San Antonio Standard

Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) appealed to state leaders to meet the demands of the labor market through modern economic development programs, citing population losses and a lack of career readiness from graduates.

In a Feb. 24 Twitter post, the association wrote, "Manufacturers help to drive the Texas economy, with $254.50 billion in manufactured goods exports in 2021. Texas must encourage modern economic development programs to keep our economy thriving for years to come. #txeconomy"

According to a news release from the association marking "Manufacturers' Day" on Feb. 21, CEO Tony Bennet said the group was emphasizing the importance of manufacturing and manufacturing jobs in Texas upon the legislature.

"Competition for major manufacturing projects is fierce and global. And it’s no wonder," Bennet wrote. "Manufacturing investments grow local economies, create high-paying jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue. Attracting and keeping large-scale manufacturing projects in Texas also strengthens our national supply chain security and protects our leadership in emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing. Policy that keeps us competitive is imperative.”

The release added that the association has suggested the legislature pass a bill to develop a modern economic program that would allow school districts to offer limited property tax discounts to attract manufacturing and other projects, as well as changing the electricity market to increase reliability and maintain affordability. The TAM also called for more funding toward high-quality workforce training programs, including career and technical education (CTE). The association believes these measures are necessary to maintain Texas' competitiveness and ensure a strong talent pipeline for the future, the release added.

Jorge Borrego and Erin Davis Valdez of the Texas Public Policy Foundation recently released a report on Texas workers, noting that many young students are not "career-ready." According to the report, a majority of Texans in rural areas believe kids graduating high school aren't ready to take on a career, despite the state spending $3 billion annually to prepare the next generation. The report added that 94% of rural Texans, both Democrats and Republicans, are in favor of workforce training options being more available for high school students.

According to KSAT, the Alamo Manufacturing Partnership is looking for participants to join its technician development program, which aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers for San Antonio’s manufacturing industry. The 15-week program is free and includes classroom instruction, hands-on training and job shadowing opportunities with local manufacturers. 

Participants who complete the program will earn multiple industry-recognized certifications and receive job placement assistance. The program is open to anyone 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED and an interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing, KSAT reported.