Dallas College launched a new workforce training center last week, which opened at the Shops at RedBird in southern Dallas.
The 53,000-square-foot facility will provide free job training and skills development services, focusing on equipping participants for careers in high-demand fields such as industrial maintenance, IT work, healthcare, construction, and customer care.
“We know for so many students they’re not actually going to walk into our doors at a college campus, at a college environment. So we’re excited to bring these skill training’s workforce programs, educational programs right here into the heart of the community at Red Bird,” said Justin Lonon, the chancellor of Dallas College, according to Fox 4 KDFW.
The center operates Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Students can take advantage of multiple services offered at the center, including transportation, childcare, and professional coaching. They can also receive support with mental health needs, housing security, and food.
“Located in the heart of South Dallas, the center will allow us, and our partners, to provide educational opportunities that lead to high-demand jobs for a population that has been historically underserved,” said Gloria Smith, vice provost of workforce education for Dallas College, The Dallas Morning News reported.
“The beauty of this facility is we have designed it in a way that it’s flexible, so what we want to do is be responsive to business and industry needs,” Smith said, per Fox 4.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on December 7 that Dallas College would be the beneficiary of a $1 million grant to provide students with specialized training in high-demand industries.