The Manor ISD Career Certification Center, the first of its kind in Central Texas, formally celebrated its grand opening November 10. Hector Aguilar with Austin Community College (ACC) said over 260 Manor juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to earn industry certifications in the following areas:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (currently 228 job openings requiring certification in Metro Austin*)
• Medical Assistant (currently 172 job openings)
• PC Technician (currently 7 job openings)
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (currently 63 job openings)
• Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship (currently 53 job openings)
• Mechatronics (job opening search results not available)

*Source: Wanted Technologies

Texas Workforce Commission presented a check for $224,178 to build out the project.

“We need to help students understand the opportunities ahead,” said Andres Alcantar, Chairman and Commissioner of TWC. “The Career Certification Center will provide them with the pathway and tools for them to succeed.”

“Six months ago, this building [career center] was in ruin, said Dr. Richard Rhodes, President and CEO of ACC. “Today the end product boggles my mind. The work demonstrates the impact of partnership. ACC, Manor ISD and the Texas Workforce Solution came together to make something unique happen.”

The DTC70 Partnership has been exploring ways to track certification completion in area high schools. Once certifications are tracked, partners can determine if there is an alignment between certification offerings and labor market demand in Austin. The Chamber hopes that the Manor ISD Career Certification Center, as well as future ISD-ACC certification centers, will provide students with certifications that have real value in Austin’s job market.