Midland, TX—Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin—a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides fast-paced, in-demand training, announced today that the inaugural cohort of pre-apprentice electrical students will graduate on July 14, 2022 at Midland College Advanced Technology Center.

Skillpoint Alliance expanded its services to the Permian Basin in early 2022, creating Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin with the support of the Permian Strategic Partnership. Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin will offer training programs in the electrical, HVAC and plumbing skilled trades to communities in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.

There are several occupations in the Permian Basin region that are considered to be in high demand, including electricians with a 22% growth through 2028; plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters with a 20% growth through 2028; and HVAC mechanics and installers with a 19% growth through 2028.

“The Permian Basin is rapidly growing and creating a demand for skilled-trade workers. By expanding our program to the Permian Basin region, we hope to meet those needs by offering free training programs in the electrical, HVAC and plumbing industries.” Kevin Brackmeyer, Chief Executive Officer of Skillpoint Alliance, said. “Our goal is to provide students with the tools and experience necessary to begin careers in lucrative fields that offer great pay, benefits, and upward mobility.”

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. Participants obtain their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification during the program and will receive assistance to obtain their Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) Electrical Apprentice License. Students who successfully complete the pre-apprentice electrical course will also earn continuing education credits from Midland College.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Jennifer Myers and Midland College for graciously hosting our first pre-apprentice electrical class,” Blair Flanagan, Site Director of Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin, said. “This collaboration has allowed us to offer additional support to program participants and proves that traditional institutions of higher education and trade schools can work together to offer better workforce development opportunities for students.”

For more information about Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin, please visit www.skillpointalliance.org.

###

About Skillpoint Alliance

Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to individuals throughout central Texas and the Perian Basin region. 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 the nine-county area in and around Austin. 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

About Permian Strategic Partnership

The Permian Strategic Partnership aims to strengthen and improve the quality of life for Permian Basin residents by partnering with local leaders to develop and implement strategic plans that foster superior schools, safer roads, quality healthcare, affordable housing and a trained workforce. The companies involved with the PSP will bring people, expertise, resources and leadership to develop solutions in partnership with local leaders and communities. Learn more at www.permianpartnership.org.