The Alamo Academies program has developed one of the most successful models in the U.S. in integrating the courses and industry-recognized credentials offered by the national Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) into their for-credit academic curriculum. The Alamo Academies program is a model of the kind of community-wide strategy that, in MSSC’s experience, provides the best framework for successful MSSC implementation.  

The manufacturing program, established in 2003, is an educational partnership between the Alamo Colleges, San Antonio and area cities, secondary high schools, local business and industry, the San Antonio Manufacturers Association, regional Workforce Investment Board and Economic Development offices.  MSSC courses that help students prepare for the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT®) credentials are integrated into both for-credit and non-credit courses for participating high school and community college students. 

Support from area employers is notable. Companies offer summer internships to high school students between their junior and senior years. The internship is a paid full-time, eight-week-long position. Participating companies include Toyota, Toyotetsu, and PSI – Pressure Systems International. A good example is Toyota’s use of MSSC which includes:

• A requirement that all high school students participating in the junior internship first secure a CPT Safety Credential
• A requirement that all high school students participating in senior year internship also secure a CPT Quality Practices & Measurement Credential
• Added employment consideration for students who continue at the postsecondary level to secure CPT Manufacturing Process & Production and Maintenance Awareness Credentials
• Support for MSSC credentials as a good foundation for students who want to seek additional “stackable” national credentials at Alamo Colleges

As part of this community-wide collaborative, school districts provide transportation for high schoolers, and the two-year Alamo Colleges provide textbooks through AlamoBooks+, MSSC-authorized Instructors and MSSC Centers. Graduates enrolled in the Alamo Academies Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Academy receive a high school diploma, a Level I Certificate after their Junior year (Industrial Maintenance Assistant), a Level 1 Certificate after their senior year (Production Tool Operator/Maintenance Associate or Manufacturing Maintenance Associate). Students enrolled in one of the additional 4 Academies also earn various Level I Certifications, industry-recognized credentials, and/ or Occupational Skills Awards, depending on the Academy. Academies provide opportunities to volunteer within the community, to participate in the Ambassador program, attend professional development workshops, and attend various community events within their field of study.   

The success of the Alamo Academies is also a powerful tool for economic development. The Regional Economic Development Office uses the Academies program as a strong argument for companies to locate in the San Antonio area.  

The Alamo Academies are succeeding in increasing the available pool of skilled entry-level technicians for local industries, and the MSSC CPT training and credentialing program is proving an effective tool in strengthening that success. For more about the Alamo Academies visit www.alamo.edu/alamo-academies or contact Associate Director Monica Garcia, mbaiza@alamo.edu or (210) 485-0804.

Alamo Success Stories

Alamo Academies provided me such an amazing opportunity and a perfect gateway to start my legacy doing something I love. With the guidance and support of Alamo Academies staff and the support I received getting into TXFame I am able to pursue my dream career and start that career at an early age. I will be forever thankful for these opportunities. 

Aydan Mendiola, Alamo Academies CO 24, TXFame CO 26

Toyotetsu is proud to support students through a variety of life-changing work-based learning opportunities. Our high school internship program is a great way for students to be immersed in a work environment that directly correlates to their selected pathway. Not only does this experience teach valuable transferable technical skills but these students are supported through our holistic approach of training on professional behaviors such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and problem solving. We feel this well-rounded approach to our program better prepares students for the next step in their journey, such as the TX FAME AMT apprenticeship program which will launch the student into their career in advanced manufacturing.

Toyotetsu Texas - Vice President of Administration

TX FAME Alamo Chapter - President 

The Alamo Academies and Texas Fame programs have had a tremendous impact on my life and career since very early on in my high school days. The respective programs helped me develop a lot of interpersonal skills as a young teen such as good presentational skills, how to communicate in a professional environment, how to network/ keep a good social profile, and how to work well in a team setting. I’ve developed many skills which include problem solving, financial management, and how to stay safe in my working environment. I also learned many technical/trade skills that have helped to boost my career in the manufacturing field far beyond my years of experience.

One of the most important things I learned from the programs is how to optimize the use of my resources, and by doing so I am on the path to a very successful career without the added stresses of debt and job availability. The direct linking of the two programs made my transition smoothly into my career and even now so many doors have opened for me since graduation. The best part is being an Academies Alumni and TXFame Alumni is that both programs make it easier to network with many people in and outside of my company. I am glad to get opportunities like this to share with others how the programs have helped me because not a lot of young people, women especially, interested in a STEM career know about these amazing opportunities that help you to get on the path to a lifetime of success.

Leila Lewis, Alamo Academies CO 22, TXFame CO 25; Current Toytota Employee: Skilled Maintenance Team Member at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas