Texarkana College broke ground on the $1.2 million Center for Workforce Innovation today, a move that leaders say will help address upcoming workforce needs.
TC President James Henry Russell said the demand for manufacturing jobs is poised to increase and the four programs to be offered in the new building will train workers to take those positions.
"It's exciting to see not only what can come to the Texarkana area, but what we have right now," he said. "We're working to train a workforce to get ready for that."
The 19,568-square-foot building will house four programs-construction technology, electrical technology, industrial maintenance/multi-craft and electronics technology/innovation.
Brandon Washington, TC's dean of workforce development, told the crowd gathered next to the site on Coolidge Street, that the demand for manufacturing jobs is projected to increase 20 to 25 percent.
"We're looking at a 19,000-square-foot facility that is geared towards manufacturing and meeting the needs of the statewide growth we're seeing," he said. "There's over 20 to 25 percent growth in manufacturing across the state of Texas in the next 10 years. It's a huge opportunity for the people in this community and everyone that's a part of Texarkana College."
The facility is expected to be complete by August.