Building a Stronger Coastal Bend: TEEX and Goodwill Industries of South Texas Join Forces to Transform Workforce Opportunities
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and Goodwill Industries of South Texas (Goodwill South Texas) are collaborating to connect people to meaningful careers, fill critical workforce gaps and build stronger, more resilient communities in the Coastal Bend region. Together, the organizations are changing lives and strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
For more than 77 years, Goodwill South Texas has lived by the mission “changing lives through the power of work.” With 22 retail locations and a network of Job Connections Centers across 20 counties, Goodwill South Texas provides job placement assistance, career counseling and resume support to thousands of individuals each year.
“We believe work is more than just a paycheck; it’s a pathway to independence, dignity and opportunity,” said Rachel Loera, vice president of mission services for Goodwill South Texas. “For many people in our region, the biggest barrier is a lack of access to training that leads to sustainable, good-paying jobs. That’s where TEEX comes in.”
With more than 2,000 courses offered worldwide each year, TEEX equips over 200,000 learners annually with the skills needed to succeed in fields such as public safety, cybersecurity, water and wastewater operations, occupational safety, heavy equipment operations and advanced manufacturing.
Through this collaboration, participants can transition from job search assistance to training and certification, often without leaving their community. Goodwill Job Connections Centers provide career coaches, internet access and online learning, while other training is delivered at TEEX training sites or in partnership with local employers.
TEEX’s collaboration with Goodwill South Texas focuses on the needs of employers and job seekers in the Coastal Bend. “We’re not just teaching technical skills; we’re helping people build careers that support their families and strengthen their communities,” said Lisa Mutchler, director of TEEX’s economic workforce development and cyber solutions division.
“This model removes barriers,” Loera explained. “Someone might walk into a Goodwill Job Connections Center to get help writing a resume, and within weeks, they’re enrolled in a TEEX training program that could qualify them for a higher-paying job. That’s life-changing.”
For employers, the benefits are equally clear. Industries across Texas are facing acute workforce shortages. By aligning training with real-world needs, TEEX and Goodwill South Texas are helping close that gap.
The partnership’s impact extends beyond the workplace. Participants who secure employment often see improvements in housing stability, family income and overall quality of life. Meanwhile, the region benefits from a stronger, more resilient workforce ready to meet future challenges.
As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, the need for innovative workforce solutions will only intensify. TEEX and Goodwill South Texas are already exploring opportunities to expand their joint offerings. They’re also working with local industry to ensure that training programs continue to align with evolving workforce needs.
“The reality is that Texas’s economic success depends on people, and people need pathways to participate in that success,” Mutchler said. “By working together, TEEX and Goodwill South Texas are building those pathways.”
“Workforce development is not just about filling jobs,” Loera said. “It’s about building lives. It’s about ensuring that the people of South Texas have the skills, support and confidence to succeed. And thanks to this relationship, that’s exactly what’s happening.”
About TEEX:
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in emergency response training, workforce training and technical assistance. TEEX disciplines include Fire and Emergency Services, Infrastructure and Safety, Law Enforcement and Protective Services, and Business and Cyber Solutions. In 2024, TEEX trained more than 225,000 participants from every U.S. state and territory and 124 countries worldwide.
About Goodwill South Texas:
Goodwill Industries of South Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives through the power of work. Serving 20 counties, Goodwill provides job training, employment placement and career support services to thousands of Texans annually.
Distributed by:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Vita Vaughn | Director of Marketing and Communications/CMO
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