Innovation at Work: From Troops to Trades

Welcome back to Innovation at Work, a monthly blog from Skillpoint Alliance that

features industry insights, student success stories and program updates showcasing

innovation in action.

Every Veterans Day on November 11, we honor those who have served our country and

sacrificed for our freedoms. At Skillpoint Alliance, we’ve made it a priority to reach our

veterans and ensure they have access to life-changing careers as they transition from

active service to civilian life.

Veterans possess in-demand soft skills such as time management, strong work ethic

and dependability. However, we know the transition back to civilian life can be

challenging. By listening to our students and staff, we created an inclusive approach

that leverages veterans’ existing strengths in our workplace readiness programs.

Our programs aim to hone essential skills—like budgeting, resume writing and

interviewing skills—creating well-rounded, highly employable students. Each student

works closely with a student success coordinator, who provides personalized support

and plans as they transition into a new career.

Skillpoint Alliance also prioritizes hiring veteran employees who understand the

difficulties of post-service transition. Many of our veteran students live well below the

poverty line and often face food insecurity, lack of reliable transportation and unstable

housing and childcare. Our veteran staff provide invaluable insight and guidance as

they guide our students on new career paths.

Recognizing the gap in workforce development opportunities in Central Texas,

particularly in rural areas, we expanded our pre-apprentice electrical program to Killeen,

home to more than 25,000 veterans and adjacent to Fort Cavazos. Since 2020,

Skillpoint Alliance has served 56 veterans, with hopes we can continue to expand our

outreach.

This past spring, we received a Texas Workforce Commission grant that will support our

“Veteran Workforce Outreach Initiative,” a program designed to help veterans attain

sustainable careers in the electrical, HVAC, manufacturing and plumbing fields. The

grant has bolstered our partnership with Helpers of Change, a nonprofit organization

that ensures military veterans have access to the resources and support they need to

successfully transition into civilian life. The funding allows us to tailor our training

programs to veterans and help them assimilate back into society by helping them

secure stable recession-proof jobs.

Skillpoint Alliance is dedicated to empowering veterans in Central Texas by providing

workforce development programs that support their transition into civilian life. Our

focus on building soft skills alongside hands-on training helps veterans leverage their

unique strengths while overcoming challenges in entering the workforce. At Skillpoint

Alliance, we’re committed to creating sustainable career pathways that honor veterans'

service and contribute to a stronger local economy.

- Kevin Brackmeyer

Chief Executive Officer, Skillpoint Alliance