Austin, Texas – East Texas students preparing for careers in health care, skilled trades, emergency services and other in-demand fields are getting a major boost through more than $2.5 million in new career training grants announced by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The funding, awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Jobs and Education for Texans program, will help nine East Texas schools buy and install equipment for career and technical education programs. In all, the grants total $2,524,300 and are expected to initially train 700 students for jobs ranging from automotive service technicians and HVAC mechanics to registered nurses, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, welders, emergency medical technicians and veterinary technicians.
“Texas is strengthening our state by investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will provide students in East Texas the real-world training and technical education they need to have a successful career. The future of our state is in good hands because of the education we are providing to young Texans today.”
The awards were presented earlier today during a ceremony at Tyler Junior College, where Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett joined state and local officials, school leaders and staff to mark the announcement.
TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said the grants are designed not only to help students, but also to support employers looking for trained workers in key industries.
“The JET grants awarded today will support East Texas schools in training 700 students for vital careers such as healthcare professionals, EMTs, and HVAC technicians,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is proud to support employers in meeting current and future workforce needs.”
The largest grant, $354,491, will go to Kilgore College to train 60 students as HVAC mechanics and installers. Hawkins ISD will receive $334,330 to train 20 students as emergency medical technicians in partnership with Tyler Junior College, while Tyler Junior College itself will receive $325,293 to train 27 students as veterinary technologists and technicians.
Frankston ISD was awarded $321,458 to train 147 students as welders with Trinity Valley Community College. Mineola ISD will receive $274,989 to train 165 students as automotive service technicians and mechanics, also in partnership with Tyler Junior College. Northeast Texas Community College received $275,416 to train 96 students as registered nurses.
Other awards include $226,442 for Kemp ISD to train 130 nursing assistants with Trinity Valley Community College, $219,849 for Central Heights ISD to train 50 phlebotomists with Angelina College, and $192,032 for Martinsville ISD to train five nursing assistants with Panola College.
The JET program, funded by the Texas Legislature each biennium, helps public community, state and technical colleges, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools cover start-up costs for new or expanded career training programs. Equipment purchased through the grants must be used for training tied to high-demand occupations. More information is available through the Texas Workforce Commission’s JET grant program.
