News
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced a High Demand Job Training matching grant of $35,000 to Workforce Solutions of Central Texas to offer cyber security fundamentals with CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications. The $35,000 grant will be matched by Belton Economic Development Corporation, bringing the total funds available for local training to $70,000.
“Our board is very appreciative of this award and the opportunity to partner with our school district and Workforce to invest in training for our local talent,” said Cynthia Hernandez, Belton EDC Executive Director. “By providing customized training and giving students and workers the skills they need for employment or advancement, the High Demand Job Training program is creating better opportunities and high-wage jobs,” said the Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.
The Central Texas Computer Network Training Partnership consists of the Belton EDC, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, and Belton ISD. Together, the partners designed a program targeting BISD high school students planning to start a career right after their graduation this year. The training is an opportunity to acquire fundamental skills for careers in the IT sector and receive certifications helping to fill jobs in this high-demand occupation industry. “We are looking at a $70,000 training program and certification for up to 36 individuals,” said Susan Kamas, Executive Director, Central Texas Workforce Development Board. Kamas noted, “This is the first training grant under this program awarded for the Temple-Killen-Ft Hood area.”
Belton ISD promoted this opportunity among their 2018 high school graduates and identified 36 interested individuals that will be attending the Belton IT Training Academy to complete an 8-week training program over the summer. “Our District’s vision is: To be a leader in preparing every student to excel in tomorrow’sworld. This summer’s program will provide graduating students with specialized technical training, ultimately culminating in job placement in the local area.” said Superintendent Susan Kincannon. Classes consisting of two cohorts of eighteen BISD graduates will be held on the Belton High School campus starting in June 2018.
CompTIA, a leading tech association, will assess the level of expertise of applicants, prepare curriculum, provide training, and issue the industry-leading A+ and Network+ certifications upon training completion. “A massive new wave of innovation – from the Internet of Things and smart cities to autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence – is approaching and will impact virtually every walk of life,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA. “We need millions of skilled new technology professionals to make it work. The students participating in this important career training program are on the path to becoming important contributors to the nation’s tech industry.”
The academy will also incorporate a best practices session on resume writing and job interviews led by representatives from Workforce Solutions Central Texas. A job fair with participation of area businesses will be hosted at the end of the training to interview and potentially offer jobs to the certified individuals.
For more information about the Belton IT Training Academy please visit www.beltonitta.org.
Contacts:
TWC
Lisa Givens
Director of Communications
Ph: 512-463-8556
Lisa.Givens@twc.state.tx.us
Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Susan Kamas
Executive Director, Workforce Development Board
Ph: 254-939-3771
susank@workforcelink.com
Belton EDC
Cynthia Hernandez
Executive Director
Ph. 254-770-2271
chernandez@beltonedc.org
Belton ISD
Elizabeth Cox
Executive Director, Communications & Community Engagement
Ph. 254-215-2082
elizabeth.cox@bisd.net
CompTIA
Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
Ph. 630-678-8468
sostrowski@comptia.org