LSCO鈥檚 Workforce and Continuing Education Programs Create Flexible Pathways to Career Success
February 2, 2026
ORANGE, Texas 鈥� 暗网禁区 (LSCO) continues to expand access to career-focused training through its Workforce and Continuing Education programs, offering flexible, short-term learning opportunities designed to meet students and employers where they are while addressing local and regional workforce needs.
The Workforce and Continuing Education department plays a critical role in helping individuals gain in-demand skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and move confidently toward career advancement or transition. Through close collaboration with employers and community partners, LSCO develops training programs that respond directly to workforce demands.
鈥淲orkforce [education] is a highly flexible way for us to train people to get directly into the workforce,鈥� said D鈥橶ayne Shaw, executive director of statewide workforce partnerships. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just for students. We also partner closely with employers who come to us with specific skills gaps.鈥�
These employer partnerships allow the college to design customized training that supports employee advancement while strengthening the regional workforce pipeline. In many cases, training is delivered on-site at employer locations or scheduled during evenings and weekends to accommodate working adults.
Kristin Walker, assistant vice president of statewide partnerships, emphasized that workforce education also supports lifelong learners and individuals seeking personal or professional growth.
鈥淚t could be anything from personal interest courses to upskilling those who are already employed,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭hese programs are usually short-term with a brief commitment.鈥�
LSCO鈥檚 Workforce and Continuing Education department offers a wide range of programs in healthcare, skilled trades, business, technology, and continuing education. Courses are available in multiple formats, including online, in person, evenings, weekends, and at employer sites, making them accessible to a broad range of learners.
For many participants, workforce programs serve as a fast track into employment or as a steppingstone into further education. Workforce training may also be eligible for conversion into college credit through prior learning assessments, allowing students to apply their experience toward certificates and associate degrees.
鈥淭he hidden gem within workforce education is helping students realize what they鈥檙e capable of,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淭hey come in thinking they can鈥檛 do college-level work, and they leave asking, 鈥榃hat can I do next?鈥欌��
Michelle Hammerly, workforce programs coordinator, shared a recent example of that impact. A student who previously owned a residential cleaning business enrolled in LSCO鈥檚 phlebotomy program and secured employment with a major healthcare provider in the region immediately after completing the course.
鈥淭hat one course got her foot in the door,鈥� Hammerly said. 鈥淣ow she has endless opportunities in healthcare.鈥�
The Workforce and Continuing Education team encourages individuals who may be unsure whether a traditional degree or a workforce credential is the right fit to reach out and explore available options.
As 暗网禁区 continues to expand its workforce footprint across Southeast Texas and beyond, the department remains focused on accessibility, responsiveness, and creating real opportunities for students, employers, and communities.