Local Central Texas Business Invest in Student’s Futures.
Temple ⎯ Don Ringler Automotive Group has seen a lot of changes since they started serving the Temple/Belton area in 1979. One of these changes is how sophisticated automobiles have become and the expertise it takes to service and maintain them. Finding skilled and technical employees is always a challenge in the current labor market so the Don Ringler Automotive Group, Toyota Motor Company, and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas have partnered to provide the latest in automotive tooling for the Temple Independent School District’s Automotive Technology Program. The program is part of the Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) initiative and will help to purchase equipment that addresses the training needs of Automotive Technology and prepare students to receive Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) industry certification.
“Over the past ten years, the Automotive Repair and Maintenance industry has grown by 6.3% with more than 1800 jobs in Central Texas and has average earnings of $42,300. This contribution will help our young people develop their skills and prepare for career success” said Charley Ayres, Director of Industry/Education Partnerships for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.
The grant includes the purchase of two (2) 72″ 22-Drawer Triple-Bank Masters Series Roll Cab tool kit assemblies that meet industry training standards and certification requirements. The equipment purchased is made possible using a $17,000 donation from Don Ringler Automotive Group and the Toyota Motor Company and leveraged matching funds of $16,500 from the Texas Workforce Commission. The grant will benefit students in the Career and Technical Education Program.
“The partnerships between public schools and employers are key to our future workforce. It is employers like the Don Ringler Automotive Group and Toyota Motor Company making a financial commitment that will benefit the students of Temple ISD and help develop a workforce pipeline for the employers of Central Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “We continue to implement strategies that help young Texans be workplace ready,” he added.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to weave our dealerships into the fabric of the surrounding communities. Supporting the training efforts of our future workforce through our public schools is a top priority for us, we are committed to helping young people learn the skills they need to be successful in life. It is just part of our commitment to being more than just a car dealership,” said Donnie Ringler, President of the Don Ringler Automotive Group.
A check presentation ceremony is scheduled at the Temple ISD School Board Meeting, 401 Santa Fe Way on June 14, 6:00 pm. The Texas Industry Partnership is a $1 million program that allows the local workforce board to apply for funds, to be matched by local industry partners, on behalf of workforce-related projects. Ideally, the funds are used to create occupational job training programs that will improve the skill sets of individuals for jobs in six designated industry clusters: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, information technology, petroleum refining, and energy.
