EDC highlights bio‑science cohort, aviation training and largest DeSotoWorks job fair to date

Economic development staff reported several workforce initiatives intended to build local pipelines for life‑science, aviation and construction careers.

Staff described a bio life‑science cohort launched with DeSoto ISD and partners. The EDC said the cohort in the summer program is one of three in the United States and will continue in the fall under an extension of a grant; staff said follow‑up is underway to connect students to internships and next steps.

On aviation, staff summarized work to establish a training center at Executive Field in cooperation with Dallas College and industry partners. The first aviation cohort has 24 participants in a 13‑month program; staff said future scheduling will include day, evening and weekend cohorts and that about two‑thirds of training can be done before age 18 in partnership with CTE programs.

Other workforce items include a construction teacher externship with regional workforce partners and a series of HR roundtables intended to connect human resources leaders and general managers from local employers.

Staff also reported that the ninth annual DeSotoWorks job fair drew 830 jobseekers and 51 employers — the largest job fair to date — and said rain likely kept additional attendees away. The EDC is considering a larger venue for future fairs.

For staffing and budgeting, the EDC said it has earmarked an additional $40,000 in its draft budget to support workforce programs going into the next fiscal year.

Board members applauded the programs and encouraged continued collaboration with DeSoto ISD and regional partners to scale pathways into local jobs. Staff said the aviation and bio cohorts are intended to create career pathways for residents and to supply trained workers for regional employers.