Skillpoint Alliance expands Certified Production Technician training program to Hays County

Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit workforce development organization established in 1994, recently expanded its advanced manufacturing program to the San Marcos region.

Skillpoint’s first manufacturing class begins on Monday, Feb. 27. Skillpoint provides free, fast-paced, in-demand workforce training programs in the pre-apprentice electrical, pre-apprentice plumbing, HVAC and advanced manufacturing fields.

The program expansion into Hays County is funded by the Office of the Governor’s Texas Talent Connection grant, which bolsters workforce development training programs that will lead to job placement, increased wages and improve job retention. Skillpoint Alliance was one of the 18 workforce skills training and job placement programs in Texas selected to receive a portion of the $5.9 million grant.

“A strong, diversely skilled workforce is the main driving factor behind all economic development and growth,” GSMP President Jason Giulietti said. “This Certified Production Technician training program by Skillpoint Alliance will undoubtedly broaden our workforce pipeline and grow our manufacturing base here in the Texas Innovation Corridor.”

The GSMP helped Skillpoint secure space for its manufacturing program at the Signify manufacturing facility located in San Marcos. Skillpoint Alliance’s partnership with the GSMP and Signify will help Central Texans find meaningful careers in the manufacturing sector and increase the pool of available trained technicians as manufacturing facilities move into the area.

“There is a critical need for experienced labor in the manufacturing sector in the region, and for programs that focus on rapid workforce development. This expansion will allow us to provide an opportunity for members of the Hays County community to find meaningful careers with great benefits and upward mobility,” Skillpoint Alliance CEO Kevin Brackmeyer said. “We have been planning our expansion into Hays County for quite some time, and we are so thankful to the Greater San Marcos Partnership for playing such an integral role in securing Signify to host our Certified Production Technician class.”

Applicants who successfully enroll in Skillpoint Alliance’s CPT program learn about manufacturing safety, quality practices and measurement, manufacturing processes and production, as well as maintenance awareness. The course offers hands-on experience working with a CNC mill, soldering station, 3-D printer, VR headsets and more.

Students will receive several industry-based credentials, including the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification, OSHA-10 safety training, Lean Six Sigma White Belt, forklift and HAAS CNC milling certifications. Skillpoint will embed opportunities into the class for students to interact with local manufacturers such as Signify, as well as site tours so students can observe manufacturing processes and meet potential employers.

Upon graduation, students can find employment as a manufacturing technician, process technician, equipment technician, fab associate, machine operator, and/or assembler.

Skillpoint Alliance would like to partner with local employers, community-based organizations, and residents in Hays County to support its mission of alleviating poverty, while supporting the local manufacturing industry.

Classes will take place Monday-Thursday at 1611 Clovis R Barker Road in San Marcos. Classes will meet at 4794 Transportation Way, Building 5, Suite 500 in San Marcos on Fridays.

The class will meet from Monday, Feb. 27 until Thursday, April 5. Graduation will take place on April 6.

To learn more about getting involved, contact Stephanie Calderon, Partnerships Manager, at scalderon@skillpointalliance.org, or call 512-923-5938.