In this episode, Justin McKenzie sits down with Dr. Andrew Johnson III, Workforce Powerhouse and leader at Lone Star College, to explore how community colleges are reshaping talent pipelines, partnering with global employers like Apple, Foxconn, SpaceX, SLB, and Daikin, and creating life-changing opportunities for Texans of all ages.

Dr. Johnson shares insights into:

• Why community college is not a second choice

• Texas’ urgent skilled-trades workforce gap

• How employers should be using community colleges as their talent strategy

• The affordability advantage

• Lone Star College's upcoming lights-out manufacturing line

• Dual-credit programs that help students graduate high school with college credits

• Scholarships, technical pathways, and career-ready training for Texans 16–60+

Whether you're an employer, educator, policymaker, or parent — this episode shows how community colleges are preparing the workforce that will power Texas for decades.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:02 – Welcome Back: Andrew Johnson Returns

00:32 – Why “Workforce Powerhouse”?

00:52 – The Scale & Importance of Community Colleges

01:51 – Texas Workforce Needs & the 2035 Skills Gap

03:14 – Affordability vs. For-Profit Education

05:05 – How Community Colleges Serve Employers

05:40 – Why Corporate America Should Be on Campus

07:18 – Major Employers Visiting Lone Star (Foxconn, Apple, SLB, Daikin)

07:35 – What Impresses Global Companies

08:49 – Custom Training & Corporate Partnerships

09:04 – The Three Pillars: Customized Training, CE, Credit Hours

10:51 – Justin’s Story: Transferring from Alamo Colleges

12:19 – How to Show Parents the Value of Community College

14:43 – Scholarships & Opportunities for Skilled Trades

15:04 – Transportation, Access & Adult Learners

15:48 – Employer Loyalty & Dual-Credit Programs

16:31 – The Growth of Texas Workforce Pathways

17:11 – Community College as a Premier Career Path

18:15 – SpaceX, Dyken, and Hiring Local Technicians

19:11 – What Success Looks Like

19:19 – When to Enroll & How Community Colleges Adapt

19:40 – Employer-Student Training Models

21:56 – Dr. Johnson’s Journey: From Welder to PhD

23:00 – Closing Thoughts & Future Vision for Texas Workforce

23:03 – Episode Close