The Pflugerville Community Development Corp. and Skillpoint Alliance have formed a partnership in bringing free, skills-based training programs to Pflugerville workers and residents, per an Oct. 1 PCDC news release. Skillpoint Alliance is a nonprofit organization that specializes in workforce development and offers free training to low-income residents in fields such as health care, manufacturing and construction.

The partnership was formalized Sept. 15 and will offer training classes for manufacturing, electrical work and nursing aides while utilizing PCDC's office space for trainings. The PCDC is a Type 4B economic development organization tasked with attracting, maintaining and diversifying Pflugerville's workforce.

“In the midst of this pandemic, we have an opportunity to make a difference by helping workers reskill to attain new and better jobs," PCDC Executive Director Amy Madison said in the release. "Our partnership with Skillpoint Alliance provides a pathway to help our current and future workforce to increase earning power and achieve long term stability in high-demand careers."

Data compiled by the Workforce Solutions Capital Area between March and July reported that 50% of Travis County's jobless claims were filed by individuals earning less than $30,000 annually.

“We are excited to enter into this partnership with the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, and are committed to providing high-quality, fast-paced job training opportunities to Pflugerville residents," Skillpoint Alliance Executive Director Kevin Brackmeyer said in the release. "Skillpoint Alliance continues to adapt program offerings based on workforce needs throughout the region and recently transitioned to an online hybrid offering to safely train individuals in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing industry, and the healthcare field.”