TSTC conducted an extensive job skills analysis in the development of the Texas Wind Energy Institute (TWEI) Wind Energy Certification Series. With the help of statewide industry experts, elements from the job skills analysis are being transcribed into skill standards format for recognition by the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB). With recognized skill standards, TSTC and the TSSB can promote and encourage a common curriculum of courses upon which to base technician training programs at community colleges all around the state.

A common curriculum of courses infused with industry-defined skill standards helps industry by giving employers a level of confidence that students coming out of participating colleges are trained in the skills industry has said they need in order to be successful on the job.

The skill standards are expected to be complete by the end of April, 2010, and presented to the Texas Skill Standards Board for review and formal recognition at its May 11, 2010 meeting.

Oil and Gas Production Technician
The Gulf Coast Process Technology Alliance (GCPTA) developed the Oil and Gas Production Technician skill standards in 2005 under a grant from the National Science Foundation. The Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) recognized the Oil and Gas Production Technician skill standards in November, 2005. TSSB policy requires that skill standards be reviewed and, if necessary, updated or amended every five years at a minimum to ensure their ongoing relevance and accuracy. The GCPTA has gathered a panel of experts from around the state who have reviewed the skill standards and made suggestions for additions and updates.

The changes are currently under review by the expert panel and the validation is expected to be complete by March 26, 2010. The updated skill standards will be presented to the TSSB for their review and formal recognition at its May 11, 2010 meeting.

Tell Us About Skill Standards Development Efforts in Texas – and Elsewhere!
Many workforce development efforts are occurring in Texas and elsewhere. The goal of some of these efforts is to determine the knowledge and skill requirements of employers, (both broad and specific occupational skills) so that training and education providers are better able to address employers needs through the creation of a pool of skilled graduates that are work-ready.

In an effort to facilitate information sharing among all stakeholders regarding initiatives and projects that identify employers’ knowledge and skill requirements, the TSSB is happy to post information about skill standards development projects on this web site. If you are involved in an initiative or a project, let us know!

Send us an e-mail with the following information:

• Your contact information
• The name, address, telephone and e-mail address of the contact for the skill standards development initiative/project
• Title of occupation or industry sector that is the focus of the initiative