Skills Development Fund to train more than 840 workers in Collin County industries

Collin County, Texas – In a significant boost to local employment and training opportunities, Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of over $1.3 million in job training grants to Collin County Community College District (Collin College). These funds, sourced from the Skills Development Fund (SDF), aim to enhance the skill sets of more than 840 workers, addressing the growing demand for trained professionals in various high-demand sectors across 13 local businesses.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in collaboration with Governor Abbott’s office, has distributed these grants totaling $1,352,957. This strategic investment is intended to bolster the workforce in industries such as healthcare, accounting, and manufacturing, among others.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of workforce development in sustaining the economic growth of Texas.

“The more than $1 million in grant funding will provide customized technical training for over 840 workers in high-demand industries in Collin County,” he stated, underlining the state’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities and ensuring substantial wage growth.

The SDF grants are a cornerstone of Texas’s strategy to prepare its workforce for the challenges of tomorrow’s economy. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel highlighted the critical role these grants play in fostering career development and meeting the workforce needs of the state.

“Skills Development Fund grants help train new and current workers for many in-demand occupations,” Daniel remarked, pointing out the direct benefits to both individuals and the local business ecosystem.

The grants were formally presented by TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III, during a ceremonial event at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Collin College, representatives of benefiting businesses, and community stakeholders, all gathered to mark this pivotal initiative.

Details of the grant distribution include diverse training programs across multiple companies:

• $362,157 will facilitate training for 370 workers at businesses such as Natural Polymer and Cain Watters & Associates, focusing on fiber optics and industrial wiring, among other skills.
• $478,770 is earmarked to train 227 workers at companies like AXL LLC and Encore Wire Corporation, with a focus on electrical and mechanical maintenance and project management.
• $353,072 will support training for 169 workers at entities such as CSG Forte Payments Inc. and Portable Solar, covering essential skills in healthcare, solar energy, and computer systems design.
• An additional $158,958 will help train 78 workers at Helm Dental Laboratory LLC and Unicom Engineering in areas such as risk management and manufacturing.

The SDF is Texas’s primary workforce training grant program, which collaborates with public community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service to deliver customized and innovative training solutions. Since its inception in 1996, the SDF grant program has worked with over 4,900 employers and has supported the training and upgrading of skills for more than 435,000 workers across Texas.

This initiative not only underscores the state’s commitment to workforce development but also reinforces the collaborative approach between educational institutions and the business community in fostering a robust economic future for Texas.