Garland ISD and the Chamber Partner for Manufacturing Excellence

Garland ISD and the
Chamber Partner for
Manufacturing Excellence
The Garland Chamber of Commerce is proud to
partner with Garland ISD’s Gilbreath-Reed Career
and Technical Center (GRCTC) in a shared mission to
strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline. Through
this collaboration, students gain technical expertise,
professional skills, and valuable real-world experience
that prepare them for high-demand careers in modern
manufacturing.
In the 2024–25 school year, more than 900 students,
representing more than 11% of Garland ISD’s Career
and Technical Education population, enrolled in
manufacturing-related programs, with growing
interest in engineering, robotics, electrical systems
and metal fabrication.
GRCTC’s curriculum combines hands-on technical
training with professional development, allowing
students to earn industry-recognized certi昀椀cations
such as Certi昀椀ed Manufacturing Associate, NCCER
Core, and AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding.
Partnerships with local manufacturers provide
students with internships, apprenticeships, and
capstone projects, bridging classroom learning with
industry application. Through employer advisory
boards and facility tours, GRCTC ensures that its
programs stay aligned with current workforce needs.
To help overcome challenges such as transportation
and scheduling barriers, GRCTC collaborates with
Dallas College and Workforce Solutions of Greater
Dallas to provide career guidance and employment
support.
Looking ahead, GRCTC is expanding its o昀昀erings to
include a Diesel Technology program and additional
certi昀椀cations that re昀氀ect the future of manufacturing
in automation, robotics and sustainable production.
Together, Garland ISD and the chamber are creating
pathways for students to pursue high-skill, high-wage
careers while building a stronger, more innovative
regional workforce.
DCMA Business Journal Page 18
“Strong partnerships with
local manufacturers are
central to our success.
吀栀ey help us align our
training with current
workforce needs and
provide students with
invaluable real-world
experience.”
— Carmen Blakey, Director of Career & Technical
Education, Garland ISD

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