workforce needs of our community.

Reference:

Schulz, A. (2018, April 8). Why do we have a skilled trade shortage? bridgingamericasgap.org. https://www.bridgingamericasgap.org/why-do-we-have-a-skilled-trade-shortage/

TSC trained students for careers as Pipefitters