oey Gomez
MCALLEN, TEXAS – The South Texas College Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) is set to introduce an innovative new program in supply chain automation within the logistics industry thanks to aTexas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Grant.
The grant has allowed the college to develop and launch a new 416-hour Certified Technician in Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) program by summer 2025.
The noncredit program is geared toward those who are unemployed and seeking opportunities. It is designed to equip participants with the technical skills needed to enter high-demand occupations in the region including maintenance and repair workers and mechanics and repairers.
“CATA continues to focus on meeting regional workforce needs by targeting unemployed individuals, while also supporting incumbent workers and high school students with industry-driven training,” said CATA director Leonel Garcia. “Through this grant, CATA aims to expand access to high-quality workforce training, strengthen industry partnerships and help individuals gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market.”
Through the grant, CATA will launch two cohorts of the CT-SCA program that will provide intensive, hands-on training and job placement support for at least 16 participants.
The program will consist of classroom instruction and lab-based training using STC’s advanced Amatrol Skill Boss Logistics system that will be utilized by the students for hands-on training and testing.
STC faculty are currently undergoing certification training to become authorized instructors for the new equipment.
“We are looking forward to providing new skills to those students who are eager to enter a career in automation, which is rapidly growing within the distribution sector in our region,” said CATA project training specialist Juan Rabanales, who will also be coordinating the program. “We are providing highly technical skills that companies are looking for through this program, and these companies will then help us place these students in jobs once they get their certifications.”
Upon completion of the six-month program, participants will then earn two nationally recognized certifications from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) including a certificate in Equipment Maintenance (CT-SCA EM) and Equipment Repair (CT-SCA ER).
“The program has been made to prepare technicians to install, operate, support, upgrade and maintain automated material handling equipment and systems which support the supply chain,” Rabanales said. “We are excited to bring this new opportunity for students in the Rio Grande Valley.”
For more information about the upcoming supply chain training program contact Juan Rabanales at 956-872-6141 or email at jrabanal@southtexascollege.edu.
