Central Texas Career Quest Hosts More Than 2,500 Eighth-Grade Students and Features 40+ Regional Employers

BELTON, TEXAS – The Central Texas Pathways Council, an initiative of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, in partnership with the Texas Regional Pathways Network, conducted the inaugural Central Texas Career Quest: Pathways to Your Future, a landmark event aimed at inspiring and preparing the next generation of the region’s workforce. The event took place on January 14, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Cadence Bank Center, offering an extraordinary opportunity for more than 2,500 eighth-grade students from 19 Central Texas school districts to explore diverse career paths.

The Career Quest event featured 44 leading employers from across Central Texas, spanning industries critical to the region’s economic vitality. This hands-on, interactive experience is designed to help students connect with industry professionals, understand the skills needed for success, and envision their futures in high-demand fields.

Highlights of the Event:

• Interactive Exhibits: Students engaged directly with employers, exploring tools, technologies, and real-world applications across various industries.
• Career Pathway Insights: Through one-on-one conversations and demonstrations, students learned about the educational and training requirements for different career options.
• Future Workforce Inspiration: The event aims to ignite excitement among students about their potential roles in the Central Texas workforce and provide them with the resources to start planning their career journeys.

Charley Ayres, Director, Industry/Education Partnerships of Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and the Director of the Central Texas Pathways Council, emphasized the importance of the event: “The Central Texas Career Quest is not just an event but a pivotal moment in shaping the future workforce of our region. By connecting students with employers at an early stage, we are fostering informed decisions that align education and career aspirations with the demands of our local industries.”

Participating school districts and educators recognize the value of exposing students to these career exploration opportunities, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and motivation to pursue high-wage, in-demand occupations that drive Central Texas forward. School districts that participated in this event were: Killeen ISD, Belton ISD, Temple ISD, Gatesville ISD, Copperas Cove ISD, Troy ISD, Rosebud-Lott ISD, Academy ISD, Cameron ISD, and more.

The Central Texas Pathways Council is part of The Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) was launched in 2019 to support Governor Abbott’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, through which the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas Workforce Commission are working collaboratively to increase economic prosperity in Texas by linking education and industry. The Central Texas Pathways Council is funded by a grant that brings together leaders from diverse sectors including K–12 education, postsecondary institutions, employers, and community-based organizations. The Council is steadfast in its dedication to empowering individuals with competencies vital for success in lucrative, high-demand industries. Committed to its mission of creating pathways to success, the Central Texas Pathways Council ensures students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to flourish in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the Central Texas economy.