WSNCT and BPBP Unveil Mobile Career Showcase

Be Pro Be Proud and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas Announce a First-Of-Its-Kind Texas Mobile Career Showcase to Help Build the Technical Talent Pipeline Employers Need

Meta Commits $300,000 to the Mobile Career Showcase Launch

Be Pro Be Proud, Inc., (BPBP) and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) today announced an innovative workforce development initiative – the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Career Showcase (MCS). This approach, the first-of-its-kind in Texas, will help build a skilled Texas talent pipeline for employers by providing individuals with an immersive experience with the in-demand and high-wage occupations available in the state. Meta (formerly the Facebook Company) has committed $300,000 to support the MCS.

Using virtual reality and simulation stations, the Be Pro Be Proud MCS expands awareness and understanding of technical career pathways that require a high school diploma and some additional technical training but not a four-year college degree. More than half of the jobs in Texas require technical skills, but only 45 percent of residents have technical training.

“Texas is a magnet for innovative companies in every industry, and more Fortune 500 companies establish their headquarters here than anywhere else in the nation,” stated Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission. “It is imperative that we use creative workforce development initiatives like the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Career Showcase to continue building our world-class talent pipeline and equip our workforce with all the technical skills necessary to meet the needs of our Texas employers now and in the future.”

BPBP and WSNCT are joined by the TEXO Foundation; Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, Texas State Technical and North Central Technical community colleges; Texas Economic Development Council; Meta, Hillwood and Texas AirSystems; and other organizations in bringing this turnkey solution to Texas.

The MCS is housed in a 78-foot, custom-built unit outfitted with leading-edge technology that provides realistic interaction with in-demand occupations in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, transportation and other sectors. The MCS experience is ideally suited for youth and young adult career exploration, and directly connects them to employers and education or training providers that match their career interests.

“The Be Pro Be Proud MCS shows students the path from the classroom to a career and the steps in between that will maximize their opportunity to achieve success,” explained Andrew Parker, Executive Director of Be Pro Be Proud, Inc. “Through the creation of an intersection of students, training providers and employers, we’re impacting the workforce of tomorrow.”

Once launched, the Be Pro Be Proud MCS will serve as the pilot for a potential statewide initiative, traveling initially to Independent School Districts, college campuses and other locations throughout the North Central Texas area before visiting select locations throughout the state. BPBP and WSNCT estimate that more than 45,000 Texas students could experience the MCS within its first two years of operation alone.

Phedra Redifer, Executive Director of WSNCT, said, “WSNCT is known for its innovative approach to workforce development and our ability to understand the economic, business and demographic data trends that forecast where industry needs and skills are headed. The MCS and our partnership with Be Pro Be Proud are examples of that strategic insight and show what we can accomplish through the collaborative power of workforce, industry and education. When we all work together, we can keep the great state of Texas the best place to live, learn and work.”

Individuals and organizations can tour a Be Pro Be Proud trailer at AT&T Stadium on Friday, October 6, 2023 during the YTexas Summit Event from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Businesses, colleges, training providers, economic development corporations or other organizations interested in becoming a Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Career Showcase partner should submit an interest form.

About Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas leads the way in developing today’s workforce and anticipating the occupations and skills needed for tomorrow. We transform business, lives and communities in our 14-county region through strategic workforce planning, talent development programs and a network of academic, industry and economic partners. The organization serves Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell and Wise counties. For more information on WSNCT and its services, please visit www.dfwjobs.com.

About Be Pro Be Proud, Inc.

Be Pro Be Proud seeks to change America’s perception of technical professions, and lead students on pathways toward these well-paid and fulfilling careers. A multi-level approach attracts students and young adults to technical careers through exciting simulation experiences and connects them to post-secondary opportunities and engaged employers. Learn more at www.beprobeproud.org.