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    TWC Awards $10.3 Million in Jobs and Education for Texans Grants to Support Career Training

    Texas Workforce Commission • December 21, 2021

    Kilgore College awarded $280K. Elkhart ISD awarded $325K.

    AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded 41 grants totaling $10,379,293 to multiple public community colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program.


    “JET grants represent an important investment toward closing the middle skills gap in our state by creating opportunities for young Texans to pursue high-demand, well-paying jobs requiring only a short training period,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As students make the transition into the workforce, it is essential for our economy they have the education and skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”


    Qualifying educational institutions were each awarded a grant for the development of programs or courses leading to a license, certificate or post-secondary degree. The JET grant program focuses on projects that develop training programs to prepare Texans for jobs in new, emerging industries and high-demand occupations. 


    “There is no substitute for hands-on training that mimics real-world scenarios to set students up for success in highly skilled, high-demand careers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “JET grants provide eager learners with access to new, cutting-edge equipment that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest growing industries in the state.”


    The JET program provides funding for equipment to eligible educational institutions for the purpose of developing career and technical education courses and may include courses offering dual-credit and technical education programs. The equipment must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. The JET program also supports employers by preparing students for careers in occupations that are identified by local businesses as being in high-demand.


    “Congratulations to all of the JET grant recipients for their commitment to providing targeted training for their respective communities that will lead to employment opportunities in high-demand industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “These grants are a key tool in meeting the immediate and long-term needs of our Texas employers, while also providing pathways to success for hardworking Texans.”


    The JET Advisory Board was established to assist TWC in administering these grants. The six-member board meets to review applications and make recommendations on grant awards.


    Eligible educational institutions can apply for the next phase of JET funding through a competitive grant process. TWC will issue a Request for Applications (RFA) solicitation to provide information and instruction on how to submit a proposal packet. A link will be provided on the JET Grant Program webpage, which can be used to access the RFA once it becomes available.

    For more information on the JET Program, visit the JET homepage or email jetgrants@twc.texas.gov.


    The 2021 Jobs and Education for Texans grant recipients are:


    Community, Technical and State Colleges


    • Alvin Community College - $324,139 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 225 students, providing training in the occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.
    • Brazosport College - $220,985 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solderer, and brazer.
    • College of the Mainland - $350,000 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 325 students, providing training in the occupation of petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers.
    • Frank Phillips College - $330,125 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of industrial machinery mechanics.
    • Grayson College - $197,034 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 232 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
    • Kilgore College - $279,296 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of firefighters.
    • Lamar State College Orange - $208,741 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 250 students, providing training in the occupation of healthcare practitioners and technical occupations.
    • Laredo College - $304,836 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 140 students, providing training in the occupation of industrial machinery mechanics.
    • Ranger College - $324,658 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of automotive service technicians and mechanics.
    • South Plains College - $247,549 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 70 students, providing training in the occupation of automotive service technicians and mechanics.
    • South Texas College - $204,058 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of architectural and civil drafters.
    • Southwest Texas Junior College - $296,553 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 40 students, providing training in the occupation of bus & truck mechanics & diesel engine specialists.
    • Victoria College - $331,645 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 250 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
    • Vernon College - $178,966 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 210 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
    • Weatherford College - $296,263 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 144 students, providing training in the occupation of first-line supervisors of construction trades/extraction workers.


    Independent School Districts


    • Baird ISD - $221,226 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 100 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Bangs ISD - $43,605 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 50 students, providing training in the occupation of electro-mechanical technicians.
    • Bells ISD - $64,291 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 61 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Brownsville ISD - $329,060 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 165 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Burkeville ISD - $262,182 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 30 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Center ISD - $328,571 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD - $189,316 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 79 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Connally ISD - $275,035 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 63 students, providing training in the occupation of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists.
    • Elkhart ISD - $325,850 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 168 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Farmersville ISD - $332,236 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 150 students, providing training in the occupation of electronics engineers (except computer).
    • Harlingen ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers.
    • Hillsboro ISD - $89,703 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 75 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Hudson ISD - $102,361- The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 78 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Ingleside ISD - $225,531 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 103 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Ingram ISD - $188,147 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 80 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • La Joya ISD - $316,407 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 130 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Laredo ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 125 students, providing training in the occupation of nursing assistants.
    • Point Isabel ISD - $278,287 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Rio Hondo ISD - $331,056 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 140 students, providing training in the occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers.
    • Robstown ISD - $322,680 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 60 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Rosebud-Lott ISD - $114,513 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of computer numerically controlled tool operator.
    • Santa Maria ISD - $291,915 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Santa Rosa ISD - $281,390 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 126 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • South Texas ISD - $332,500 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 24 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • West Sabine ISD - $140,429 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 150 students, providing training in the occupation of welder, cutter, solder and brazer.
    • Ysleta ISD - $233,154 - The grant will help purchase and install equipment to initially serve 101 students, providing training in the occupation of registered nurses.
    A woman is standing next to a woman sitting at a desk in a classroom.

    Region-Wide Job Fair on February 13th: See the Participating Employers List!

