SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Skillpoint Alliance—a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides fast-paced, no-cost job training in the skilled trades to underserved and under-accessed populations—will now offer a free pre-apprentice electrical program to residents of San Antonio, beginning on June 15. Classes will be held at Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Greater San Antonio, located at 5511 Ingram Road.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our pre-apprentice electrical program into San Antonio thanks to funding from the Lowe’s Foundation and our partnership with IEC of Greater San Antonio,” Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, said. “There is a major electrician shortage in the South Texas region, making workforce training programs more important than ever. By bringing Skillpoint Alliance’s electrical programming into San Antonio, we can help meet the increasing demand for qualified electricians while creating meaningful career opportunities for San Antonians.”
Participants in Skillpoint Alliance programs are often returning to the workforce after time away, navigating the effects of previous hardships, or seeking the foundational skills and credentials needed to quickly transition into meaningful employment and career advancement.
The four-week pre-apprentice electrical class prepares students for work as entry-level electricians. The course covers electrical safety, hand tools, power tools and the differences between residential and commercial employment job functions. Students learn how to wire device boxes, bend conduit, and assemble raceways. Participants obtain their OSHA 10 certification during the program and will receive assistance to obtain their Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) Electrical Apprentice License.
The pre-apprentice electrical class also aims to improve soft skills like income management, resume writing and interviewing skills in order to create a well-rounded student and optimal employee.
“San Antonio is growing rapidly, and that growth depends on a strong, skilled electrical workforce,” said Tyler Wood, electrical instructor with Skillpoint Alliance’s South Central Texas campus. “Electricians play a critical role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our city moving. I’m excited to be part of building the next generation of skilled trades professionals who will help power the future of this city.”
Skillpoint Alliance was first established in 1994 in Austin, Texas when then Mayor Bruce Todd called upon the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Task Force on Apprenticeships and Career Pathways for Austin to create a solution to the lack of apprenticeship and craft training in the City of Austin. Since then, Skillpoint Alliance has become the premier provider of workforce training in Central Texas.
For the past two years, Skillpoint Alliance’s South Central Texas campus has been offering free, fast manufacturing training in New Braunfels and Seguin. The organization’s long-term goal is to continue offering ongoing electrical training opportunities in both San Antonio and New Braunfels.
To apply for the program, visit https://skillpointalliance.org/application/.
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About Skillpoint Alliance
Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. The organization partners with local industry to offer unique professional training and educational opportunities at no cost to participants. Skillpoint Alliance was founded in 1994 and has since become the premier provider of rapid workforce training in Austin and the Permian Basin. Skillpoint Alliance works continuously to build strong partnerships with local businesses, foundations, community-based organizations, and government agencies in order to grow and support its mission of connecting low-income individuals with career pathways in growing local industries. In 2018, Skillpoint Alliance launched a redesigned and customized Pre-Apprentice Electrical class, followed by a Pre-Apprentice Plumbing program in 2019—and concurrently offers HVAC Technician training, Certified Production Technician, and various other short-term and customizable training options. www.skillpointalliance.org