The Construction Source America

City of Victoria, Tx | 11 Those relationships not only involve forc- es of government, but also those who work in education and are tasked with the respon- sibility of training workforce. Fowler says Post-secondary education is critical. “You have to have a labor force, but that doesn’t just mean having people - there has to be an ability to train them,” he says. Again, Victo- ria has several advantages on this front. For example, University of Houston-Victoria campus which once only served as a school for upper classmen has transitioned to a full-fledged four-year school. To accommo- date increasing student enrollments, the university has converted two former hotels into dorm facilities in addition to the con- struction of new dorms, and Fowler says as the school brings more young people into the community, there is increasing potential that some may actually stay upon finishing school, thereby adding to the workforce. Another exciting development involves the near century old institution known as Victoria College. A long time partner with local business through its providing of voca- tional training and certifications crucial in a range of industries, the EDC along with other community leaders secured a deal that is now enabling Victoria College to develop a new industrial training center that will be