New initiative allows businesses to receive up to $500,000 for training:
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) 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 and is inviting businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to provide technical training to their employees. As the Texas economy grows, there is an increased need for employers to upskill and train their workers in the evolving workplace. Training increases the competitiveness of employers and their workers by helping those individuals obtain the new skills necessary to retain employment.
“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 are required to provide a 50% cost sharing contribution, such as employee wages and benefits, or a portion of the training costs.
“Upskill Texas will provide training for Texas employers to address skill gaps and industry needs for their current workforce,” said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC is dedicated to finding innovative ways to help Texas employers get the resources they need to grow, thrive and sustain their business here in the Lone Star State.”
TWC will be accepting applications for Upskill Texas over the next two months, beginning on April 4, 2023. Qualifying employers or their designees can find the information to apply for the Upskill Texas grants on the website: https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/upskill-texas.
“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.”
Employers can learn more about how to train their workforce with a variety of services available through TWC. For more information about training, visit this website: https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/train-your-workforce.
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 coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.twc.texas.gov/. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email at https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/upskill-texasupdates.
Media Contact: Angela Woellner
Phone: 512-463-8556
