Our Vision
We envision a future where rural and underserved youth in Central Texas move seamlessly from high school graduation into high‑demand careers in semiconductor and space manufacturing, industries Governor Abbott has identified as the rapidly advancing frontier shaping Texas’s leadership. We call on industry leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions to join us in building the talent pipelines required to meet projected workforce needs. Together, we can fuel statewide prosperity, generate millions in long‑term wages, reduce onboarding costs through ready‑to‑hire graduates, advance economic‑inclusion goals, and strengthen innovation corridors across Texas, creating a shared legacy of opportunity and growth.
The Challenge
Texas stands at a crossroads. COVID‑19 didn’t just disrupt supply chains — it exposed how fragile the USA’s manufacturing foundation has become. The pandemic revealed a hard truth: the nation no longer produces enough of its own essential goods, and the skilled workforce that once powered industry is rapidly disappearing.
As aerospace, semiconductor, and space manufacturing accelerate, the talent pipeline is breaking down:
- 1 in 3 semiconductor workers and nearly 30% of aerospace workers are already over 55.
- Early retirements surged across all skilled trades during COVID.
- Training pipelines stalled while industry demand skyrocketed.
- Texas faces 150,000+ new jobs by 2036, with 40,000–50,000 roles at risk of going unfilled.
Projected Unfilled Roles
|
Sector |
By 2030 |
By 2035 |
|
Semiconductor |
15,000–20,000 |
25,000–30,000 |
|
Aerospace |
10,000–15,000 |
20,000–25,000 |
|
Space |
8,000–12,000 |
15,000–20,000 |
The Texas Space Commission warns of a major workforce shortage by 2030. This is more than a skills gap — it’s a talent collapse that threatens Texas’ economic leadership and the USA’s industrial independence.