Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – South Texas College, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and McAllen Independent School District’s Youth Apprenticeship Program will host a ceremonial signing day Oct. 31.
Signing day relates to the signing of registered apprenticeship agreements and work contracts high school juniors and seniors will fill out for their respective apprenticeships.
The youth apprenticeships are a collaborative effort intended to provide college instruction and paid, on-the-job training for students who are enrolled in STC’s U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Apprentice occupations include Auto Technician, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Hotel Operations, and Culinary Arts.
Students will work in a variety of McAllen businesses gaining experience and possible network connections for future careers.
The participating McAllen businesses are Santa Fe Steakhouse, The Monitor, House Wine and Bistro, SALT New American Table, DoubleTree Hotel, Clark Chevrolet, Boggus Ford, and Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Plumbing Services Inc.
“This program is really where the future is headed in developing talent in our community,” said Steve Alenius, President/CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “I’m really excited about the commitment our business community has made.”
Carlos Margo, STC Associate Dean of Industry Training and Economic Development says students and businesses will both benefit from this collaboration.
“I think it’s much needed here with businesses, everybody benefits. The students benefit because they’re taking classes at STC and are actually working on the job alongside a mentor who helps them,” said Margo. “These students are getting paid, they are earning while they are learning, and in addition to all the above they are getting a U.S. Department of Labor credential as a result of this training program, so that’s a nationally recognized credential that’s going to be with them for life.”
“At one point in our lives, we were sitting where these students are sitting now with the same dreams and curiosities. That’s why we are joined together to give students these opportunities,” said McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. J.A. Gonzalez. “McAllen ISD students are resilient. They compete at a very high level and they perform under pressure. They were brave enough to take this challenge and I know they will be successful.”
The youth apprenticeship is the first of its kind in the region.
Who: South Texas College, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and McAllen Independent School District
What: Apprenticeship Signing Day
When: Oct. 31, 2018 | 9 a.m.
Where: McAllen Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX 78501
