From Classroom to Career: Bastrop Students on the Fast Track to the Workforce

Setting kids up to enjoy fruitful careers once they complete high school is a community-wide effort in Bastrop, TX. Area stakeholders from local businesses, Bastrop Independent School District (ISD) and Bastrop Economic Development Corporation collaborate to develop internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and a general path to employment by investing in young, local skilled workers in the making.

ISD programs like Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) and Career & Technical Ed (CTE) provide students with applicable hands-on instruction and real-world experience. 

“We have so much community support,” said Raina Ellis, Director of College, Career & Military Readiness at Bastrop ISD. “We work with the Chamber of Commerce, Bastrop EDC and others who are an important part of this. Our local business partners understand this is their pipeline to an available workforce, so they’re very willing to partner with us.”

Technology pathways

Currently, students can apply to two distinct PTECH academies, one at Bastrop High School and the other at Cedar Creek High School. Beyond the internships, each is designed to assist students with study aid and the minutiae of filling out paperwork and applications.

“PTECH is life-changing,” Ellis said. “It changes the total trajectory for kids, to get out there and see what education, working hard through four years of high school and then potentially being able to go on and complete a degree can do. 

Cedar Creek High School’s Advanced Manufacturing program spans freshmen through senior years and results in a Production Technician Certification and Level One Credentials in partnership with Austin Community College (ACC).

Bastrop High School’s program is a state-of-the-art Health Science Academy in partnership with ACC. Successful completion results in a Pharmacy Technician Certification and Level One Credentials.

Bastrop ISD’s PTECH programs are relatively new. It just graduated its inaugural four-year class, with 10 students completing the health and science course and 11 in advanced manufacturing.

Local businesses firmly back both programs. Students receive internships and a path to employment after completing their studies. Bastrop High’s students work with Acutronic, Dovetail Custom Wood & Metal, Tesla and others, while Cedar Creek sets its students up with St. David’s Health Care, Ascension Seton and local pharmacies.

“The programs are a particularly good match for students who may not want a four-year university, “ said Ellis. “The opportunities are perfect for those who want to do something with their hands and get to work.”

Hands-on CTE

Another staple of Bastrop ISD is its CTE programs, with 15 programs of study offered at both area high schools. At Bastrop High, students interested in working on cars have access to a brand-new auto shop and partnerships with local automotive businesses.

Bastrop ISD is also working to partner with its Maintenance & Operations wing, allowing interested students to assist with local projects. These experiences will prepare students to pursue high-wage, high-skill and in-demand jobs.

“We’re looking for ways to give students those work-based learning opportunities with real hands-on experience within the school day,” Ellis said. 

Encouraging Growth

After an exciting first year, PTECH’s popularity is evident, with enrollment exceeding 30 in the sophomore class. The graduating seniors proved to be great messengers and examples to their younger program mates.

“We have our seniors talk with the freshmen and sophomores, to reassure them that while it may not be easy, it’ll definitely be worth it,” said Ellis. “The mentoring and advising play a huge role in ensuring we get them across the finish line.”

Workforce Development, Team Effort

Bastrop EDC Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion (BARE) Manager Dori Kelley has helped build momentum in the programs, ensuring a strong partnership between key businesses, the community and its high school.

“Kelley has been the bridge between the community and school district,” said Ellis. “As soon as there’s a new potential partner or community event, she puts us in contact with them. Having her for the last year has set us in motion to go much faster than we had been previously.”

Bastrop EDC reminds the community that supporting efforts to connect students and local businesses offers benefits well into the future. Contact Bastrop Economic Development Corporation for more information on youth workforce development programs.