Building the Future:
Workforce Development
at Odessa College
Our mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of high-growth sectors in the Permian Basin, fostering strong partnerships that fill essential jobs and drive economic growth in Odessa.
Bridging Education and Industry
The Workforce Center at Odessa College is is designed to align education with industry needs. It offers targeted programs and advanced training to create a direct pathway from the classroom to the workplace, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to the community and succeed in their careers.
High-Demand Occupations in the Permian Basin (2022-2040)
Our region is poised for substantial growth across various sectors, with an estimated 190,913 new jobs projected by 2040. The Workforce Building is strategically designed to address the specific needs of the following high-demand occupations:
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Service: 42,151 jobs
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​Transportation and Material Moving: 24,771 jobs​
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Construction and Extraction: 24,409 jobs
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Management, Business, and Finance: 21,348 jobs
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Sales and Related: 17,621 jobs
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Office and Administrative Support: 16,452 jobs
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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair: 10,987 jobs
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Computer, Engineering, and Science: 9,480 jobs
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Education, Legal, Community Service, Arts, and Media: 9,485 jobs
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Production: 7,584 jobs
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Healthcare Practitioners and Technical: 5,742 jobs
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Farming, Fishing, and Forestry: 883 jobs
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Total, All Occupations: 190,913 New and Replacement Jobs
Source: US Census Bureau 2022 ACS 5-Year​
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These numbers underscore the urgent need for educational programs that are directly tied to industry demands. Our Workforce Building is designed to provide students with the hands-on training and skills required to excel in these rapidly growing fields.
Why Education Matters:
Addressing the Gap
Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our community, yet the data reveals a significant gap in educational attainment:
16.6%
Ector County
Bachelor's Degree Attainment
32.2%
Texas
Bachelor's Degree Attainment
34.3%
United States
Bachelor's Degree Attainment
With Ector County lagging behind state and national averages, it is clear that there is a pressing need to elevate educational opportunities in our region. The Workforce Building is our response to this challenge, providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential and contributes to the economic vitality of Odessa.
Partnering for Success
Our Workforce Building is not only about education; it’s about collaboration. We are actively forming partnerships with local businesses and industries to ensure that our programs are relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with the skills employers need. By working together, we can create a robust workforce that meets the needs of our community and supports the growth of our local economy.
Building a Stronger Community
Together, we can build a future where education, industry, and opportunity come together to create a stronger, more prosperous Odessa.