HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced four Skills Development Fund grants totaling $1,726,092 to help train workers in the Houston and Rio Grande Valley areas. Administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the grants will fund customized training for 689 new and current workers in high-demand fields including manufacturing, technology and logistics — with the bulk of the investment landing in Houston.
“Texas is the best state in the nation for job creation and economic opportunity,” Abbott said. “These grants will equip 689 Texans with the skills they need for high-demand careers, help businesses find qualified workers, and ensure our state remains a leader in economic growth.”
Houston takes center stage with $1.5M investment
Three of the four grants — totaling $1,557,005 — were awarded to Houston City College and local employer partners. TWC Chairman Joe Esparza presented the awards during a ceremony at Houston City College, bringing together representatives from Tesla Inc., Watchfire Signs LLC, Texas Tissue Converting LLC, Karsten Management LLC and other community partners.
“When we align local training directly with the needs of expanding industries, we strengthen the regional economy,” Esparza said. “These Skills Development Fund grants empower Houston City College and Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley to provide the specialized, high-demand training that employers need to succeed right here in Texas.”
Houston City College will serve as the training backbone for all three Houston-area grants, delivering customized instruction designed around the specific needs of each employer. That employer-driven approach is central to how the SDF program works — rather than offering one-size-fits-all courses, training is built around the actual skills companies need on the floor and in the field.
Tesla leads Houston funding with nearly $800K grant
The largest single grant — $782,998 — will fund training for 261 workers at Tesla Inc. Participants will develop skills as maintenance technicians, process technicians, welders and more, targeting some of the most in-demand roles in advanced manufacturing today.
Texas Tissue, Karsten Management to train 300 workers
A $690,044 grant will support training for 300 workers at Texas Tissue LLC and Karsten Management LLC — the largest worker count among all four grants. Trainees will be prepared for roles as maintenance technicians, production line operators, design specialists and frontline supervisors, covering a broad range of skill sets across the two companies.
Watchfire Signs invests in operations, industrial training
Watchfire Signs LLC will receive $83,963 to train 41 workers as operations specialists, industrial maintenance technicians and production supervisors. Though smaller in dollar amount, the grant reflects a targeted investment in building specialized operations talent at the company.
Rio Grande Valley grant expands reach to South Texas
Beyond Houston, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented a $169,087 grant during a separate ceremony at Rio Bank – McColl Center in McAllen. Through that award, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley will provide customized training for 87 new and current workers at Denso Ten America Limited, Alps Logistics (USA) Inc., Index Fresh Inc. and Emerson Electric Co. in high-demand occupations across manufacturing, transportation and related fields.
Skills Development Fund builds Texas workforce since 1996
The Skills Development Fund is Texas’ primary workforce training grant program, helping businesses upskill both new and existing employees. TWC partners with community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to deliver customized training to Texas businesses of all sizes.
Since its launch in 1996, the SDF program has partnered with more than 5,000 employers to upgrade or support the creation of over 446,000 jobs statewide.
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