PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Carlos Graupera is opening doors for adult learners through the Tec Centro Workforce Network, where he is president and CEO.
“What is needed now is workforce development,” he says. And those skilled workers are crucial “to move communities further along”.
Tec Centro grew out of the Spanish American Civic Association in Lancaster that Graupera founded in 1973. He says it was created “to acclimate a growing Latino population”.
“I spent 50 years there,” he says. “Then, I retired for two days, and then I came back to work as Tec Centro Workforce Network CEO.”
Born in Havana, Cuba, Graupera moved here with his family in 1960.
“I’ve spent a long time here. This has been home,” he says.
Now, he oversees six community-based bilingual career training centers across central Pennsylvania, including Tec Centro Berks in Reading. Violet Emory leads that location as the Executive Director.
“Our mission is to empower our individuals that come through our doors,” says Emory. “It’s really about meeting the students where they’re at.”
“Everything that you need to climb out of poverty is under one roof,” says Graupera.
The goal is to give people the tools they need to thrive in their local economy.
“We focus on that case management piece, that support piece,” says Emory. “You come in as a student and leave as family.”
“We want to get people significant increases in pay by not choosing a job, but a career path, with opportunities for advancement,” says Graupera.
It starts with the basics, which is ESL, English as a Second Language.
“That’s the greatest need when it comes to employment in our area,” says Emory.
“If you need your high school diploma, it’s here as well,” says Graupera.
The center offers training in fields like hospitality.
“We offer a culinary program,” says Emory. “That lasts about 14 weeks.”
“We try to run the courses as a job,” says Graupera. “And it mirrors the work environment.”
Health care classes are available through a partnership with Reading Area Community College, otherwise known as RACC.
“They get exactly the same training that they would get on campus at RACC,” says Emory. “We started with a CNA, Certified Nurse Aide, moved into phlebotomy, expanded into medical record and billing, and now offer medical assistant also.”
Renovations in the spring created classrooms to learn trades. Now, there is a pre-apprenticeship in general construction and a plumbing program for students.
“Each of our centers has a network of employers,” says Graupera. “We’ll help you get a job in a career path that has good benefits and good prospects for advancement.”
Emory says that can be “life changing” for adult learners and their families. Students just pay for books and a small registration fee.
“If you’re willing to invest in yourself, we will invest in you,” says Graupera. “And it makes me feel wonderful.”
Currently, Graupera is working with Esperanza to open its 7th location, Tec Centro Philadelphia. He says it should be open by the spring of 2026.
For more information:
Tec Centro Workforce Network
Tec Centro Berks
Tec Centro Berks
450 S. 6th Street
Reading, PA 19602
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