Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

The Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department has named Sulzer Turbo as its Partner of the Month for March. The award recognizes the company’s work in giving local students the practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to enter the industrial workforce.

Stuart Career Tech High School Seniors and Darren Legg-Sulzer. Photo By: Bobby Hathaway

While Sulzer is known worldwide for its turbomachinery services and engineering, the local facility has made a name for itself as a direct supporter of public education. Through a highly active collaboration with GCCISD, Sulzer is proving that the best way to build a strong local workforce is to work directly with students and teachers.

Sulzer’s involvement with GCCISD spans several programs designed to give both students and educators a realistic look at modern industrial careers.

To help keep the school curriculum aligned with current industry standards, Sulzer opens its doors to teacher job-shadowing opportunities. This allows instructors to observe modern workforce practices and bring those techniques back to their classrooms.

Students also get direct access to the industry. Sulzer regularly hosts student job-shadowing days and facility tours. For many students, stepping onto the shop floor and seeing precision machinery in action is what drives them to pursue a technical career.

When they aren't hosting students at their facility, Sulzer staff are often found on GCCISD campuses giving classroom presentations. These visits allow technicians and engineers to share their career stories and talk about the high demand for skilled trades.

Sulzer’s commitment to GCCISD goes beyond field trips; the company helps guide the direction of the district’s CTE programs. Representatives from the company serve on multiple advisory boards, offering feedback that shapes course offerings and student training.

The company also participates in district industry panels, sharing information on hiring trends and the specific credentials local employers look for.

When it comes to preparing students for the hiring process, Sulzer employees volunteer to conduct mock interviews. This gives students the chance to practice their communication skills, fix up their resumes, and get feedback from actual hiring managers.

The most impactful part of this partnership is Sulzer’s willingness to invest in students professionally. The collaboration creates a direct path from graduation to employment. Fulfilling the CTE program's main goal, Sulzer actively hires graduates from GCCISD. By providing local young adults with good careers right out of high school, Sulzer is directly supporting the local economy.

A shining example of this pipeline in action is Jacob Macias, a member of the Stuart Career Tech High School Manufacturing Class of 2025. After successfully completing the program and graduating, Macias was hired by Sulzer Turbo, where he now utilizes his technical training in a professional capacity.

Demonstrating the lasting impact of the mentorship cycle, Macias recently spoke to the Stuart Career Tech Manufacturing Class of 2026 during their recent visit to Sulzer. During the visit, he shared insights about his transition from student to employee and offered advice on the technical expectations of the modern workforce, providing current students with a relatable roadmap for their own future success.

Business partners are essential to the success of CTE programs, and Sulzer Turbo doesn't just talk about supporting the next generation; they show up and do the work. GCCISD CTE is proud to recognize them as the March Partner of the Month.

To learn more about how local businesses can partner with the Goose Creek CISD Career and Technical Education Department, visit their website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC.