Texas Workforce Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Ann Hatchitt

DATE: July 19, 2007 PHONE: (512) 463-8556

APIP Project Partners with San Jacinto College for a $3 Million Job-Training Grant

AUSTIN — The Gulf Coast area workforce will benefit from a $3 million job-training grant from the Skills Development Fund that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers. The Association for Plant Inspection Professionals (APIP) Project will partner with San Jacinto College for the grant.  The grant will be used to create or upgrade 671 inspector, welder, tester, construction and cutter jobs, among others. Upon completion of training, workers will earn an average hourly wage of $25.93.
 

“This $3 million Skills Development Fund grant is a vital source for growth for our economy,” Sen. Mike Jackson said. “It will provide valuable training to 671 workers, and I commend all who were involved.”  “This grant represents a major investment in making our workforce stronger and providing people with jobs to help benefit them and their community,” state Rep. Wayne Smith. “I would like to commend the many people involved who worked hard to make this grant a success.”  “This Skills Development Fund grant provides a great opportunity for workers and gives employers a skilled labor force,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature, TWC makes these grants available each year, assisting thousands of Texans to improve their quality of life.”

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, Skills Development Fund grants created or upgraded 14,090 jobs, which paid an average hourly wage of $19.22. These grants assisted 125 Texas employers with their customized training needs. The Legislature has appropriated $50 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2008-09 biennium.

Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC Web site at www.texasworkforce.org.

San Jacinto College contact: Linda Drobnich at (281) 476-1839 or linda.drobnich@sjcd.edu

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in unison with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit