Show Notes
We often hear, “People don’t want to work anymore.”
Our latest episode of Austin Hires Local shatters this myth. Tamara Atkinson sits down with workforce hero Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of SkillPoint Alliance, to uncover the inspiring stories behind the push for skilled trades and workforce development. Kevin shares his journey from working in construction to leading a pivotal organization, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways for students, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
SkillPoint Alliance's dual mission is a testament to what's possible when you invest in local talent. Kevin discusses how helping individuals well below the poverty line not only meets the talent needs of local employers but also allows for community reinvestment and generational wealth building. With recent expansions like increased enrollment in HVAC and electrical courses and the introduction of night classes, SkillPoint proves that a "grow your own" strategy can boost the local economy and ensure that residents thrive where they are.
From father-son and mother-daughter duos to the recruitment of women and non-traditional workers, such as justice-impacted individuals and veterans, Kevin shares poignant examples of community support and transformation. SkillPoint Alliance's initiatives align perfectly with the Austin Infrastructure Academy, proving once and for all that people are more than willing to work when given the right opportunities.
Kevin Brackmeyer is the CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, an Austin-based nonprofit offering rapid, no-cost job training in construction and manufacturing to underserved communities. A lifelong Texan with extensive experience in education, Kevin is committed to enhancing Texans' lives through workforce development. Recognizing the urgent need for skilled labor in Central Texas, he is dedicated to strengthening the local economy and facilitating meaningful employment. His passion drives collaborations with local organizations and industry leaders to address this critical workforce gap.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction of Kevin Brackmeyer
- (02:10) Kevin’s first job experience in Texas, adopting a work ethic
- (04:12) How Skillpoint Alliance supports the next generation of Central Texas skilled trades workers with a tried-and-true rapid employment model
- (07:30) Focus on community-building, lifting out of poverty, meeting employer’s needs
- (10:47) Developing local talent, building generational wealth in your community
- (13:55) Opportunities for women and non-traditional populations
- (20:24) Kevin's response to employers saying "people don't want to work"
- (23:18) Alignment with the Austin Infrastructure Academy and what's next for Skillpoint
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About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Skillpoint Alliance
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure sector
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
