Sign-up now underway for local residents looking for a career

(Seguin) — A nonprofit known for transforming lives through skilled trades is bringing its rapid job-training model to Seguin this summer — and it’s entirely free.

Skillpoint Alliance, which has spent more than 30 years providing no-cost training in high-demand industries, is launching a 5-week Manufacturing Technician program designed specifically for beginners.

Set to begin next week on July 7, CEO Kevin Brackmeyer says with manufacturing jobs growing in Seguin and New Braunfels, our goal is to ensure that local residents — especially those in underserved communities — have access to the training needed to step into these roles and build sustainable careers.”

“It prepares graduates for entry-level technician positions in the manufacturing industries. Kind of the, Some of the job titles include manufacturing technician, process technician. There’s an equipment technician, fab associate machine operator, even assembler. The students get to learn about manufacturing safety, manufacturing processes and production, quality practices and measurement. And there’s a maintenance awareness piece as well,” said Brackmeyer.

Brackmeyer says after hosting the program at the Central Texas Technology Center in northern Guadalupe County, program leaders have decided to host this summer’s class in Seguin.

“We are having a class in Seguin at Workforce Solutions. I think 1411, East Court Street. We’re going to host another class on July 7th. We definitely are accepting applications. We can take up to 15 students. You know, you go to our website, there’s a place to download. There’s on one of the pages, there’s a click on apply now. It should be clear on the website,” said Brackmeyer.

Classes run Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and include direct connections to hiring employers, resume assistance, and job search support.

Two training cohorts are currently scheduled. They include July 7- Aug. 8 and Aug. 12-Sept. 6.

Brackmeyer says not only is the program free, but applicants do not have to have experience.

“So, you don’t have to have any experience at all. We’re looking for people who are interested in getting into the manufacturing industry. Our niche is we really try to work with individuals who are looking to, you know, a lot of our students have situations where they’re trying to better themselves, better their lives. They may have hit some hard times or whatever the case may be. So, we’re here to provide an opportunity. All of our classes are free. No charge to the students. They just need to apply and then go through the application process. There’s an interview process and some other things that they have to do. They do have to be, you know, high school graduate or have their GED, but, you know, we serve students, all the way from 17, getting ready to turn 18 all the way to I think I had a 67-year-old, individual graduate from one of our classes,” said Brackmeyer.

Not only are spots limited, but the program is expected to fill up quickly.

Again, those interested can apply online now at skillpointalliance.org.