By Dr. Laura Cisneros
Special to El Rrun-Rrun
For generations, many young people in Brownsville have believed they must leave home to find greater opportunities. They complete school, earn a certification or degree, and then move away because they cannot find the career they hoped for here.
But Brownsville is changing.
Major investments are underway or being planned at the Port of Brownsville in energy, steel, manufacturing, maritime operations and international trade. Rio Grande LNG is under construction.
Forza Steel has invested in a large manufacturing facility. Other companies have announced plans involving cargo operations, food processing, shipbuilding, fuel production and power generation.
Some projects are moving forward, while others remain proposed or under development. We must be honest about that distinction. But if even a portion develops as expected, our region will need a much larger skilled force.
The question is: Will our students and current residents be prepared for those opportunities?
Students should learn about careers in welding, pipefitting, industrial electricity, instrumentation, process operations, logistics, diesel technology, maritime trades, cybersecurity and engineering support. They need to know what training is required, where it is available and how to enter these careers.
A four-year degree is an important path, but it is not the only path to success. Becoming a certified welder, electrician, technician or equipment operator is also an accomplishment worthy of great pride.
Fortunately, we are not starting from zero. BISD, Texas Southmost College, TSTC, UTRGV, South Texas College and Texas A & M already offer or are developing programs connected to welding, pipefitting, manufacturing, robotics, mechatronics and engineering technology. Each deserves recognition.
The next step is to connect these efforts through one coordinated regional workforce plan based on the positions employers will actually need.
We should expand paid internships and apprenticeships that allow students to learn in a real workplace. Opportunities must also be available to adults who need evening courses, short-term certifications or additional training to qualify for better-paying jobs.
Economic development should not be measured only by billions of dollars announced, acres leased or ceremonial groundbreakings. It should also be measured by how many Brownsville residents receive training, secure permanent employment and build stable lives for their families.
Employers receiving public support should be asked important questions: How many permanent jobs will be created? What qualifications will they require? When will hiring begin? How many apprenticeships will be offered? And what is being done now to prepare qualified local residents?
As State Representative, I would work to bring our educational institutions, employers and workforce agencies together. I would advocate for stronger career and technical programs and pursue state support for instructors, equipment, certifications and apprenticeships connected to real jobs.
This is not about giving credit to any politician or public official. It is about ensuring that economic growth creates meaningful opportunities for the people who live here.
Brownsville should not educate its young people only to watch them leave in search of opportunities they could have built here.
Our goal should not simply be more jobs. It should be lasting careers that allow our students and working families to build their futures in the community they already love.
8 comments:
Whose going to educate the instructors?
Do not listen to this Republican siren. Parents, prepare your sons and daughters for the careers that pay big money. Welders work in awful conditions, facing danger on a daily basis and for temporary jobs. The jobs at the port have no job security and they blame you for stealing while the top administrators keep all the money. Engineering support means part-time jobs with no benefits. Parents have to be smart and strong. Explain things to the kids the way they are. Dr. Laura did not follow her words: she could have been a welder, an electrician, work with ships and diesel machines.
Join the border patrol
Six figures
Great benefits
Lots of openings
Only a High school diploma is needed
I completely agree with you. It is like as if people with this philosophy only want to doom the children of Brownsville by making them low achievers. However, dad and mom are the primary role models.
What if your parents are illiterate and don't know better?
And then to have someone shit on them and their kids? That's what Brownsville educators were like in the 70's, 80's, I don't know about now. My kid gets treated fairly because if she doesn't they get hell.
These jobs aren't unionized either and I bet they'll be making under the national median Income, no contracts, no collective bargaining, and won't get the same healthcare a supervisor gets. Forget about all the extra perks.
Just look at what they pay Amazon workers here. I'm voting Democrat but even they're compromised. America needs unions for laborers, especially when they're swinging a 3 billion dollar dick with the VP of the US.
@1:37 Texas does not allow unions.
Also the ability to eat 2 dozens of tamales and 15 tacos at one sitting. Funny how people complain about their tax dollars but they won’t complain about how much is spent on 1 customs/BP “agent” a significantly overpaid job of just standing around asking you for identification. Use your logics people.
7:03
I know, they also don't allow cities to set minimum wages, Texas Labor codes. That's why I said it.
That's why I don't disagree with Republicans, I hate them. God damn them, may they burn in hell.
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