    By Workforce Solutions East Texas • February 11, 2025
    Workforce Solutions East Texas is bringing back its highly anticipated Windows of Opportunity Job Fair on February 13, 2025. This event will take place simultaneously across all five Workforce Solutions East Texas offices, providing job seekers with direct access to hiring agents from a wide range of industries. The job fair serves as a crucial bridge between local talent and top employers, facilitating face-to-face interactions that allow candidates to explore career opportunities, network with industry professionals, and even secure interviews on the spot. Whether you're looking for a new job, considering a career change, or just starting your job search, the event offers a great opportunity to tap into the vibrant job market of East Texas. The Windows of Opportunity Job Fair will feature a diverse range of employers eager to connect with job seekers in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and more. Below is a list of participating employers by location: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Longview Workforce Center 1905 W. Loop 281, Suite 40 , Longview, TX 75604  Express Spherion Staffing Elwood Staffing West Fraser Crossroads Family Care Trinity Rail Thomas Oilfield Services Texas Department of Public Safety Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Longview Community Healthcore 1st Choice Personnel TDCJ Always Best Care Senior Services Cato City of Longview Athens Workforce Center 205 N. Murchison, Suite 101, Athens, TX 75751 Get A Handyman Volt Dr. Power Washer VRS New Health Concept Inc. Henderson Co. Help Center Park Highlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office TDCJ Met-Motivation, Education and Training Consolidate Tank U.S. Army Providence Equipment Tyler Workforce Center 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703 Baker Ripley Christus Health TDCJ TVC Tyler Pipe Jarvis Christian University Tyler ISD Concentrix New Health Concept Inc. Hood Packaging Elwood Staffing Spherion Staffing Hall Buick and GMC Tarrant Co. Sheriff’s Office At Home Healthcare Express Employment Professionals Community Healthcore Austin Bank Cricket Wireless PI Tape Texas Brookshire’s Grocery Baylor PD Amer Technology 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Palestine Workforce Center 500 E. Murchison St., Palestine, TX 75801 AOF Industries TDCJ Intouch Financial Group Verdant Technologies Pentecom U.S. Army Marshall Workforce Center 4300 E. End Blvd. S., Marshall, TX 75671 Blackburn Syrup TDCJ Boys and Girls Clubs Christus (Multiple Positions) DATCS LLC Mark your calendars for February 13, 2025, and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to advance your career at the Windows of Opportunity Job Fair.
    A doctor is holding a stethoscope in front of a laptop computer.

    Texas Labor Market Growth Continues with Over 37,000 Jobs Added in December

    By Texas Workforce Commission • January 24, 2025
    The Texas labor market achieved a new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force in December. The state added 37,500 positions over the month, reaching a total of 14,318,700 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 284,200 jobs from December 2023 to December 2024, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 2.0 percent, which outpaced the U.S. growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. December marks the twelfth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, which achieved another new record high of 15,575,900 after adding 39,900 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 445,300 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.2 percent. In our region, Longview comes in at 4.2 percent, and Tyler at 3.4 percent. “This new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force shows the strength of Texas’ economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC will continue its efforts for continued economic growth by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in December after adding 17,800 jobs. In addition, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 10,400 jobs over the month and Leisure and Hospitality added 3,700. In Texas, Financial Activities grew by 3.6 percent over the year and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 3.0 percentage points. “The Texas economy is thriving in diverse sectors," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III. "I encourage job seekers to leverage TWC resources to find rewarding career opportunities that best match their skills.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4 percent in December, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.6 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 2.7 percent. “Texas employers are creating jobs at a rate that outpaces the nation,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC offers a wide range of programs to meet the workforce needs of today and prepare Texans for projected job growth in the years ahead.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com. The Texas Labor Market Information Data for January is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

    Texas Labor Market Continues to Expand, Civilian Labor Force Exceeds 15.5 Million

    By Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 20, 2024
    Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high in November. In addition, Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,286,700 after 9,100 jobs were added over the month. Texas added 274,300 jobs from November 2023 to November 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate reached 2.0 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. In November, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record high of 15,536,100 after adding 39,100 people over the month. This marks the eleventh consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 403,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose a tenth of a point to 4.2 percent over the month. “After another month of job growth, the Texas labor force participation rate has reached a 10-year high, at 64.7 percent,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This positive trend shows the strength of the Texas workforce, its employers, and its job seekers.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in November after adding 5,900 jobs. In addition, Government added 3,500 jobs over the month and Financial Activities added 3,000. Financial Activities grew by 3.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 2.8 percentage points. “Texas continues to outpace the national employment growth rate, indicating that the Lone Star State is still the best place to live and work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “There are more than half a million job postings online, and TWC is dedicated to connecting Texans with new career opportunities.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent in November, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.1 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.2 percent. “Employers continue to choose Texas because of our dynamic business environment, talented workforce, and strong community partnerships,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC is here to support both individuals seeking to grow their careers and employers looking to strengthen their teams, ensuring Texas remains a leader in workforce excellence.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for December is scheduled to be released on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
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