Apprenticeship in Action: Employers Leading the Way in Manufacturing Workforce Solutions
Posted by: Brian Hernandez
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) was proud to convene partners, employers, and industry leaders at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) East Williamson County Campus in Hutto for the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association (ARMA) Workforce Committee Meeting.
Bringing together community, industry, training providers, and workforce development partners in one space is where real progress happens. This convening reflected the power of alignment, connecting the people building programs with the employers driving demand and the partners supporting both.
This event brought together employers who are not just talking about workforce challenges, they’re actively building the pipeline to solve them.
A special thank you to our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Diane Cook, for sharing remarks and reinforcing the importance of employer-led strategies that align training with real-world demand.
Recognizing the Employers Driving the Work
We extend our appreciation to the advanced manufacturing employers leading by example and investing in the next generation of skilled talent:
These organizations are helping shape and support the Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program, demonstrating what it looks like when industry takes the lead in building talent from within.
We extend our appreciation to Conchita Gusman, Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program Manager with the City of Georgetown Economic Development Corporation, and Zach Scott, Senior Director of Workforce and Industry Development with the Round Rock Chamber, for their partnership in recruiting employers into the apprenticeship program. Their efforts have been instrumental in expanding industry engagement and participation.
Gratitude to Our Hosts and Partners
A special thank you to our hosts and partners who made this convening possible:
- Dr. Kelly Coke, Provost, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) East Williamson County Campus
- Jonathan Hoekstra, Executive Vice Chancellor and COO, TSTC
- Alexis Flores, Director of Workforce Development, ARMA
We also want to recognize Amber Warne, Workforce Solutions Capital Area Senior Director of Business Engagement, for her partnership and presence, as well as Linda Angel, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, who joined with her team. Their participation reflects the strength of collaboration across workforce boards and the shared commitment to serving our region.
A special recognition to WSRCA Industry Engagement Manager, Stephanie Mora, for her leadership in advancing training solutions across the region. Stephanie has been instrumental in spearheading efforts like the Registered Apprenticeship Program in manufacturing and played a key role in organizing today’s event.
We also appreciate the powerful employer perspective shared by Jimmy Fennell, Maintenance Supervisor at CelLink Corporation, who provided a firsthand look at the impact of the Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program in action.
Voices from the Field
The conversation was strengthened by insights from our speakers, representing education, industry, and workforce partners. Their perspectives highlighted the value of collaboration and the importance of aligning systems to meet the evolving needs of manufacturing.
From training and curriculum to real-world application, each speaker reinforced a shared message: apprenticeship works when employers are at the center.
More Than a Meeting
This was more than a convening. It was a reflection of what’s possible when partners come together with a shared goal.
Programs like these don’t happen by chance. They are built through collaboration, trust, and a commitment to creating opportunity.
And the impact is clear. Stronger pipelines. Skilled workers. Careers that offer stability and growth.
That’s what National Apprenticeship Week is all about.
And more importantly, that’s what continues long after the week ends.