The Texas Workforce Commission is rolling out a new initiative named Upskill Texas to help businesses with 100 employees or more train their workforce.
TWC has approved $5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for the pilot program. It is inviting businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to provide technical training to their employees.
“This opportunity invests in both the Texas workforce and businesses by guaranteeing that employers have the skilled workers they need,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As we help job seekers in their career path, it is important to include programs like this that help existing workers grow their skillsets.”
Through an application-based process, medium and large employers, including publicly funded healthcare employers, or their designee may be awarded funds to identify and deploy qualified training for employees. Funding awards will range from $150,000-500,000. The employers must provide a 50-percent cost-sharing contribution, such as employee wages and benefits, or a portion of the training costs.
TWC will be accepting applications for Upskill Texas over the next two months, beginning on April 4. Qualifying employers or their designees can find the information to apply for the Upskill Texas grants on the website.
“The current job market is highly competitive, and employees are looking for growth opportunities and career advancement,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is helping employers invest in their current employees and retain skilled workers with Upskill Texas.”