AUSTIN – Members of the Central Texas Manufacturing Partnership are offering area residents two new skills training opportunities with top regional training providers in the semiconductor and general manufacturing industries. Austin Community College (ACC) and Skillpoint Alliance are each launching trainings programs in June 2020 to equip individuals with a Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).
Travis County residents can apply to one or both of the 5‐7 week training programs beginning next month. Due to the ongoing effects of COVID‐19, both training programs will begin with virtual classes followed by a one‐week lab session in the final week. Individuals interested in the ACC program can call Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFCA) at 512‐597‐ 7224 or email at dave.moss@wfscapitalarea.com. Individuals interested in the Skillpoint Alliance training program can call 512‐729‐4923 or email at admissions@skillpointalliance.org.
These new training programs have been in development since December 2019 when business leaders of Applied Materials, Inc., Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA), NXP, and Samsung Austin Semiconductor urged action due to an increasing need for more skilled manufacturing workers. A manufacturing partnership grew from this need that includes multiple staffing partners and training organizations. Funding provided by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the Texas Talent Connection (Skillpoint Alliance’s funding source) made it possible for these regional industry leaders to come together in an unprecedented collaboration to transform these training programs to meet the skills requirements of the industry.
Despite many businesses closing due to shelter‐in‐place precautions, many manufacturers are able to continue operations to meet vital government and commercial needs. ARMA Executive Director Ed Latson explains, “Manufacturers in Central Texas are resilient and hiring. This is an excellent opportunity for people seeking a meaningful career.”
