BISD Announces BISD BEYOND Program and Partnership with MSTI and BSC to Commence CTE Month 2024
As part of the celebration of CTE Month, Brazosport ISD is excited to unveil a new program in collaboration with Merit Shop Training Inc (MSTI) and Brazosport Safety Council (BSC). This groundbreaking initiative aims to better train, equip, and develop the future construction and petrochemical workforce through Career & Technical Education (CTE).
The program title, “BISD BEYOND,” stands for “Building and Expanding Youth Opportunities in a New Direction.” It aims to provide CTE students with the necessary skills for full-time employment within the construction and petrochemical industry and provide post-secondary educational and training opportunities. “This effort aligns perfectly with the mission of Brazosport ISD to graduate each student to be future ready,” said Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey. “We are proud of the work of our dedicated staff preparing our students and for our industry partners providing their support.”
BISD Director of Alternative Funding Aaron Ennis stated, “BISD is excited to expand our partnership with BSC and MSTI. We have worked closely with both organizations on workforce development, safety initiatives, and outreach programs that greatly benefit Career & Technical Education students. Initiatives such as the BCPC Career Signing Day, ABC Construction Exhibition and Safety Education Team (SET) have proven to be instrumental in generating interest and supporting the growth of our CTE students seeking careers in the construction and petrochemical industries. Through the generous support of our BISD CTE Major Giving Campaign Investors, we are able to offer a wide range of opportunities for BISD CTE students currently enrolled and previous graduates working within the construction and petrochemical fields. This is a “first of its kind” program that will only grow with time and help provide CTE growth and skilled labor to our construction and petrochemical community.”
While CTE students are still enrolled in courses at BISD, the BEYOND Program will encompass the new Helper Orientation Program (HOP) through Merit Shop Training, Inc covering basic tool functions, safety, and soft skills. By applying for the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC) Career Signing Day, BISD students will receive Basic Orientation Plus, Safety Essentials, Spotter/Flagger, Fire Watch, and Confined Space training through the Brazosport Safety Council (BSC). The BEYOND Program will also cover various craft areas such as scaffolding and other soft crafts, bolt-up, and flange assembly, with each student receiving a TWIC card upon graduation.
“Merit Shop Training, Inc is excited to strengthen our partnership with BISD by expanding the programs offered to students. It is important for us to cultivate new ways to drive students into our thriving and lucrative industry. We aim to deeply develop their skills which can better the students' future for generations to come while reinvesting in our ABC members so they continue to have access to a local, safe, and qualified workforce.” said Theresa Cravey, Director of Education at ABC Texas Gulf Coast.
“I’m thrilled Brazosport Safety Council has this opportunity to partner with the BISD and BEYOND Program. When we all work together in supporting our students it’s amazing what they can accomplish. A little encouragement and financial support can go a long way toward starting a career,” said Ron Speir, BSC Operations Manager.
Post graduation, CTE students who have applied for and are accepted into the BCPC Career Signing Day Program will be eligible for a graduation package that will provide funding for footwear, apparel, food, and gasoline to assist the students with items needed to help them start their careers.
Current CTE students who have applied for the BCPC Career Signing Day Program and those who have previously applied dating back to 2019 will be eligible for the certification and tuition reimbursement at Merit Shop Training Inc and Brazosport College. The certification portion of the BEYOND Program will fund two knowledge-based certifications through MSTI and provide a $1,000 credit and tuition reimbursement to Brazosport College covering various fields and pathways such as instrumentation, electrical, millwright, pipefitting, carpentry, drafting, safety (CSST), drafting, construction management, etc.
“We are blessed to live in an area with an industry that believes in investing and developing our future workforce. As a school district, we want to wisely utilize those investments to help grow our students, including providing them support and resources before and after graduation, which is what the BEYOND program does” stated BISD Executive Director, Jessie Jennings.
