Mayor Jane Hughson and several other dignitaries spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the opening of an expanded workforce training facility in San Marcos, operated by Austin Community College.
“We now have a place that we can share with others for workforce development, which, as you all know, is near and dear to my heart,” Hughson said. “With some education and some training, we can change lives for the better.”
Administrative Services Director for the City of San Marcos, Hayden Migl, reflected on the project’s history, noting that discussions about expanding workforce training space began in 2021. In 2022, the City Council allocated American Rescue Plan Act funding for renovations. After evaluating the original facility, officials determined that this location, previously occupied by the fleet services division, would be more suitable. The City Council approved a lease with Austin Community College (ACC) in December 2023, and renovations, including accessibility improvements, enhanced lighting, and additional electrical outlets, were completed in October 2024.
“That leads us to today’s official opening of a space for expanded workforce training in San Marcos,” Migl said. “I say expanded because workforce training courses have been taking place at the library since these conversations began.”
Migl acknowledged the contributions of the recently retired library director, Diane Insley, and instructor Chris Bain, who has taught HVAC courses.
“This expanded workforce training space allows us to provide additional access to courses teaching skills that will help our residents secure meaningful employment and meet the needs of our local businesses,” Migl said.
He thanked the City Council, city leadership, the Public Works Department, the facilities division, ACC, and Community Action for their collaboration.
ACC Director of Corporate and Community Education Don Tracy also spoke at the event.
“Mayor Hughson, it has been a long time coming. I think you and I started this conversation at least 10 years ago,” Tracy said.
Tracy highlighted ACC’s efforts to expand mobile skilled trades training, including plumbing, HVAC, welding, and automotive programs. He praised Luis Castillo and his team for their work in designing training equipment and emphasized the importance of meeting students where they are.
“We like to say at ACC, ‘Love our students to success.’ This is what loving our students to success looks like,” Tracy said. “It helps us to change the lives of individuals in our classes, their families, and this entire community. It’s meeting them where they are.”
Tracy thanked the ACC team, the City of San Marcos team, the Community Action partners, and Workforce Solutions – Rural Capital Area partners, and Ted Groholske with the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership for their efforts.
“It takes a team effort to do this, and we've got a great team, Tracy added.
Doug Mudd, executive director for Community Action in Central Texas, shared his enthusiasm for the project.
“I can’t think of a better way to move people out of poverty than to offer classes that help people get an industry-recognized credential that ultimately leads to a job in demand in our area,” Mudd said.
Mudd acknowledged ACC’s long-standing search for an appropriate space and praised the city’s commitment to community development. He also highlighted Community Action’s contributions, including $65,000 in funding from the Texas Workforce Commission to support 80 residents in workforce training.
“Now, with this facility, we can do even more,” Mudd said. “I look forward to the future and to seeing what additional credentials and training opportunities we can develop to help people move to the next level.”
Beginning in April, ACC will offer Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, courses as part of its Skilled Trades Programming. Future courses will include automotive maintenance, plumbing, and welding. Community Action Inc. plans to cover course fees for eligible students using Adult Education funding from the Texas Workforce Commission.