Local Workforce to Benefit from Advanced Skills Training

A recent grant awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission to South Texas College will continue to provide customized training to the workforce for local industry partners.

TWC’s Skills Development Fund is set to provide $332,042 in funding to train 181 new and incumbent workers in the advanced manufacturing industry.

“We are committed to fostering long-term sustained economic growth by providing superior workforce training programs to local business and industry partners,” said South Texas College Associate Dean of Industry Training and Economic Development Carlos Margo. “This exemplifies our continued success not only as a premier training provider but as a partner to private industry, the Texas Workforce Commission, and our local Workforce Board.”

Employees from Alps Logistics USA Inc., Fox Packaging, and Universal Metal Products will receive customized training to meet the needs of each local workforce partner. Training will include business technical skills for blueprint reading and fundamentals of robotics, general technical skills, customer service, team building, and productive group skills, among others.

“Training under this grant is crucial for our development and success,” said Don Jurth, Vice President from Alps Logistics USA Inc. Alps provides global integrated logistics services specializing in electronic components as a group company of Alps-Alpine. Kurth says, “It is fruitful for both our company and our employees.”

Universal Metal Products is a broad-line custom metal stamping solution for the appliance, automotive and industrial markets. “Training will increase safety and control in our manufacturing processes,” said Cesario Pina, Plant Manager at Universal Metal Products. “It will allow us to be more competitive as well as improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity.”

“For us, we believe the training will increase job satisfaction and morale among our employees,” said Patricia Morales, HR Generalist for Fox Packaging. “Our employees are versatile and cross-trained in each department.” Morales says these types of development opportunities enhance employee knowledge and skills, as well as enrich the organization because employees learn how to adopt new strategies, technology, and processes.

Fox packaging provides fresh produce packers and shippers with flexible packaging solutions that not only achieve cost-savings through operational efficiencies. The company has spent the last five decades developing unique packing designs that reduce product damage and showcase the fresh produce as well as provide a foundation for product branding. 

TWC’s Skills Development Fund is the state’s premier job-training program providing local customized training opportunities for businesses and workers to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. Collaboration among companies, public community and technical colleges, Workforce Development Boards, and economic development partners is a proven formula for success.

“Now more than ever, it’s important that we continue to support our workers with the training needed to keep them competitive in our current job market,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.“ This partnership between South Texas College and Alps Logistics USA Inc., Fox Packaging and Universal Metal Products on this Skills Development Fund grant will directly benefit the South Texas region.”

The mission of The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is to help identify, develop, and provide quality training programs to employers that are looking to upgrade the skills of their staff. The Institute offers a diverse assortment of courses that satisfy employer needs for customized training. The delivery of training courses is flexible and is tailored to meet the employer's work schedules, including evenings, weekends, location, course content, and length.