MCC Seeks Employer Input to Help Shape New AI Workforce Pathway

September 25, 2026

McLennan Community College (MCC) is inviting local business and industry leaders to help shape a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workforce Pathway designed to prepare students with the AI-related knowledge and skills employers value most.

As part of the initiative, MCC is hosting an Industry Forum on AI Workforce Competencies on Oct. 8 at the Conference Center at MCC, 4601 N. 19th St. A networking lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the forum from noon-1:30 p.m.

The event will bring together employers from McLennan and Falls counties to discuss how AI is changing the workplace and identify the skills employees need to succeed in an increasingly AI-enabled workforce.

Participants will be asked to share insight on how AI is affecting job roles and day-to-day tasks, which occupations and work functions are experiencing the greatest changes, and what AI-related knowledge and skills are becoming increasingly important. The discussion will also explore what entry-level and early-career employees should be prepared to do as AI becomes more integrated into the workplace.

Employer feedback gathered through the forum will directly inform the development of MCC's AI Workforce Pathway, including stackable credentials designed to respond to regional workforce needs. The College's goal is to prepare students to use AI responsibly to solve problems, improve productivity, and support better decision-making in the workplace.

MCC is partnering with the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) on the initiative. CORD will provide technical assistance and facilitate the forum, bringing experience in career pathway and AI credential development to help MCC identify the skills, competencies, and training opportunities to incorporate into the new pathway.

MCC especially encourages participation from employers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, business, and information technology, as well as executives, operations leaders, human resources and talent leaders, technical managers, and others who understand how AI is changing jobs and workforce expectations.

The initiative is funded by a Texas TRUE grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The Industry Forum on AI Workforce Competencies is scheduled for Oct. 8, with an RSVP deadline of Friday, Oct. 2.

To learn more and register, visit the CORD Industry Forum on AI Workforce Competencies.