Workforce Training Partnership Forged In Pflugerville

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — Seeking to provide skills training for the unemployed and underemployed, the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. has entered a partnership with a noted nonprofit workforce training foundation, officials announced Thursday.

The nonprofit, Skillpoint Alliance, has been in existence since 1994 with a focus on skills-based education and training while providing pathways out of poverty, officials said in an advisory.

“In the midst of this pandemic, we have an opportunity to make a difference by helping workers reskill to attain new and better jobs," Amy Madison, executive director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. said in a prepared statement. "Our partnership with Skillpoint Alliance provides a pathway to help our current and future workforce to increase earning power and achieve long term stability in high-demand careers."

The partnership was formed in light of Workforce Solutions Capital Area data from March – July 2020 in Travis County that indicates 50 percent of jobless claimants in Travis County earned less than $30,000 per year when they were working, officials explained.

“We are excited to enter into this partnership with the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, and are committed to providing high-quality, fast-paced job training opportunities to Pflugerville residents," Skillpoint Alliance Executive Director Kevin Brackmeyer said in a prepared statement. "Skillpoint Alliance continues to adapt program offerings based on workforce needs throughout the region and recently transitioned to an online hybrid offering to safely train individuals in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing industry, and the healthcare field.”

In the agreement formalized on Sept. 15, the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. is providing community-wide marketing for current SkillPoint training classes in manufacturing, electrical, HVAC, nursing aides, plumbing and the use of the PCDC conference room as needed for training purposes, according to an advisory. Skillpoint Alliance will offer the existing programs free to Pflugerville workers and residents and provide updates on training outcomes. The two organizations plan to explore future curriculum tailored to community needs, along with funding sources for any expansion.

About Skillpoint Alliance

Skillpoint Alliance is a non-profit workforce development organization, launched in 1994 to support the skilled trades in the greater Austin area. Skillpoint offers rapid, free training to low-income residents in high-demand industries such as construction, maintenance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Learn more at www.skillpointalliance.org.

About the Pflugerville Community Development Corp.

Pflugerville, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in May 2018. With a population of more than 71,000, Pflugerville is located just minutes north of downtown Austin in the desirable Central Texas region. State highways 45 and 130 and Interstate Highway 35 offer direct access to other nearby cities and a quick route to nearby airports. Hometown pride and quality of life are top priority, with residents enjoying the beautiful Lake Pflugerville, an elaborate trail system, shopping areas, new restaurants, and the community’s many parades and festivals.

PCDC is responsible for attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses to create new jobs and increase tax revenue to support community development. PCDC can provide funding for use as an incentive for companies locating and growing in Pflugerville. PCDC funds, which are 4B money generated from a half-cent of the city’s sales tax revenue, can also be used to construct needed infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and drainage, as well as the development of parks and recreation projects.

For more information, visit www.pfdevelopment.com.