DMC, industry partners recognize Texas Workforce Commission for over $1.1 million in training grants

Article by: Michael Bratten

Del Mar College (DMC) officials and industry partners gathered Oct. 5 at the College’s West Campus welding yard to recognize the the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for over $1.1 million in Skills Development Fund grants that are helping fuel economic growth in the Coastal Bend.

With the grants, DMC is providing customized, credentialed training for employees at local industries including MMR Constructors, Inc., Brand Energy Solutions, LLC and TPCO America Corp., Inc.

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These partnerships focus on specialized industry skills training needed to support these high-demand industries in the Coastal Bend area. This joint investment benefits employers, citizens and communities, and contributes to keeping Texas the best state in the country for business.

Ruth R. Hughs, Texas Workforce Commission Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers

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Raising The Bar-5

At a ceremony recognizing the Texas Workforce Commission Oct. 5 at Del Mar College (DMC) are (left to right): Mary Afuso, DMC Director of Corporate Services; Ken Trevino, President of Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend; Jeffrey Sorrells, Construction Manager, Brand Safway; Sandra L. Messbarger, DMC Regent At Large; Mari Velasquez, Training and Development Manager, Brand Safway; Ruth R. Hughes, TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers; Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President & CEO; Daniel Korus, DMC Dean of Workforce Development and Corporate Services; Victor M. Gonzalez, Jr., Board Chair, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend; Terry Fisher, Human Resources Manager, MMR Constructors, Inc.; Mack Oliver, MMR District Training Coordinator; Leonard Garza, MMR District HSE Coordinator; Jessica Garza, HSE In-Training Assistant; Joe Gonzales, MMR Superintendent; and Kristhian Carrizales, MMR Electrician. (0Credit: DMC Office of College Relations)

Raising The Bar-7

Del Mar College welding students demonstrated their skills at a ceremony Oct. 5 recognizing the Texas Workforce Commission for over $1.1 million in Skills Development Fund grants. (Credit: DMC Office of College Relations)

Raising The Bar-6

Recognizing the Texas Workforce Commission Oct. 5 at Del Mar College (DMC) are (left to right): Dara Betz, DMC Grant Program Manager; Sandra L. Messbarger, DMC Regent At Large; Ken Trevino, President of Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend; LI Jianxiang, Director of Administration, TPCO America Corp.; Mary Afuso, DMC Director of Corporate Services; Ruth R. Hughes, TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers; Daniel Korus, DMC Dean of Workforce Development and Corporate Services; Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President & CEO; and Vicki Daniels, Human Resources Manager, TPCO America Corp. (Credit: DMC Office of College Relations)

A $1 million grant was awarded to DMC and the construction consortium of MMR Constructors, Inc. and Brand Energy Solutions, LLC. DMC is training 556 employees of the two companies in courses such as scaffolding systems, electrical circuits and code, safety, instrumentation troubleshooting, fireproofing and rigging. Also included are industry-recognized NCCER courses sanctioned by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Upon completion of training, the employees will earn an average wage of $18.96 per hour, according to the TWC.

A second grant for $161,997 was awarded to DMC and TPCO America Corp., Inc. to train 90 employees in pipe fabrication and finishing, as well as training for roller assembly operators, pipe loaders and rotary hearth furnace operators. After training, the employees will earn an average wage of $22.41 per hour, according to the TWC. A subsidiary of the Tianjin Pipe Corp., TPCO America operates a $1 billion, 253-acre pipe-making plant near Gregory.

“These Skills Development Fund grants enable Del Mar College to upscale employees in technical skills and contribute to the growth in the region,” said Mary Afuso, DMC director of Corporate Services. “In turn, the partnerships with industry help us develop new, cutting-edge programs for students because it’s what industry needs. It’s not just theory.”

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.