Preparing students for rewarding careers and helping local businesses find the skilled workers they need will be at the center of the Career and Technical Education Town Hall: Connect, Learn & Network, set for Sept. 30 at Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus.The event will bring together students, families, educators and local business leaders for a conversation about the value of career and technical education (CTE) and its role in preparing students for careers in the Texas Panhandle.

Amarillo College will expand welding training, create new workforce credentials and strengthen industry partnerships thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.The two-year Texas Invests in Meaningful Employment (TIME) grant will support the College's Industry and Skilled Trades programs at East Campus, with a focus on stainless steel and aluminum welding, curriculum enhancements, faculty development and student support.