Five Texas community and technical college systems have signed an agreement to supply regional job training for "green" economy careers. The group plans to share curriculum, eliminate duplication of programs, and expand training capabilities.
The agreement is described in the latest issue of Texas Government Insider, available here.
Calling itself the I-35 Green Corridor Collaborative (GCC), the five institutions will seek federal economic stimulus funding for workforce training in fields such as solar power technology, conservation, and sustainability of existing resources and alternative energy development. Members of the coalition are the Dallas County Community College District, the Alamo Community College District, Austin Community College District (ACC), Temple College, and the Texas State Technical College System.
ACC plans to seek stimulus money as well as funding from other federal sources and the Texas Energy Conservation Office. Because community colleges generally are the primary trainers of a region's workforce, it was only natural that the collaborative seek funds to become part of the training for high-demand green jobs, according to the article.
Wright Lassiter, DCCCD's chancellor, says, "Sharing resources will enhance each member college's ability to develop and expand expertise more quickly and to support this diverse industry." He added that the collaborative will allow for training of this emerging industry's workforce and provide new jobs.
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