Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines
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RSS Feed In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn talks with Alan Clipperton, Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement at LeTourneau University. Alan shares how the university supports industry in East Texas through technical education, hands-on projects, and workforce development. He breaks down how LeTourneau partners with local businesses for applied learning and senior design projects, giving students practical experience while addressing real-world business challenges. The conversation also covers the process of moving university-driven intellectual property from ideas to commercial ventures, and the timelines and complexities involved.
The discussion highlights the importance of personal motivation alongside technical skills, reflecting on changes in the workforce, and the evolving role of technology and automation in education and industry. Alan outlines ways businesses can engage with LeTourneau to find solutions for their workforce or technical needs and points out how the university’s approach aligns with the diverse industries in the Kilgore area. The episode wraps up with the significance of building closer relationships between the university, the economic development corporations, and local businesses to leverage regional growth and talent development.
Key Topics Discussed:
- LeTourneau University’s role in supporting local industry
- Partnering with businesses through education, applied learning, and senior design projects
- Managing intellectual property and entrepreneurship at the university
- The impact of work ethic and motivation in workforce development
- Adapting to rapid industry changes and new technologies
- Collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
- Opportunities for businesses to connect with LeTourneau for workforce and technical needs
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About the Gone to Texas Podcast
Gone to Texas is the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection, hosted by "Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD.
We share real stories from business owners, CEOs, economic developers, and community leaders about relocating, expanding, and growing a business in Texas.
If you are researching where to expand your company in Texas, our conversations can help you understand the people, places, and business conditions behind successful Texas growth decisions.
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Gone to Texas explores topics including Texas business expansion and relocation, economic development, manufacturing, workforce, infrastructure, available business sites, community development, incentives, quality of life, and the real-world decisions companies make when choosing where to grow.
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