The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has identified a pressing issue affecting various industries.
“When I speak with our members, whether they’re large corporations like airlines, engineering firms, or local businesses like the brake shop down the street, the biggest challenge they all face is workforce and talent—specifically, attracting and retaining skilled workers across the board,” said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber.
This challenge is particularly relevant for major employers such as American Airlines, BNSF, and Trinity Metro, as highlighted by the Chamber.
To address this issue, they have established the Automotive Task Force, led by Brendan Harrington, president of Autobahn Fort Worth. The task force aims to bridge the gap between students, educational institutions, and businesses, offering opportunities such as internships and job placements.
“We’re creating brochures to inform parents and students about the steps they can take and what to expect from various local businesses. We want to show them the path to a rewarding career,” explained Harrington.
Both Harrington and Montgomery emphasized that many students are unaware of the high-paying jobs available with their specialized skills.
“They might have an interest in automotive careers, but they often don’t realize the breadth of industries they could enter, from airlines to engineering,” Montgomery added.
The task force also plans to ensure that students and schools have access to the latest tools and technologies. They are launching a pilot program in partnership with Fort Worth ISD starting this upcoming school year and collaborating with Tarrant County College, which already offers a two-year automotive service technology degree.
Orlando Grijalva, an instructor with 16 years of experience, underscored the program’s focus on teaching internal combustion engines, electrical components, and other essential skills that are transferable across various sectors.
“We’re preparing our students to work not just on cars but on generators, machinery, and more,” Grijalva said, emphasizing the importance of valuing these technical skills in the workforce.
Harrington acknowledged that automotive technicians have historically faced misconceptions about their profession.
“It’s a role that’s often misunderstood. Today, it’s not only highly skilled but also well-compensated,” he noted.
One student, Ivan Glenn, enrolled in Tarrant County College’s automotive program to advance his skills beyond self-taught knowledge from YouTube.
“YouTube can only take you so far. I wanted formal education to learn more,” Glenn shared, expressing his aspirations to apply his skills at prestigious companies like Mercedes or BMW.
Montgomery outlined the Chamber’s plans to expand the task force’s reach by engaging more businesses.
“We want to raise awareness about this program so that businesses will voluntarily join us at the table, eager to participate,” he explained.
Harrington added, “It’s a win-win situation because local employers need skilled workers, and young students need a clear path to success right here in our community.”
