AUSTIN, Texas —
Thousands of workers will be needed for the new light rail coming to Austin.
The Austin Transit Partnership announced the first phase of the light rail plan will cross Lady Bird Lake, as part of Project Connect.
One local nonprofit is trying to get people trained to help make it all happen.
Skillpoint Alliance offers free classes for skilled trade workers. It says it can get people the training they need to be able to work on the light rail project.
A project of this size will need thousands of engineers, construction workers, electricians and plumbers. Skillpoint Alliance is a workforce development organization, and it provides classes to teach people how to be skilled trade workers in the electrical and plumbing fields.
Those positions will be needed for the initial build, future extensions and expansions of Austin's light rail. That's on top of the thousands that are already needed in these high-demand careers.
"There's already such a need for it, with people retiring out of these industries. But with the light rail infrastructure plan in place and the work that's anticipated, there's just going to be more and more jobs available," said Leslie Puckett, chief operating officer for Skillpoint Alliance. "So a fast, free training like Skillpoint's can immediately send people on the right path to a really fulfilling career."
Skillpoint Alliance wants to give people the opportunity to join the workforce in a trade that is in high demand – especially those who are in lower-income, underserved areas. The training gives those workers a chance to get a high-paying career with opportunities to grow over time.
"This large project is making the need for local skilled trade workers even more. And so, we see this as a great opportunity to contribute to the local economy," Puckett said.
Skillpoint Alliance also has classes for HVAC technicians, as well as manufacturing classes. The classes last about four to six weeks, making them free and fast.
Skillpoint Alliance hosts about seven to nine classes each year. If you're interested in signing up, you can find more information on the nonprofit's website.