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BROWNSVILLE, Texas \u2014 Apprentices in Texas Southmost College\u2019s Early Childhood and Phlebotomy Apprenticeship Programs took an important step toward completing their apprenticeships when they received Occupational Skills Awards (OSA) during a ceremony held September 12 at the ITEC Center.<\/p>\n
The OSA recognizes completion of the related technical instruction portion of the apprenticeship, totaling 145 hours for early childhood apprentices and 208 hours for phlebotomy apprentices.<\/p>\n
The next phase of the apprenticeship will consist of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training hours and culminates with participants receiving a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Program leaders prioritize grant funding as the primary source of financial support to establish and sustain apprenticeship programs. Employers and apprentices may also contribute financially, helping supplement available funding while strengthening their shared investment in workforce development.<\/p>\n
Funding opportunities are available through sources such as the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business Program, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and other apprenticeship grants. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s very rewarding to be able to see individuals have an opportunity such as an apprenticeship,\u201d said TSC Apprenticeship Navigator Anna San Pedro. \u201cTo be able to work and earn a certificate like this is very beneficial to the individual who is unable to commit to a full-time education and attend classes all day long. This allows them to work and generate an income to provide for their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
In October 2025, a handful of students were enrolled in TSC apprenticeship programs. The programs have experienced significant growth over the past year, with nearly 100 apprentices now enrolled, most of them in the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a lot of word of mouth,\u201d said Alberto Trevi\u00f1o III, a proud TSC alum who is the TWC Commissioner Representing Labor. \u201cIt’s the people that have already come through the door to take advantage of this, are reaching back and pulling other people through to take advantage of this. It really benefits our community and the economy here in Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, 39 apprentices in the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program and seven in the Phlebotomy Apprenticeship Program received OSAs.<\/p>\n
TSC partners with 12 child care centers across the Rio Grande Valley that provide on-the-job training for Early Childhood apprentices. Participants can also earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential along with the U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion.<\/p>\n
This group of phlebotomy apprentices are conducting their on-the-job training with the Valley Aids Council.<\/p>\n
Alvaro Ramos, his wife, Mirelle Astrid Aranda, and their daughter, Andrea Ramos, were among the 39 apprentices who earned Early Childhood OSAs. As Texas Southmost College celebrates its 100th anniversary, families like the Ramos family reflect the College\u2019s century-long legacy of serving generations of South Texans and creating educational opportunities that extend from one generation to the next.<\/p>\n
The Ramos family owns and operates Sunshine Turtle Day Care and was drawn to the apprenticeship program to strengthen their skills and knowledge as child care providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are so blessed that our Texas Southmost College is providing us with all the tools to be able to gather all these achievements,\u201d said Alvaro. \u201cWe have worked together and we have learned so much. Working with family is the best thing in life and especially if you can graduate with your wife and daughter. It’s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The family’s commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond the apprenticeship program. Alvaro Ramos holds an associate degree in respiratory care, Aranda has a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and Andrea Ramos is on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to God for all these opportunities,\u201d Aranda said. \u201cNowadays we have the chance to improve ourselves and to give more services to the children and families. I’m so happy because I have achieved this together with my husband and my daughter. We have two more daughters and want to get them involved as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrea said her parents\u2019 determination to continue learning inspired her to enroll in the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe day care is a family business,\u201d Andrea said. \u201cI’m a toddler teacher there and I love my job, even though it’s not the specific career path that I’m going for. I learn, and they’ve taught me to just learn as much as you can from every opportunity that you get.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like the Ramos family, fellow Early Childhood apprentice Margarita Velazquez is passionate about child care. After putting her education on hold to raise her children, she is focused on achieving her academic goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m super grateful that I had this opportunity through the Texas Workforce Commission, Mrs. San Pedro and Head Start,\u201d Velazquez said. \u201cIt’s basically like a little push for me to continue my dedication. Now that I accomplished this, I really want to continue in to get my associate\u2019s and hopefully later, my bachelor’s as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The apprenticeship programs provide participants with flexible pathways to gain valuable skills while working. Graduates can strengthen their career prospects, increase earning potential and achieve personal and professional goals.<\/p>\n
As interest in the programs continues to grow, TSC is working to expand its registered apprenticeship programs into additional industries and pursue additional funding to help meet regional workforce demand. Individuals interested in learning more about apprenticeship opportunities or partnering with TSC can contact the TSC Apprenticeship Navigator Anna San Pedro at anna.sanpedro@tsc.edu.<\/p>\n
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