Three innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in Dallas-Fort Worth have received Texas Talent Connections grants to support their initiatives in helping people become, and stay, employed.
The grants are among $5.2 million awarded to 15 agencies across the state, administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism division. All awardees were announced Wednesday by Gov. Greg Abbott.
In North Texas, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was awarded $500,000 for project BEST (Bringing Ex-Offenders Solutions Texas), a program designed to reintegrate ex-offenders back into the community and provide job employment skills training.
Collin County Community College in Denton County was awarded $158,664 for the Water Works Initiative that addresses the shortage of talent in the water and wastewater treatment industry. Serving students in Denton, Rockwall, Hunt, and Kaufman counties, the program provides training and internships in water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment.
“Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation because of our growing and skilled workforce.”
Gov. Greg Abbott
And, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas received $250,000 for its Pursuit of Advanced Training in High Demand Skills (PATHS) project that serves DFW, all counties comprising the Coastal Bend Valley, Concho Valley, Gulf Coast, Rural Capital, and West Central local workforce development areas. The program is meant to establish a Texas Gateway portal for online services, training, and up-skilling in retail and various other industries.
The grants are intended to boost programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as programs that serve workforce populations with special needs.
“Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation because of our growing and skilled workforce,” Abbott said. “When we asked Texas employers what the most important factor is for future job growth and business expansion, the top answer is a continuing pipeline of skilled workers.”
Abbott also said the grants will help connect more employers to “work-ready skilled Texans and more Texans to in-demand skills training for higher-paying jobs and career advancement.”
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