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American Graduate: Getting to Work

Public Media Initiative to Advance Education and Career Readiness

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Videos

Steve: From Combat Vet to Leading Innovation at Samsung

Steve Vigil had a 26-year career in the Army. He was then hired on at Samsung, where he is now helping lead the way in the manufacture of chips for next-generation automobiles. His story provides an example for life after the military, and how to advance within one of Central Texas’ most important industries.

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HS students training to be EMTs upon graduation

Looking for a career that can help others, Lauren entered the Pflugerville ISD Fire/EMT Academy, which trains high school students to become certified EMTs. Now she’s a sophomore at Texas A&M Commerce in a pre-med course with hopes of becoming a nurse practitioner in the ER.

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Solar, Green Jobs and Carpentry in Central Texas

Vernon Stewart is turning his life around after more than 20 years in prison. He found a job at Goodwill, then enrolled in Goodwill Excel to earn his high school diploma. Through Austin Youthworks, he joined a unique City of Austin program with the Carpenter’s Local 1266 that is equipping him for basic carpentry and solar panel installation. Vernon sees a better future for himself, and a chance to help others avoid pitfalls.

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Jorge: Getting Certified for Construction While in HS

Jorge is a senior at Crockett High School in Austin, Texas. As a freshman he was introduced to a Career & Technical Education (CTE) program that will allow him to graduate high school with the knowledge and skills to start an entry level job in construction. Right now, he has his eye on trade school and concrete, and his variety of interests and strong work ethic will ensure he finds success in his chosen field.

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The Child Care Dilemma in Central Texas

The pandemic has revealed the importance of child care for a strong economy, especially for working mothers. Yet the majority of those employed in the industry don’t earn a living wage, forcing them to depend on public income support. Those who love the profession and realize its importance have to make hard economic decisions just to stay afloat.

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Upskilling in Central Texas

In spite of the pandemic, there is still high demand for jobs in healthcare, IT, and a variety of skilled trades in the Central Texas area. Once on the job, upskilling can turn an entry level position into a longterm career with better wages. By allowing internal employees to advance, upskilling can open up new positions for others. Hear about upskilling options across career pathways, with one example from the railroad industry.

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Leads for New Skills & Better Employment in Central Texas

While the job market is beginning to rebound, the workforce is changing, and there are opportunities to learn marketable skills. Ramona Schindelheim, Editor-in-Chief of WorkingNation, talks about the current national employment scene, and Sabari Raja, CEO of Nepris and Board Member of Workforce Solutions Capital Area provides several leads for Central Texas job seekers who are looking to learn new skills and find employment in today’s workforce.

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Virtual Training for High-Demand Tech Jobs in Central Texas

The high demand for skilled workers in manufacturing did not drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New opportunities are now available in a virtual setting for those looking to gain new skills in Central Texas. Justin Frost, Advanced Manufacturing Instructor at Skillpoint Alliance, and recent graduate Amber Ramsey share how the virtual environment made it easy to learn while staying safe. Melanie Flowers, the Board Chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area shares information about the current high-tech workforce in Austin, Texas for well paying jobs with options for advancement with companies who are hiring now.

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CTE Seniors Struggle To Get Certifications During Pandemic

Covid-19 has interrupted lots of milestones for seniors, including certification exams. Career and Technical Education programs often require a hands-on final exam in order to receive a certification that can jump-start a student’s careers and advance them in college. But with campuses closed, CTE students and teachers are trying to figure out how to retool exams for a post-COVID-19 world.

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Capital IDEA Hopes To Ease Covid-19 Unemployment By Training Nurses

Many Central Texans have lost their jobs due to the economic hit from Covid-19, but the demand for medical professionals is higher than ever. One local training program is helping to meet that demand by lifting people out of lower-wage jobs and into a career in nursing.

This reporting is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Graduate "Getting to Work" initiative." For more information about Central Texas job opportunities, go to austinpbs.org/americangraduate.

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A Resource Guide For Covid-19 Job Seekers

The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting our economy and workforce in unprecedented ways. One place people looking for work can turn for help is Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Judy Maggio talks with Chief Strategy Officer Leah Meunier about how their resources are rescuing both laid-off employees and businesses struggling during this challenging time. This story is part of Austin PBS's American Graduate: Getting to Work initiative #amgradtx

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American Graduate: Christion, Cyber Security Analyst

"Years ago if you would have asked me about cyber security... to me it seemed like it was very Hollywood and just out of reach." Learn how Christion became a cyber security analyst in this latest episode of American Graduate: Getting to Work austinpbs.org/americangraduate #amgradtx

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American Graduate: Alex the ICU Nurse

After building concrete blocks for 13 years, Alex decided he needed something for the long haul. That's when he got into nursing.

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American Graduate: Getting to Work Roundtable

Austin PBS has highlighted local individuals who received training for high demand careers that do not require a four year degree and pay livable wages. In this special we will meet 5 Central Texans who've all proven there is more than one path to success.

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American Graduate: Tony

Tony Gayles completed a Certified Production Technician Certificate at ACC through a partnership with Workforce Solutions. Now he is a Warehouse Material Handler at Community Impact Printing.

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American Graduate: Raoul

Raoul is a veteran and a Cisco voice network engineer! Watch his story!

