AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is highlighting the success of its ApprenticeshipTexas program, which is helping Applied Materials, Inc., a leader in materials engineering solutions, quickly onboard new technicians and shorten their pathways to critically in-demand manufacturing jobs.

“We are training the future technicians in Texas through ApprenticeshipTexas,” said Global Manufacturing Training manager at Applied Materials Clara Neri-Mejia. “The program provides a consistent standard of training, so I know if I can train my technician in Austin, they've been vetted and now we can use them throughout the company.”

ApprenticeshipTexas streamlines the process for employers to establish and expand apprenticeship programs. TWC supports employers by connecting them with valuable resources, enabling them to build a highly skilled workforce. With this customized approach, Applied Materials has developed training to help with recruitment.

“The Apprenticeship Texas team provides assistance through the whole process,” said Neri-Mejia. “The customization and flexibility of the program makes it suitable for any industry.”

Apprenticeships tackle workforce shortages by developing highly skilled workers. These workers fuel business growth and drive economic development across the state. TWC works with employers to support the more than 1,000 registered apprenticeship programs in Texas. Texas recorded more than 37,000 active apprentices at the start of 2025, and additional growth is expected by 2026.

“Apprenticeships help workers gain the skills, experience, and industry connections to create a successful career,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas program supports valuable apprenticeship models that work in a variety of industries to reduce skills gaps and help Texas businesses grow.”

Learn more about Applied Materials’s ApprenticeshipTexas experience here.
 
The ApprenticeshipTexas Conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas on September 25 and 26, 2025. The conference will empower attendees to build and grow apprenticeship programs that help develop a more skilled workforce.

For more information about ApprenticeshipTexas, please visit apprenticeshiptexas.com or contact the TWC Outreach team at apprenticeshiptexas@twc.texas.gov.