Alamo Colleges District Introduces Alamo Technical Institute

New institute creates a single point of access to short-term workforce training while helping employers close critical skills gaps

The Alamo Colleges District today introduced Alamo Technical Institute (ATI), a unified gateway to workforce opportunity designed to connect more residents to fast, affordable and career-aligned training while helping employers build the skilled workforce needed to meet growing regional demand.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Alamo Colleges District ACCESS Building, where district leaders, workforce partners, faculty, staff and students gathered to celebrate a major step forward in expanding access to short-term credentials, industry certifications and high-demand career pathways.

For the first time in Alamo Colleges history, ATI will offer a single point of access for acquiring short-term credentials. 

“At the Alamo Colleges District, we know our region’s growth must translate into real economic mobility for the people who call San Antonio home,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “ATI is a streamlined path to in-demand careers, built around the realities of today’s learners, many of whom are working adults balancing jobs, families and responsibilities. ATI will give learners a clearer, and accessible way forward while giving employers a stronger pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the needs of our growing economy.”

ATI is designed to serve working adults who want to make a change, upgrade their skills or move into more lucrative careers. Through ATI, learners will have access to centralized intake and advising, skills assessments, career navigation, streamlined enrollment and coordinated access to funding, including Adult Education and Literacy, SA Ready to Work, Workforce Pell, and other support programs.”

The institute’s one-stop shop model includes personal success coaches who guide learners from start to finish, helping them navigate program options, funding resources and next steps toward employment or continued education. Learners can access short-term training, industry certifications, GED and ESL pathways, stackable credentials and pathways into degree programs or careers.

The launch of ATI comes at a pivotal moment for workforce education. The demand for fast, affordable and career-aligned training is at an all-time high, with federal Workforce Pell Grants on the horizon and employers across key industries facing persistent talent shortages. 

For employers, ATI provides a more direct way to partner with the Alamo Colleges on custom training solutions, certifications and management training. Many programs are available at no cost for eligible learners. 

ATI builds on the district’s nationally recognized student success work, including AlamoADVISE, AlamoPROMISE and wraparound support services that help learners complete credentials and move into the workforce. It also advances the district’s moonshot of ending poverty in the region through education and training.

To learn more about ATI, visit alamo.edu/ati

TWC Awards expands workforce training partnership with Toyotetsu Texas and John B. Sanfilippo & Son

In addition to introducing ATI, the Alamo Colleges District announced two Skills Development Fund awards from the Texas Workforce Commission, presented by Chairman Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers. Together, the awards will support incumbent worker training for Toyotetsu Texas Inc. and John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., helping employees gain the advanced skills needed to support critical industries in the region.

“The Texas Workforce Commission is proud to partner with Alamo Colleges District and local industry leaders to empower the San Antonio workforce,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “By investing in specialized training for high-demand fields like robotics and advanced manufacturing, we are ensuring that Texans have the skills needed to excel in rewarding careers while helping our local employers remain competitive.” 

Through a $192,910 Skills Development Fund grant, Alamo Colleges District will partner with Toyotetsu Texas Inc. to upskill 151 existing employees. Located in San Antonio, Toyotetsu Texas manufactures automotive safety performance parts, including critical body skeletal parts, brake pedals and functional parts for Toyota’s Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant. The customized training program will support technicians, production associates, and supervisors as the company continues to operate a highly advanced production facility that relies on metal stamping, welding, automation, robotics, and other advanced industrial equipment.

Alamo Colleges District will also partner with John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. through a $13,268 Skills Development Fund grant to upskill seven existing employees. JBSS, an internationally recognized leader in the snack food industry known for its Fisher brand, operates a pecan shelling facility in Selma that employs more than 200 people. Through a combination of formalized training with Alamo Colleges District and on-the-job training, JBSS employees will gain foundational skills needed to qualify for senior-level roles and support continued success in the food production industry.

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