The Corpus Christi City Council approved a $1.9 million contribution to Del Mar College’s enhanced skills training on Tuesday.
The funding will help the college equip programs in industrial instrumentation, artificial intelligence, engineering and robotics, chemistry laboratory technician training and industrial machining and welding.
These programs already exist at the college, but will now acquire new equipment and the latest technology to expand instruction and improve hands-on training.
According to a presentation this month by the college, each of these areas has potential for local job growth, giving students the opportunity to seek jobs with average salaries ranging from $53,768 to $124,800 depending on the field.
Potential employers include businesses such as Cheniere Energy, Enbridge, Tesla, Valero, Flint Hills Resources, Chemours, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Steel Dynamics, Schneider Electric, Dixie Iron Works, Percheron Operating, the Department of State Health Services, the city of Corpus Christi, Port of Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Army Depot.