West Central Texas Workforce Development Board

The rootED Program provides post-secondary advising for rural high school students in West Central Texas. Placed Success Coaches in rural school districts to work with high school seniors in identifying and pursuing post-graduation options, which could include military, post-secondary educaton or direct entry into a career pathway. A work-based learning program was piloted to place high school students in paid internships ranging from 50 to 150 hours with private employers. A signing day event was held for high school seniors from eight rural school districts, who had completed Career and Technical Education programs and obtained industry-recognized certifications.

Trellis: Collaborated with TRIO Electric, TransfrVR, West Central Texas Adult Education and Literacy, Workforce Solutions, local employers and local community and faith-based organizations to pilot an Electrical Construction Rapid Training Program. The 7 week program used a combination of virtual reality technology and on-line learning to prepare adult learners to obtain an OSHA 10 certification and skills necessary to obtain employment in electrical construction. Supported short-term automotive technology training in conjunction with Cisco College and Abilene Automotive Education Alliance, a voluntary organization of local employers in the automotive industry. Continued work on developing models for short-term training to facilitate more rapid entry into quality career pathways.

Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development Program (RPED)- Long-term outcomes of the program are to increase enrollment of rural students in postsecondary education and training programs, increase persistence and completion of rural students in postsecondary education and training programs, and increase high school CTE programs aligned with postsecondary education that lead to high demand, high-wage jobs in West Central Texas.

The Advance Together Program includes participation in awareness events for students and educators through a variety of events including teacher externships, student tours, classroom presentations, participation in events such as the World of Work Youth Expo and HLC Planning for College and Career Events. Hosted focus groups with targeted populations including people of color, justice-involved, young adults, rural residents, immigrants, and unemployed/underemployed individuals to explore perceptions of manufacturing. In conjunction with employers and higher education partners, developed a short-term manufacturing readiness curriculum to introduce adults to basic concepts common across manufacturing to increase awareness of careers in manufacturing.

Various other support programs