In October, we celebrated Manufacturing Month, and greater:SATX, in partnership with Texas FAME, the San Antonio Manufacturers Association, and Caterpillar highlighted our region’s thriving and diverse manufacturing employers, that range from automotive, aerospace and food, with programming to elevate awareness of manufacturing careers in the Greater San Antonio region.
The month-long event is an initiative of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Manufacturing Institute to recognize and promote the success of U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace.
Locally, the Bexar County Commissioner’s Court issued a proclamation recognizing the important role of manufacturing in our region, officially declaring it National Manufacturing Month. Not only is the impact of manufacturing in our community recognized locally, but the greater:SATX Talent Pipeline Management Manufacturing Collaborative, comprised of nearly 20 regional employers, recently received national recognition through a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation case study. The Chamber Foundation highlighted the continued success of the collaborative efforts to identify critical industry occupations, alignment of skillsets and competencies, and development of career awareness and exploration. Click here to read and download the full case study.
With more than 1,200 manufacturing companies employing 54,000+ area residents, the industry’s development of robust career pathways provides our workforce with tremendous opportunities to build a better future and greater economic mobility Over the past year, we’ve engaged manufacturing employers to reach over 900+ high school students and have partnered with them, throughout the month of October, to host various activations to raise interest and awareness in training and careers all month.
One of these incredible activations was the Construction Career Day, where we sponsored the Associated Builders and Contractors – South Texas (ABC) and Texas Construction Career Initiative (TCCI) event. More than 900 students participated in resume and occupation review, tool and big equipment demonstrations, and a build competition with more than 45 employers exhibiting.
We also hosted a Young Professionals in Manufacturing Panel that featured amazing panelists Edgar Gonzalez – TX FAME/H-E-B AMT; Duane Sifuentes – TX FAME/H-E-B AMT; and Isaac Lopez – Forma Automotive, Assistant Manager-Quality. The panel video was shared with several school districts, reaching nearly 300 students so far.
Additionally in partnership with ATEAMS, we hosted a Teacher Externship Wrap-Up, where we surveyed teachers on their thoughts regarding manufacturing. Survey findings revealed great opportunities for SA WORX to support and facilitate job shadow days and teacher externships in manufacturing to increase career awareness.
Not only did we celebrate National Manufacturing Month in October, but we also celebrated Cybersecurity Awareness Week. Some highlights included a Job Shadow Day hosted by USAA, where nearly 20 students and staff from Sam Houston Cyber P-Tech received a tour of USAA’s campus by the Cyber Incident Response Team. The Cyber team also provided students with an overview of cybersecurity functions at USAA, including the threat team’s capabilities and defensive measures. Students had an opportunity to listen to five Cyber Incident Team Members in a panel that discussed internships, career opportunities, and a day in the life of a team member. Watch here.