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American Graduate: Jason

Jason is an Enterprise Technical Support Specialist for Spectrum. He received an Associates in Local Area Network Administration (LAN) at ACC. He is currently pursuing a CCNA certification. His goal is to become a network engineer.

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American Graduate: What's your dream job? Health Expo 2019

We asked students to tell us their dream job. Health Science Career Showcase for Middle School Youth October 2019. Schools: Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Pflugerville ISD

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American Graduate: Yaneth

Yaneth Osorio graduated from Del Valle High School. She was a part of the health program for 4 years. Her goal is to become a Certified Patient Care Technician.

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American Graduate: Joe and Leticia - Flamingo Automotive

Joe Lamping is the owner of Flamingo Automotive in Austin, Texas. He discusses what he looks for in a prospective employee.

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What's Your Dream Job: Skill Up at ACC

Attendees of Skill-Up at ACC: Manufacturing Open House talk to us about their dream jobs.

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American Graduate: Ashlee

Ashlee is pursuing a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. Her goal is to become a network engineer.

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American Graduate: Leticia

Leticia Trujillo is a 23 year old automotive service technician with big dreams. She graduated from Austin Community College with an associate's degree in Automotive Technology.

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American Graduate: Getting Austin Talent to Work Special

American Graduate: Getting to Work is an initiative funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The goal is to bring awareness to sustainable careers that do not require advanced degrees. The top three industries highlighted are tech, healthcare and skilled trades.

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American Graduate: Stephanie

Stephanie, a junior in high school, is currently pursuing an electrical certification!

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American Graduate: Imari

Imari recently graduated with an Associates in HVAC at ACC. He believes HVAC will get him closer to his goal of starting his own business and acquiring land for his family to live on.

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American Graduate: Melissa

Melissa Martinez is a senior at LBJ High School. She is on the health care track and is an aspiring CNA.

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American Graduate: Tracy

Tracy worked as a hairdresser for over 25 years. Now she's a licensed vocational nurse with plans to become a registered nurse.

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American Graduate: Congressman Lloyd Doggett

Congressman Lloyd Doggett talks about the success of the American Graduate program.

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American Graduate: Judith

Judith, originally from Cameroon, moved to America with no job, three kids and big dreams. Watch her journey of how she landed her dream job in the healthcare industry.

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American Graduate: Savannah's Story

Savannah is a fifth year apprentice in Austin, Texas. She is an all star pipefitter, welder, and plumber. Her dream is to travel the world while working as a journeyman.

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American Graduate: Devin Hines

Devin Hines is a senior at Hays High School. He has a passion for welding and football. His goal is to start his own welding company!

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Austin Master Workforce Plan

Austin-area workforce development community based organizations, training providers, and employers created a Master Community Workforce Plan to help individuals living in poverty find a path to financial stability. By aligning education and training providers’ training programs with employers’ needs, this workforce plan will help 10,000 economically disadvantaged individuals secure middle-skill jobs by 2021.

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What's your dream job?

Students in Austin, Texas discuss their dream jobs.

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American Graduate: Sheldon

After serving eight years in the navy, Sheldon Simmons struggled to find a decent paying job. Sheldon describes the ups and downs in his journey of securing a tech job.

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American Graduate: Crescent

Crescent was in and out of jail, doing drugs and hanging with the wrong crowd. Now he has made a big change in his life. Watch his story on overcoming hardship and starting anew.

See local Electrician training programs on KeyUp's website

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How to become an electrician

What does it take to become an electrician? Here are the steps from KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.

See local Electrician training programs on KeyUp's website

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American Graduate: Cynthia

Cynthia, a single mom, has been living paycheck to paycheck after being laid off. But now she is taking steps to advance her career.

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Jennifer Basaldua's Story

See how one person has changed their life through a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition (HVAC) technician certification program.

See local HVAC training programs on KeyUp's website

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About Getting to Work

Austin PBS, KLRU-TV is telling the stories of Central Texas residents who are getting trained to occupy local high-demand jobs that pay livable wages. Austin PBS, KLRU-TV's American Graduate: Getting to Work initiative, funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), has joined forces with the leaders of the Austin Metro Area Master Community Workforce Plan to help move 10,000 local individuals out of poverty and into skilled professions by the close of 2020. We invite all viewers of these videos to share with people who may benefit from the information. Thank you to our partners listed below and to the individuals who have allowed us to share their stories.

For more information, read Austin PBS, KLRU-TV's press release announcing the local launch of the initiative.

Local Partners

  • Austin Community College
  • Capital IDEA
  • the Office of the Mayor of the City of Austin
  • University of Texas at Austin: Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources
  • Skillpoint Alliance
  • Travis County Judge’s Office
  • Workforce Solutions Capital Area
  • Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
  • American YouthWorks
  • Goodwill Central Texas
  • Austin ISD
  • Del Valle ISD
  • Hays CISD
  • Manor ISD
  • Pflugerville ISD
  • United Way for Greater Austin
  • Austin Interfaith
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) 520
  • Lifeworks
  • KeyUp
  • UA Local 286 Plumbers and Pipefitters
  • Texas OnCourse
  • Travis County Commissioners Court

Resources

The Austin Metro Area Master Community Workforce Plan (June 2017) lays out an ambitious agenda for collaboration and coordination to improve economically disadvantaged residents’ access to middle-skill jobs.

KeyUp's mission is to enable adults to get well-paying, rewarding jobs without going through the time and expense of getting four-year degrees