Gov. Greg Abbott announced four Skills Development Fund grant awards totaling $1,726,092 to Houston City College, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley and local partners. The Texas Workforce Commission administers the grants, which will fund customized training for 689 new and current workers in occupations including manufacturing, technology and logistics.
Abbott said the grants will give 689 Texans skills for high-demand careers and help businesses find qualified workers. TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said the training aligns local programs with the needs of expanding industries.
Esparza presented the awards at a ceremony at Houston City College to representatives of the college, Tesla Inc., Watchfire Signs LLC, Texas Tissue Converting LLC, Karsten Management LLC and other local partners. Three of the grants were listed: $782,998 to train 261 workers at Tesla as maintenance technicians, process technicians and welders; $690,044 to train 300 workers at Texas Tissue and Karsten Management in roles including production line operators and frontline supervisors; and $83,963 to train 41 workers at Watchfire Signs.