From the desk of: Sarah Gebhardt
Data and Media Specialist
(512) 814-3268
sgebhardt@skillpointalliance.org
For immediate release – September 15, 2017
College & Career Exploration Showcase
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 30th
ACC Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Dr.
Austin, Texas (September 15, 2017) – Skillpoint Alliance in partnership with Austin Community College (ACC) and Texas Workforce Solutions-Capital Area, invite the Central Texas community to engage with industry employers at the College & Career Exploration Showcase on Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 10 AM to 1 PM, at ACC’s Highland Campus. In celebration of Careers in Texas Industries Week, parents and students can discover traditional and alternative training programs to enter a desired career path.
This event, is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required to attend, but encouraged through the hyperlink, www.austincc.edu/showcase.
“Skillpoint Alliance builds strong partnerships with local industries to better understand the workforce needs of Central Texas,” says Kevin Brackmeyer, Executive Director of Skillpoint Alliance. “We are excited to host this event alongside ACC and Workforce Solutions in Austin to help individuals in our community transform their lives through educational opportunities and access to successful in-demand career pathways.”
Skillpoint Alliance will host Industry Workshops during the event to discuss with guests and employers the importance of skilled trades jobs, soft skills development, and alternative certification programs, like the Gateway rapid-workforce program. Gateway allows eligible individuals to obtain a Healthcare or Construction industry recognized certification in as little as 4-8 weeks, at no cost.
“Our Gateway program at Skillpoint helps individuals of all backgrounds have an opportunity to rebuild their lives and begin meaningful careers they can be proud of,” says Mitch Holt, chair of the Skillpoint Alliance Board of Directors. “ACC and Skillpoint both have missions in education that supplement the other – it’s a powerful partnership with lots of opportunity. We are proud to co-host the College & Career Exploration Showcase with such a positive pillar in the Austin community.”
“While the Austin-area does not lack for employment opportunities or promising talent, the challenge our community faces is connecting the two,” says Tamara Atkinson, executive director of Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “This event will help our middle and high school students and their parents begin planning for in-demand careers in our region. We are excited to partner with Austin Community College and Skillpoint Alliance to introduce our future workforce to the industries of today and tomorrow. We want to help local employers connect – and grow – with local student talent.”
Visitors of the event will have an opportunity to decide what educational path is best for them to reach their desired careers; and can discuss these paths with representatives from Skillpoint Alliance and Austin Community College. Skillpoint representatives will provide information on Gateway training availability and eligibility requirements; and ACC will be available to discuss financial aid and/or dual-credit opportunities for high-schoolers.
About Skillpoint Alliance:
Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(C)3 organization that is dedicated to providing rapid workforce education training to Central Texans. For the past 23 years, Skillpoint has focused on ensuring that every citizen has access to a successful career pathway through the Healthcare and Construction industries.
About ACC:
Austin Community College is a nationally recognized two-year college serving Central Texas. ACC is focused on student success and providing affordable, flexible pathways to help students reach their education goals, learn new job skills, or advance their career. The college currently enrolls more than 72,000 students annually. Check out their inspiring stories at austincc.edu/iamacc.
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board is the publicly-funded workforce board for Travis County. Through strong partnerships and strategic collaborations, Workforce Solutions is leading the region’s workforce system in the development of a world-class workforce. Workforce Solutions Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.