How to boost workers’ prospects beyond the pandemic? Retraining and ‘reskilling’ Mitchell Schnurman, The Dallas Morning News Here’s one way to get through the pandemic economy: Add new skills and make a career change. Brandon Grappe, 36, was laid off from his construction job in late 2019 and looked for a mechanic’s position to take advantage of his Texas Army National Guard training. The pay was so low that he decided to make a big move — into information technology. While unemployed, he completed a three-month training program in Dallas and passed two exams, earning a certificate in tech support. Grappe landed a job as the pandemic lockdowns were taking hold, and he’s been able to work remotely ever since.