LEVELLAND, Texas (KCBD) — Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the new Texas Jobs Council during a visit to South Plains College’s automotive technology and welding facilities, emphasizing its role in strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.
“We are building and manufacturing the future of the entire world right here in the State of Texas,” said Abbott. “We are united on a mission that benefits all Texans: keep Texas the number one state for business, jobs, employment opportunities, and workforce training programs to ensure great careers for generations to come.”
During his remarks, Abbott touted Texas’ expanding workforce, which is growing at a faster pace than any other state. The governor underscored that Texas is not only creating jobs, but equipping Texans with the skills needed to fill them.
Abbott said the Texas Jobs Council will align workforce development efforts and ensure that Texans are first in line to fill the thousands of new employment opportunities being created across the state. He thanked South Plains College for its role in providing a pipeline of a more talented, skilled and trained workforce in Texas.
In the past two years, the state has invested more than $7 billion in career training programs across Texas. Last year, Abbott signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law to expand career and technical education opportunities for students across Texas by establishing partnerships with institutions of higher education and improving college and career advising.
The governor was joined by Teamsters Local 988 President Robert Mele, SPC President Robin Satterwhite, Representative Ken King and Texas Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Ray Martinez III.
Last month, Abbott launched the Texas Jobs Council and hosted its inaugural meeting at the Governor’s Mansion. The council will focus on executive actions that can be implemented immediately by state agencies to reduce regulatory burdens and red tape surrounding workforce development, and policy and legislative recommendations to be presented to the governor and Legislature ahead of the 90th Legislative Session.
The council will deliver a final report in November 2026 outlining recommended executive actions and legislative proposals to strengthen Texas’ workforce development system.
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