(MARSHALL) – Representatives from Texas State Technical College, the Texas Workforce Commission and The Crosby Group in Longview gathered Friday morning to commemorate their partnership providing workforce training and development.
The TWC formally announced a $192,179 Skills Development Grant will be used for training 263 Crosby Group workers in blueprint reading and sketching, computer numerical controlled machining, advanced gas tungsten arc welding and machining, mathematics, measurements and safety. TSTC faculty members will provide the training.
“It is TSTC’s mission to enable the growth of the state’s economic engine through workforce education, and in over 50 years of dedicated service to the state of Texas, our industries and our students, we’ve built a well-earned reputation for doing that,” TSTC Provost Bart Day said.
People taking advantage of the training include maintenance technicians, forge operators, production welders, machine and drill press operators, technicians and others. The average wage for the trainees will be $21.41 per hour.
Bob Livingston, TSTC’s vice president of industry relations, said the training would improve product quality and stimulate good morale.
“It is our mission to train Texans,” he said. “That is what we do every day.”
The Crosby Group is based in Tulsa, Okla. and specializes in lifting, rigging and material handling applications.
“We are right now in the middle of an interesting transition,” Plant Manager Christopher Burbick said. “We are moving into a new facility and updating equipment with automation and robots along with having a cultural transformation. This grant is important because it raises the skill level for a new generation.”
Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, said TSTC had a critical importance in the region providing students with the skills and knowledge to drive economic development. He said he was pleased the partnership was taking place in east Texas.
“Texas is great not only because of the government, but the people who use their freedom responsibly,” Simpson said.
TSTC in Marshall offers 14 certificate and associate degree programs ranging from biomedical equipment technology to welding.
Julian Alvarez III, a TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, was attending his first check presentation since being appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in February. Alvarez has ties to TSTC: he is an alumnus and was once director of college information at the Harlingen campus.
“TSTC is a model,” said Alvarez. “This is one of the many checks that will TSTC will be on the receiving end.”
