As local manufacturing businesses struggle to find new workers, representatives from three San Antonio-area workforce training programs took the stage last week in a panel discussion hosted by the San Antonio Manufacturers Association to urge companies to get involved in their job-training initiatives.
Katie Chain, H-E-B education and workforce program manager, moderated the panel, which featured Leslie Cantu, board president of the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education; Katherine Rocha, executive director of Alamo Academies; and Colin Nichols, director of Alamo Colleges' Corporate College of Economic and Workforce Development. Representatives from about 20 local manufacturers attended the event.
All three panelists said they need the manufacturing industry's involvement and feedback to shape their programs — from resume writing to job interview skills — to better meet the needs of local manufacturing companies.
Chain said the "post-and-pray" method is no longer an effective way to find new employees, and that manufacturers should think more strategically about their workforce and partner with targeted programs to retrain current employees, train prospective employees and launch apprenticeships.
Cantu suggested manufacturers support second-chance hiring of formerly incarcerated people in entry-level production positions, then bring them through job training programs. Rocha encouraged manufacturers to mentor individuals entering the industry, attend more recruitment events, launch more internships and partner with workforce training initiatives.
"Can't do internships? Can you be a mentor? Can you be on our advisory board? We value your time and expertise," Rocha said.
Cantu said TX FAME's Advanced Manufacturing Technology program has a more than 90% job acceptance rate at program's end and at least an 80% completion rate. The program is a two-year partnership with St. Philip's College Southwest Campus that offers students an associate's of applied science by attending classes two days a week and working at a sponsoring company the other three days. Companies agree to give sponsored students positions in their company upon completion of the program. TX FAME also provides an accelerated nine-week, boot-camp-style workforce training program, TX FAST, at Brooks City Base.
Rocha represented Alamo Academies, formed in 2001 as a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors. It offers students an eight-week summer internship with local companies, including those specializing in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and diesel technology.
Panelist Colin Nichols represented Alamo Colleges' Corporate College, which offers a boot-camp-style manufacturing training program that's at least 80% customizable to manufacturers' needs.
