Greater Waco Education to Workforce Forum
2024 Greater Waco Education to Workforce Forum | Monday, Oct. 7 | ESC Region 12 | 9 a.m.
The Greater Waco Education to Workforce Forum is an annual gathering designed to foster collaboration between the education and business communities.
Why Attend the Forum
Greater Waco’s strategic workforce challenge is meeting the demand of current and future business and industry as our economy continues to grow and evolve. Amidst the ever-changing landscape of the workforce, strong alignment between the business and education communities is critical to sustain economic growth and advance economic mobility in our region.
Join the Greater Waco Chamber as we bring together business, education, and workforce development organizations to network, share ideas, and learn best practices to ensure our region continues building the skilled workforce needed now and into the future.
Schedule
8 a.m. Registration
9 a.m. Welcome
9:15 a.m. The Importance of Aligning Business, Education, and the Community
10 a.m. Regional Education to Workforce Collaboration
Current State of K-12 Education
ESC Region 12
Building the Education to Workforce Collaboration - Year 1 Reflections
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce - Matt Meadors
The WorkSITE - Kacey Darnell
11 a.m. Break
11:10 a.m. Healthcare Careers Panel
Ascension Providence
McLennan Community College
12 p.m. Lunch & Student Internship Panel
Central Texas Iron Works
Communities in Schools for the Heart of Texas
Sturdisteel
Triple Win Waco
1 p.m. Networking Break
1:30 p.m. Advanced Manufacturing & Construction Careers Panel
Fallas Automation
Texas State Technical College
2:20 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Business, Marketing, and Finance Careers Panel
Uzin Utz
Tarleton State University - Waco
Texas Tech at Waco
3:20 p.m. Closing Presentation
About the Panels
During the Forum, participants will hear panel discussions from local employers and partners highlighting education and training needed for high-demand, high-wage occupations and opportunities that offer valuable hands-on training and skill building for students.
Healthcare Panel
This panel will convene local employers to discuss the skills and education/training required for high-growth, high-wage occupations in allied healthcare. Education partners will also share their current and future efforts to skill talent for these occupations.
Panel speakers:
Ascension Providence
- McLennan Community College
Student Internship Panel
Paid internships and work experience offer training opportunities for students as they enter the workforce. This panel will highlight local businesses with internship opportunities and community-based organizations with youth internship programs.
Panel speakers:
Central Texas Iron Works
- Communities in Schools for the Heart of Texas
Sturdisteel
- Triple Win Waco
Advanced Manufacturing & Construction Panel
This panel will convene local employers to discuss the skills and education/training required for high-growth, high-wage occupations in technical careers, many of which can be obtained with short-term credentials. Education partners will also share their current and future efforts to skill talent for these occupations.
Panel speakers:
Fallas Automation
- Texas State Technical College
Business, Marketing & Finance Panel
This panel will convene local employers to discuss the skills and education/training required for high-growth, high-wage occupations across the business, marketing, and finance sectors. Education partners will also share their current and future efforts to skill talent for these occupations.
Panel speakers:
Uzin Utz
Tarleton State University - Waco
- Texas Tech at Waco
Questions?
Tiffany Gallegos Whitley
Senior Director of Workforce & Talent
twhitley@wacochamber.com
254-757-5614
