Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to recognize AFC Industries as the region's 2024 Local Employer of Excellence. AFC Industries accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 27th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Dec. 4 - Dec. 6, 2024, in Grapevine. Local Workforce Development Boards nominate employers who make a positive impact on workers, the community, and the state through their partnerships with Texas Workforce Solutions. AFC Industries is an innovative full-service industrial distributor with a location in Longview, offering world-class vendor-managed inventory services and custom-engineered products. "AFC Industries has been honored with the 2024 Local Employer of Excellence award, a testament to its unwavering dedication to employee well-being and community impact," said WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock. "The company exemplifies excellence by providing robust training programs, competitive benefits, and career advancement opportunities while fostering a compassionate and inclusive culture. This commitment was evident in the inspiring journey of one of our program participants, Holly Cole, a former resident of a women’s shelter, who found a new path through our partnership with AFC Industries. With the support of our Work Experience Coordinator, Mimi Easter, and AFC Industries’ Brett Marshall, Holly excelled in an On-the-Job Training program, showcasing determination and resilience. The heartfelt support of her colleagues and management even led to a life-changing gift of reliable transportation. AFC Industries stands as a pillar of support for its employees and community, making it a deserving recipient of this prestigious award." “More than 653,000 employers call Texas home, and businesses like AFC Industries are the engine driving Texas's economic success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “By tapping into resources offered through the Texas Workforce Solutions system, employers can help build a stronger, more skilled workforce.” Workforce Solutions East Texas is among 28 Local Workforce Development Boards located throughout the state. The Board serves 14 counties, including Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. Through partnerships with TWC and their communities, Workforce Boards meet the needs of Texas employers and workers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers and individuals can take advantage of these services. For more information about resources available to Texas employers and job seekers, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/employers .
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The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Workforce Solutions East Texas and local partners a $71,706 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant to prepare 70 Texans for careers in advanced manufacturing. “Grants like the one awarded today provide upskilling opportunities for jobseekers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With TWC support, local partnerships like this will continue to boost the growing Texas economy by training Texans in high-demand occupations.” Through this partnership with East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore College, Longview Economic Development Corp (LEDCO), Marshall Economic Development Corporation, Kilgore Economic Development Corp., Gladewater Economic Development Corporation, and White Oak Economic Development Corporation, more students will gain the skills needed for high-demand careers will use the grant to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for Kilgore College’s Automation Training Lab. Students will use the equipment to gain hands-on experience for high-demand millwrighting occupations. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel presented the award at a ceremony that included state and local officials, school staff, and students at Kilgore College’s Longview campus. About HDJT: The HDJT grant program is part of TWC’s statewide effort to support collaboration between Workforce Development Boards and local economic development entities. These partnerships help create job training programs that prepare individuals across Texas communities for high-demand occupations. For more on this training program, businesses are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions office or visit the High Demand Job Training Program webpage .
