Workforce development efforts in the Texas Forest Country are bolstered by the presence of higher education institutions that offer a range of degree and certificate programs.
Those courses of study prepare students for four-year college, and provide career-ready skills and training for those entering the work world and those already in it.
The institutions are key components of the region’s economic development efforts, working with business and government to provide programs, courses and specialized training that meet the needs of new and existing employers.
With an enrollment of 1,800, Panola College in Carthage serves a four-county area that includes Panola and Shelby counties. The college, founded in 1949, offers courses and programs in disciplines ranging from math, science and physical education to allied health fields, such as nursing and emergency medical response, information technology, teaching, industrial technology, petroleum technology and welding.
The college’s Workforce and Economic Development Department offers a number of continuing education courses that let workplace professionals keep their skills and certifications current.
Angelina College, with an enrollment of nearly 5,000, serves a 12-county region at its 200-acre main campus in Lufkin and at off-campus teaching centers at high schools and other facilities throughout the region.
The college has certificate and degree programs in six main divisions, including business, health care, and technology and workforce, that offer course tracks ranging from accounting to machine tool technology to nursing to welding.
Angelina’s Community Services Division offers individuals, businesses, industries and nonprofits job and contract training, retraining, upgrading, licensing and certification services.
A Small Business Development Center based at the college provides consulting and technical services to aid entrepreneurs.
