Panola College awarded $171,000 Planning Grant to explore a future construction supervision pathway with Credit for Prior Learning

Panola College has been awarded $171,000 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board through the TRUE Pathways Design and Planning Grant. This funding will support the College in researching and designing the framework for a potential new construction supervision pathway that could be implemented in the future based on findings, community need, and formal approval processes to address a growing regional need for trained first-line supervisors in construction and related skilled trades across East Texas.

The concept for this possible pathway grew from conversations during advisory board meetings across multiple programs. Industry representatives consistently identified a strong regional need for mid-level supervisors who bring both technical skills and foundational competencies in leadership, communication, and safety. The planning work funded through this grant will allow Panola College to thoroughly study how a program could meet these needs and what would be required to develop it.

Planning activities will include exploring a sequence of Continuing Education courses aligned with the Texas Career and Technical Education Guidelines, such as supervision, project safety, and team communication. These courses are being considered as stackable building blocks that could lead to credit-bearing Occupational Skills Awards, certificates, and an Applied Associate Degree. The planning process will also evaluate how Credit for Prior Learning could help experienced workers, military veterans, and Continuing Education students earn credit based on existing knowledge and skills.

Labor market analysis strongly supports examining this direction. According to the JobsEQ Perkins V Report for the Panola College service area and a 75-mile radius, the construction trades sector is projected to grow by 4.1 percent, with annual employment growth of 191 jobs. The region currently employs 4,673 first-line supervisors in construction trades, with anticipated growth of 222 positions and an average annual wage of 71,800. Additionally, in 2024 there were 220 job postings for first-line supervisors of production and operations workers in the surrounding 12 counties. Construction trades remain among the top employers in the region, with more than 15,700 jobs.

Denetra McDaniel, Pathway and Credit for Prior Learning Design Coordinator, will lead the planning process. She emphasized the value of recognizing learning acquired in the workplace. She said, “At Panola, we recognize that meaningful and valuable learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom, and it is important that we honor these experiences. Students who qualify for Credit for Prior Learning can often earn their degrees faster, saving both time and money as they move toward their goals.”

Panola College President Dr. Jessica Pace highlighted the long-term importance of this planning work. She stated, “This initiative positions Panola College to better meet the needs of our communities and industry partners by expanding opportunity and reducing barriers for learners. Exploring a pathway that incorporates Credit for Prior Learning allows us to thoughtfully design options that honor real-world experience and support workforce advancement. This grant gives us the ability to build a strong foundation for what could become a high-impact program for our region.”