Austin Community College expands, puts emphasis on training skilled workers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Community College is continuing to grow across Central Texas.

On Friday, the school held a groundbreaking at its Round Rock campus for the first project funded by the 2022 General Obligation Bond.

At a time when skilled workers are needed, the project will help address the critical need for trained professionals in fields like building construction technology, welding, automotive technology, HVAC and advanced manufacturing.

"To any student out there considering a career in the trades, my advice is really simple: just go for it," ACC welding student Forrest Sallee said.

Sallee got into welding after talking with her dad about the position, but that's not the only reason. She said the demand for jobs is high.

"American Airlines and Delta were trying to hire me, and I only had two semesters, and they were like, 'we will take you right now,'" Sallee said.

As cities across the nation grow, more skilled workers are needed to build buildings, fix and repair equipment and vehicles and much more.

Troy DeFrates with ACC said the college is seeing a lot of recent interest in the trades.

"We saw a 20% increase across the board at ACC, and a lot of them were in the trades areas," DeFrates said. "Baby boomers are retiring, and there has been a void in the skilled workforce."

Voters approved the 2022 G.O. Bond in November 2022 to expand the college's capacity to train a skilled workforce.

For more information on ACC programs click here.