$48.5 Million Now Available to Texas Employers for Employee Training

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) this month announced the availability of $48.5 million in job-training funding from the Texas Legislature for Skills Development Fund grants during the 2016-17 biennium. This year marks 20 years of the Skills Development Fund customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and their workers.

The Skills Development Fund has become Texas’ premier job-training program, by providing vital  training for high-demand occupations for Texas businesses and workers through collaboration among businesses, public community and technical colleges, local Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners.

“Skills Development Fund grants are a valuable tool allowing Texas workers to obtain customized job-training that meets the needs of employers,” said Chairman Andres Alcantar. “This investment in the Texas workforce strengthens Texas businesses through partnerships with community colleges, while helping our state remain competitive.”

Over the next two years, TWC will administer $48.5 million in training dollars to support high-quality customized training for approximately 24,864 new and incumbent workers in Texas.

“We are excited to celebrate 20 years of job-training grants through the Skills Development Fund,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “These grants allow workers to receive specialized training and in-demand certifications resulting in a highly skilled Texas workforce.”

To address the evolving skills training needs of Texas businesses, TWC accepts proposals year-round to fund both technical and non-technical training.

“These Skills Development Fund grants reflect important partnerships between our community and technical colleges and employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “These collaborations help ensure that our businesses have the workforce they need to grow while providing employees the opportunity to advance their skill sets.”

From its inception in September 1995 through 2014, Skills Development Fund grants created or upgraded more than 316,000 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted more than 4,074 employers with customized training needs. Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at www.texasworkforce.org/skills.