The context
The academy was launched as several large-scale projects are slated to begin or are already underway to meet the needs of the growing region, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Recruitment, comprehensive training and job-seeker support will be offered through the academy once fully operational.
What's happening
From March to May, officials worked to secure funding and are now moving forward with the design phase of the Austin Infrastructure Academy—which is expected to last through the year.
WSCA officials announced June 26 that Texas Mutual Insurance Company and Google.org contributed $125,000 and $100,000, respectively, for design.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Texas Mutual and Google for contributing to the creation of this one-of-a-kind academy for our community that will equip our workforce with the skills and education needed to secure quality careers in mobility and infrastructure,” WSCA CEO Tamara Atkinson said in a news release. “Austin’s infrastructure workforce employs over 222,000 residents and is expected to grow by more than 80% by 2040, so the academy is a critical component to help prepare the current and future infrastructure workforce to meet this high demand.”
The impact
The contributions from the "charitable arm" of Google and the workers compensation insurance firm will help kick-off:
- Creation of the academy's strategic plan
- Establish the five-year budget forecast
- Develop the first two years of its operational plan
- Support the hiring of initial academy staff
"The Austin Infrastructure Academy represents a unique opportunity to empower individuals with the skills and support they need to build meaningful careers while contributing to the growth and vitality of our region. By collaborating with great partners, we can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the construction site, and we look forward to seeing the transformative effect the academy will have on the lives of countless Austinites," said Jeremiah Bentley, vice president of marketing and community affairs at Texas Mutual.
"Google is committed to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and create opportunities for local communities,” said Jim Anderson, vice president of North America Partner Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud, and Google Austin’s site lead. “The Austin Infrastructure Academy will play a pivotal role to equip job seekers with the skills needed for successful careers in the mobility and infrastructure sectors. By investing in education and workforce development, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient future for Austin and its residents."
