Temple College hosted a group of Central Texas cross-sector leaders Tuesday afternoon to discuss partnership opportunities and strategies to educate and train logistics and supply chain workers. Discussions focused on meeting current industry demands as well as designing a talent pipeline infrastructure for the future of logistics.
More than 35 leaders representing higher education, K-12 education, business, health care, workforce development and the U.S. military gathered on the College’s main campus to begin a conversation that specifically addresses equity and employment gaps in logistics, supply-chain and allied careers.
“To meet the workforce needs of Central Texas, Temple College was excited to host our partner colleges and universities – Central Texas College, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Texas A&M University-Central Texas – alongside business and industry partners to have this important dialogue,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, Temple College President. “Together, we discussed the needs of industry and explored how to create programs that equip future employees with the necessary and desirable skills for the changing workforce of the region. We value everyone’s input and are eager to design an innovative regional hub for logistics training.”
In breakout groups, corporate and business leaders shared the desired competencies and skillsets they are looking for when they are hiring; technology, software and tools they expect new employees to know; future employment forecasting for their industries; and training gaps identified for their current and future employees.
Ponce said it was critical for everyone to come together to have a better understanding of industry needs and to learn how educators can build and implement appropriate training structures to develop an equipped workforce.
“We had a productive first meeting,” Ponce said. “I’m excited to see that together we are planning for the future and designing state-of-the-art programs to fill an employment gap and provide employers with talented graduates ready for the workforce. I’m confident that the development of new partnerships and programs will continuously improve the lives of the people we serve throughout Central Texas.”
Organizations represented included:
- Temple College
- Advent Health
- Baylor Scott & White Health
- Central Texas College
- Datamars
- East Penn Manufacturing Company
- Fort Hood, U.S. Army
- Greater Austin Cooperative Merchants Association
- HealthTrust Purchasing Group
- Killeen ISD
- McLane Group
- Moore Co
- Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- The Fikes Companies
- TRU Homes
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE
Temple College is a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of students throughout Central Texas and beyond with the knowledge and skills for 21st century success. Temple College offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree, or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed an excellent academic reputation for more than 96 years and is nationally recognized for excellence in its programs from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics, and the College has become one of the premiere institutions in the state for education and training of health care providers and advanced manufacturing and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.
