21
November
2022
|
13:56 PM
America/Chicago

STC ‘pushes the envelope’ through apprenticeship training

Summary

Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor and U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship ambassador Julian Alvarez was the keynote speaker recently at South Texas College’s inaugural South Texas Apprenticeship Summit. Key stakeholders from the private and public sectors agree that they are at the forefront of “bold and innovative” solutions that are changing the way companies train their workforce.  

South Texas College, together with its partners in workforce, industry and economic development are building a pipeline of skilled American workers that is enabling growth for companies competing in a global economy through Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

Participating in the college’s inaugural South Texas Apprenticeship Summit, key stakeholders from the private and public sectors agree that they are at the forefront of “bold and innovative” solutions that are changing the way companies train their workforce.

“To have an internship is one thing, but an apprenticeship where you're getting paid to go to school while staying in the workforce, finding mentors and getting a credential that you can take with you…all those elements together are a foundation for success,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This is exactly what apprenticeship programs are doing. We're putting this at the forefront and we're pushing the envelope… we're solving this issue through the workforce. What a remarkable win-win combination.”

These companies are creating unique partnerships with educational institutions like STC by enrolling employees in apprenticeship programs in order to learn new and marketable skills in a variety of in-demand occupations all while earning competitive wages.

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez

“We have always been proactive in the approach of how we train folks because of community colleges and institutions of higher ed. What we are doing here needs to be replicated in other parts of the state as far as those important conversations between higher ed, the business community, school districts and nonprofit sectors. We need to continue having these discussions.”

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez

Apprenticeship programs have emerged as the ideal way for companies to train their current employees through work-based learning that meets industry and national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor.

After successfully completing the academic component along with 2000 hours of on-the-job training, candidates then receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship from USDL.

Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez who was recently appointed an Apprenticeship Ambassador by USDL provided the event’s keynote presentation.

“We’re here to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, but Gov. Abbot likes to say we’re celebrating Texas Apprenticeship Week because that’s what we’re doing,” Alvarez said. “We have always been proactive in the approach of how we train folks because of community colleges and institutions of higher ed. What we are doing here needs to be replicated in other parts of the state as far as those important conversations between higher ed, the business community, school districts and nonprofit sectors. We need to continue having these discussions.”

Norma Catalina Olivarez, who was recently commended by Texas Gov. Greg Abbot for making the transition from a nearly 30-year career in education administration to a career in construction management, participated in a special student panel at the summit.

Olivarez completed STC’s Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship Program and then joined Renoworks, RO Engineering and Quantum-Mechanical Contractors.

“My background is in administration, but I wasn’t familiar with the technical side of construction, so when I joined the Association of General Contractors (AGC) I became involved with the apprenticeship program with STC,” Olivarez said. “It actually opened the doors not only through lectures but through first-hand experience when I went to job sites. For me, the greatest advantage was when I began talking to other students and understanding their mindset as we discussed construction timelines, managing personnel, contracts and much more.”

Over the course of nearly two decades STC has seen its role evolve first as a training provider to its current role as a registered apprenticeship sponsor through USDL, which enables the college’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing to develop occupations, curriculum and standards that are recognized on a national level.

STC now counts at least 14 registered apprenticeship programs available through the college including everything from professional beer brewing to construction and industrial machine mechanics.

At least eight more apprenticeship programs are currently under development or pending approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL).   

“Some of our apprentices actually already have master's degrees in engineering, and they're coming back and getting apprenticeship training in different areas of construction or manufacturing so that tells you a lot right there,” said Carlos Margo, Ph.D., STC dean for Industry Training and Economic Development. “It's not just a matter of getting a master's degree and done. You need to continue evolving and adapting. And I always say, don't just learn; learn how to do something.”

According to a statement by Texas Gov. Greg Abbot, more than 21,500 active participants in Texas are currently enrolled in over 650 registered apprenticeship programs, which boast an apprentice completion rate of over 80 percent.

Referencing South Texas College, Abbot said its apprenticeship programs provide “industry-driven, customized training that empowers Texas employers to fill any skills gaps in their markets while developing their own future workforce.”

Commissioner Alvarez stressed that employers investing in apprenticeship programs experience improved recruitment and reduced turnover, and they gain a pipeline of skilled employees and future managers.

“We’re the only state in the country who does this – work with our higher ed partners and a lot of great things have happened as a result of that,” Alvarez said. “Those in the Valley live in a very vibrant community…LNG, space exploration, these are all happening here in the community. How could we not come to South Texas College during Texas Apprenticeship Week to celebrate this?”

For more information about STC’s apprenticeship programs please visit www.southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/industry/apprenticeships/.