One of Texas’ two U.S. senators recently visited West Campus to talk about the importance of the free carpentry program.
Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, spoke with students and instructors of the Rebuild Texas Carpentry Skills Training Program on Aug. 30.
The 10-week program teaches students everything they need to know to be carpenters once they enter the workforce. The goal of the program is to provide more skilled workers in the industry and to help in the rebuilding of the Coastal Bend after Hurricane Harvey. The program is made possible and free to students by an $879,000 grant from the Rebuild Texas Fund.
“We need the trained people and certainly when it comes to rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Harvey,” Cornyn said.
Rebecca Ayala, a student , enrolled in the program, shared her story during a round-table meeting with Cornyn.
“When the hurricane hit I went around the streets of Rockport and Aransas Pass and saw the devastation; it touched my heart.” Ayala said. “And now to have that hope that I can help somebody because of this program…”
Cornyn said the program has potential to grow.
“From what I have seen this is a great program and one I think could well be a good model for other parts of the country” Cornyn said.
Rockport Mayor Patrick Rios, who attended the round-table meeting with Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb, said the program is good for Rockport.
“This gives our people some hope, some training and the ability to get a good job and build a future. This is probably the best example of Texans helping Texans that I have seen in a long, long time” Rios said.
To sign up for the program or for more information call Del Mar’s Continuing Education Department at 361-698-1328 or visit in person at the Center For Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St.
Check out the gallery below for Foghorn News photographer Charlie Blalock’s photos from the event.
