Praxair, Brazosport College partner to expand workforce development program

A Praxair representative talks to local high school students during a recent kickoff event for Praxair’s Skills Pipeline program at Brazosport College.

Local high school students tour the BCPC Welding Technologies Lab at Brazosport College during a recent kickoff event for Praxair’s Skills Pipeline program. The event was hosted by Brazosport College.

Praxair, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Linde plc, recently announced it will collaborate with Brazosport College to further expand its Skills Pipeline workforce development program.

Praxair’s latest gift of $185,000 will cover the cost of tuition and welding equipment for 50 students. Graduates will earn welding certificates and college credits. Additionally, the Skills Pipeline program includes career-readiness content from Praxair, funding for instructorships and professional development.

The program, which starts in January at Brazosport College, will offer training for students to become welders. Launched in 2014, the Skills Pipeline program has provided more than $1.5 million in scholarships though funds from Praxair’s Global Giving Program.

"We are pleased to bring our Skills Pipeline program to Texas, helping even more people in our communities gain the skills they need to obtain productive and rewarding employment,” said Dr. Anne Roby, senior vice president at Praxair. “Welding is a key market for our industrial gases making it a win for industry, customers and those in our communities.”

Praxair’s Skills Pipeline program was introduced at an event hosted by Brazosport College. More than 80 high school students from Angleton, Brazosport, Danbury and Sweeny independent school districts attended the event.

“Brazosport College is proud to join Praxair in this incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, provost and vice president of Academic & Student Affairs at Brazosport College. “Through its generous contributions, 50 students will develop skills in a high-demand occupation with competitive wages.”