(WACO, Texas) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the city of Waco and McLennan County formally opened The WorkSITE (Skills, Innovation, Training and Education), a collaborative workforce training facility, on Thursday, Feb. 13.
The $17 million building is on Wycon Drive in the heart of Texas Central Park, home to several existing and emerging industries.
“We are so fortunate in McLennan County and Central Texas to have some of the best workforce training opportunities anywhere in the country,” said McLennan County Judge Scott Felton.
The building’s purpose is to increase access to customized training and build a skilled workforce in the county. The project employed 30 local subcontractors, with about 80 TSTC alumni having roles in constructing the building.
“The WorkSITE embodies the power of partnership,” said Beth Wooten, provost of TSTC’s Waco campus. “This incubator for innovation will not only transform individual lives, but also shape the economic future of our city and county.”
State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, represents District 22. He said The WorkSITE will change the trajectory of productivity in the city and county. He said the energy of people undergoing training will power not only the building, but also the economy of Central Texas.
“You are here to build people,” Birdwell told those in attendance.
Prosper Waco will help recruit unemployed and underemployed people who can earn quick credentials for quality job placement opportunities. Jessica Attas, Prosper Waco’s CEO, said targeted digital marketing and community partnerships are some of the ways to find candidates for training opportunities.
Kris Collins, executive vice president of economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, said the time is right for The WorkSITE due to the area’s economic success. She said having a strong, talented workforce is a huge asset for the region.
“The building is going to be a showcase for us as we bring clients in for economic development opportunities,” she said.
Waco Mayor Jim Holmes said he is proud of the diversity of businesses in Waco. He said the challenge is ensuring that new and existing companies have an available workforce that is trained.
Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said the college offers programs that meet the needs of the state, from advanced manufacturing to transportation. He said TSTC provides 30% of all building construction graduates in the state, along with 85% of all electrical lineworkers in the state.
For more information on The WorkSITE, go to tstc.edu/worksite.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
