Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

DATE: July 24, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Fischer
EMAIL: press@twc.texas.gov

TWC Receives $8.8 Million Award from U.S. Department of Labor for Apprenticeship Expansion

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will add new apprenticeship opportunities with $8,812,636 million in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In each round of DOL Apprenticeship Expansion funding since 2017, TWC has successfully pursued grant awards to support the expansion of Registered Apprenticeships in Texas.

“Apprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training and practical experience for occupations across many of Texas’ fastest-growing industries,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This additional support will help close the middle skills gap and elevate the talent of Texas’ current and future workforce.”

The DOL Apprenticeship Expansion funding will increase the number of apprentices by creating new and expanding existing Registered Apprenticeship programs. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees who earn while they learn. Since 2017, the funding has been used to develop 123 new Registered Apprenticeship Training Programs and add approximately 11,452 new registered apprentices in Texas. Currently, there are 892 registered apprenticeship programs in Texas with over 30,000 active apprentices.

“The expansion of this grant will help more Texans to earn money while they develop skills needed to begin a career in high-demand occupations across the state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Apprenticeships play a critical role in bringing together community, education, and employers as we work together to close the workforce gap with skilled workers.”

During this most recent cycle, the DOL grant program awarded a combined $244 million to 52 grantees across 32 states. The grants will ensure access to quality apprenticeships by strengthening, modernizing, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeships.

“TWC recognizes the importance of work-based learning, and apprenticeships can be another tool in the toolbox for employers to develop their talent pipeline,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “By offering apprenticeships, Texas employers help the future workforce understand the broad range of opportunities available to them in a growing Texas economy.”

Workforce partners such as employers, local workforce development boards, and community colleges may review all apprenticeship initiatives at https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/apprenticeship/initiatives.

For more information, email ApprenticeshipTexas@twc.texas.gov. Employers interested in creating new apprenticeship programs can also register for TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas Conference, which will take place October 3-4, 2024 in Dallas.

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.