Recent News
Recent News
College graduates turn to skilled trades for new career opportunities
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Some college graduates are returning to the classroom after finding that their degrees did not lead to the careers they expected. This time, the graduates are learning hands-on trade skills they hope will open new doors in manufacturing and construction. For Robert Riggs, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English, the path after college was not what he had first imagined.
“I was open to the idea of being a teacher, but I really wanted to go out into the working world, get some experience there and try to translate that back to students,” Riggs said.
After working for a professional services company for several years, Riggs said he needed a change.
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San Antonio-area colleges seek Workforce Pell eligibility in first round of applications
San Antonio Report
August 15, 2026
The first ever application window for Workforce Pell Grants access for non-academic certifications and training programs is currently open.
At least a few San Antonio-area colleges have submitted programs for approval — in hopes they can soon offer this financial aid source to students.
Caldwell County among those Governor Abbott grants funds to in Texas Talent Connection projects
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced over $7 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to 27 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state. These competitive grants administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placements . . . Read More
New IFMA program provides tool bags to trade school graduates in Permian Basin
A new initiative launched by the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Permian Basin chapter aims to pull down the final financial hurdle for local trade school graduates by giving them the exact tools they need to start working on day one.
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Roger Orona joins Skillpoint Alliance as new Permian Basin electrical instructor
Skillpoint Alliance recently hired Roger Orona as its new electrical instructor in the Permian Basin. The nonprofit organization provides fast, free job training in trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to people in underserved communities. Orona brings more than 20 years of experience …
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How does AC lower the temperature? (AC technician)
Orbit: Science for kids on the move!
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Training Texans for Skilled Trades Jobs Fast
Skillpoint Alliance is training Texans for skilled trades jobs in four to five weeks through free programs designed with employers hiring across Central Texas.
Before joining Skillpoint Alliance, Mariah worked in security, where her schedule and hours changed week to week, and the work wasn’t always steady. She wanted a career that offered more predictable hours and higher earnings.
In five weeks, Skillpoint Alliance prepared Mariah for an HVAC technician role through hands-on training developed with employers hiring across Central Texas. Today, she works as a start-up technician with Houk AC, where she inspects and tests new HVAC systems before they reach customers.
$7M in Texas Talent Connection Grants Announced
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced over $7 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to 27 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state. These competitive grants administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placements, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as serve workforce populations with special needs.
Texas Talent Connection grants support workforce training programs in Crossroads region
“The Texas economy soars to new heights because of the hard work and dedication of our young and skilled workforce,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “These grants will allow more Texans to acquire the skills they need to succeed in high-demand careers. As we train our future workforce, Texas will remain the economic engine of the country.”
New electrical apprenticeship program arrives in Permian
Midland Reporter-Telegram
July 10
News4SA: Free Certified Production Technician course boosts job prospects in New Braunfels
A free six-week Certified Production Technician course is now being offered in New Braunfels by the nonprofit organization Skillpoint Alliance.
June 25
KXAN-TV (NBC, Austin): ‘It’s really helpful’: Central Texas workforce programs receive thousands in state funding
Twenty workforce skills training and job placement programs received more than $6.3 million in grant funding, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday.
Two of those programs are in the Austin area: American YouthWorks and Skillpoint Alliance.
June 24
News West 9: Skillpoint Alliance, which serves several counties in Permian Basin, receiving Texas Talent Connection grants
Skillpoint Alliance is receiving $210,000 for year two of the Expanding Rural Community Economic Pathways project.
May 23
Odessa American: Skillpoint Alliance appoints Maria Luna Delgadillo as site director for Permian Basin
Skillpoint Alliance Permian Basin has appointed Maria Luna Delgadillo as the site director for Skillpoint Alliance’s Permian Basin program.
May 20
KTBC-TV (FOX, Austin): Helping homeless vets land jobs
Skillpoint Alliance is partnering with Helpers of Change, an Austin nonprofit, to help them outreach to 50 potential students, with the goal of training at least 20.
April 5
News West 9: Skillpoint Alliance graduate honors her family by opening a start-up company
Brysa Hinojosa and her partner opened up Foreman’s Electrical Supply after graduating from Skillpoint Alliance.
February 28
Austin Business Journal: New Austin workforce academy to support $25B in infrastructure improvements
As Austin preps for more planes, trains and automobiles, city leaders and industry professionals aim to establish a workforce academy to ensure Austinites will be equipped to meet the demands of generational improvements.
February 12
Austin Monitor: Del Valle area gets more training for manufacturing jobs and skilled trades
Students and job seekers in Del Vallejust east of Austin have new resources for training in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.