Texas is a big state, and there are different skills gaps in different regions. One striking trend did emerge in our research on the 28 Workforce Board regions in Texas—across the board, the above median wage, growing jobs are in construction and manufacturing, and related fields. This reflects a larger demographic trend—the aging of the skilled trades workforce. It is clear that secondary CTE programs in Texas are not delivering the kinds of skill-based and hands-on training that will enable students to enter these gainful careers.
This is What Building a Future Looks Like
Victor Munoz is proud of his new skills. Welding, the 16-year-old says, will take him places. “I’m planning on going into underwater welding,” he says. “Or I might go into the railroad; I have an uncle who manages a rail yard up in Dallas. He told me as soon as I get my certification, he’ll...