Program expansion provides veteran-focused initiative
KILLEEN, 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 veterans and residents of Killeen, beginning on November 27. It will be held at the Independent Electrical Contractors located at 4524 South W.S. Young Dr., Suite 102, Killeen, TX 76542.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our pre-apprentice electrical program into Killeen,” Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, said. “There is a major lack of workforce training programs in the Central Texas region, and we are committed to bolstering the Killeen economy and providing career opportunities in lucrative fields.”
Participants in Skillpoint Alliance programs are often returning to the workforce after time away, having experienced a previous hardship, or are looking to learn foundational skills that will set them on a new pathway to employment in a short amount of time.
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 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.
“Skillpoint Alliance is excited to offer a program that specifically looks at recruiting veterans,” Matthew Singer, program manager and electrical instructor, said. “As a veteran myself, this program will allow us to provide resources to residents and veterans in the Killeen area looking to improve their lives or transition back to civilian life by obtaining meaningful careers in the skilled trades.”
Skillpoint Alliance was first established in 1994 in Austin, TX 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.
To apply for the program, visit https://skillpointalliance.org/application/
– 30 –
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 the nine-county area in and around Austin. Skillpoint Alliance has been named one of the top ten job training programs in the country by Jobs for the Future and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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