Letter from the CEO: May 2023

Greetings, Skillpoint Alliance partners:?

I am excited to share the latest updates on our efforts to prepare students for successful careers? in manufacturing, electrical, plumbing and the HVAC trades.??

The month of April, marked Skillpoint Alliance’s 29th year as the premier provider of rapid? workforce training in central, Texas. Skillpoint was founded in 1994 by then Mayor Bruce Todd in? response to the lack of apprenticeship and craft training in the City of Austin.??

We provide life-changing opportunities to individuals, providing many of them with a pathway? out of poverty, while helping meet industry needs for qualified employees. With the many? infrastructure projects and business expansions in Texas, the need for these employees has never? been greater. We are proud to grow alongside the communities we serve.?

Skillpoint Offers Training in San Marcos?

Skillpoint recently completed our first manufacturing class in San Marcos, Texas. Students? attended class at Signify Lighting, a local manufacturer that has graciously allowed us to train at? their facility at no cost. We truly appreciate The Greater San Marcos Partnership for helping us secure the training space.??

Skillpoint Graduations?

San Marcos-area Skillpoint students came together with students?from our north Austin location recently for a combined graduation?ceremony. All students had the opportunity to showcase their class?projects. The event was well attended by employers from the?manufacturing industry, and we are excited to report that several?students from both Austin and San Marcos are already employed or?actively interviewing for open positions.?

We also celebrated the graduation of our third pre-apprentice?electrical class, with many graduates already set for employment. In addition, we began our? second HVAC class for the year, providing more opportunities for students to learn in-demand? skills and find meaningful careers.?

Skillpoint in the Community?

Throughout the month, we attended several events, including the “Hire Local” Summit, sponsored by one of our great partners, Workforce Solutions - Capital Area. We learned about? the local labor market and what to expect in the year ahead.??

We also participated in the annual Make it Movement, Build Your Future event also hosted by? Workforce Solutions, and ARMA’s Workforce Summit highlighting trends and challenges in the? manufacturing industry. Our team also participated in the Career and Trades Fair at Crockett? Early College High School in Austin.??

I?was honored to serve as a panelist at the Austin?Non-Profit Summit, sponsored Texas Capital?Bank, another valued Skillpoint partner. We?discussed fundraising and maximizing grant?opportunities, as well as strategizing for today’s?economy.??

Earlier in the month I had the opportunity to?serve as a panelist for ABC Central Texas’ “Meet?the General Contractor” event that brought?together many of the region’s general contractors?to address workforce challenges in construction to focus on solutions and best practices. ?

Skillpoint’s Employer Mentors?

Our employer mentors play an important role in?supporting our students. In April, we were fortunate?to have visits from Weifield Mechanical, Renaissance?Austin Hotel, Colvin Electric, Way Mechanical,?Infineon Technologies, and Greystar.?

Skillpoint electrical students had an exciting?opportunity to participate in an early morning "job?walk" with Beckett Electrical, while our HVAC class?participated in a site tour at The University of Texas Austin. The value that our employer mentors? bring to our program is immeasurable.?

We look forward to sharing more Skillpoint news in June. Thank you for your continued support.

With gratitude,?

Kevin Brackmeyer

Chief Executive Officer?

Skillpoint Alliance