Military Talent Pipeline to Include Business Development Center
by Jonathan Petty,
Director, Enrollment Marketing and Communications –
Texas A&M University–Central Texas is marching toward the start date to open the Military Talent Pipeline (MTP). The initiative is designed to expand the Texas workforce by assisting military-affiliated personnel and their families with training and credentialing in skilled professions. Additionally, the university plans to partner with the City of Killeen to establish an advanced manufacturing facility for small business development.
Known as The Forge, this business development center includes a maker’s space and classrooms for those pursuing the development and marketing of innovative products. The team expects to break ground in April with a small business development council in place by spring 2027.
Open for Enrollment
April also marks the date when the MTP will begin enrolling members. Director Scott Efflandt Ph.D., US Army-retired, said the MTP is designed to assist military personnel, veterans, and their families in moving from the military to the civilian job market in Texas. He said veterans possess many of the technical and soft skills needed to fill advanced positions, making them valuable to area employers.
“We want to prepare them to take highly skilled, in-demand jobs when they leave the military,” Efflandt said. “They already have high-demand skill sets by virtue of their military experience and with the right technical training and education, their resume goes from competitive to highly competitive. Certificates and stackable credentials provide ways to open employment doors.”
Focus on the Semiconductor Industry
The MTP will initially focus on the semiconductor industry that has emerged as a strategic imperative for the United States. Texas is rapidly becoming a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, increasing the demand for skilled labor.
The university is working with Major Talent and Semper Forward to develop career readiness and placement services at no cost to service members. These are veteran-owned businesses that only place those with military affiliation.
According to its website, Semper Forward is a “national network built to help the military community find their next.” Likewise, Major Talent connects potential employers with military members who have the qualifications to meet their employment needs.
Additionally, working with these organizations provides military-affiliated individuals a chance to advertise their portfolios to potential employers. This will build connections with companies committed to hiring veterans.
A $2 Million Commitment
The Texas legislature, through A&M–Central Texas, committed $2 million to starting the Pipeline. This includes initial investments in classrooms, training spaces, and necessary technology.
Efflandt said semiconductor manufacturing is just the tip of the iceberg for the MTP. Future training options will include:
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- STEM education
- Criminal justice
“Our goal is to help military-affiliated people identify what fits their skill set, then work toward the credentials and degrees they need to be successful,” Efflandt said.
Partners with Temple College
A&M–Central Texas and Temple College are developing a bachelor’s degree program in advanced manufacturing. While preferred credentials provide for entry into a growing industry, a bachelor’s degree enables upward career mobility. Currently, Temple College offers advanced manufacturing certificates tailored to the semiconductor industry. A&M–Central Texas is developing academic pathways that will lead to a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Advanced Manufacturing. The BAAS recognizes workplace competencies for credit and enables companies to develop their workforces for internal advancement.
