TWC Awards $639,280 in Self-Sufficiency Funding to a Community

Texas Workforce Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 22, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Givens
PHONE: 512-463-8556
TWC Awards $639,280 in Self-Sufficiency Funding to a
Community College Consortium for Petrochemical Training
AUSTIN – A four-member Houston-area community college consortium has partnered with Workforce Solutions Gulf
Coast and the Texas Workforce Commission to provide job training in support of petrochemical employers.
The community college partners include Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, Lone Star College and
San Jacinto College. The project will support infrastructure development for the oil and gas industry by preparing and
training individuals who are eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits (including noncustodial parents). Trainees will gain skills needed for growth occupations that are in demand for support of oil and gas
TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar makes a Skills Development Fund check presentation to
representatives from the community college consortium on May 21.
From left to right: Mike Temple, Director Human Services, Galveston Area Council; Dr. Allatia Harris,
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, Community Diversity, San Jacinto College; Commissioner
Andres Alcantar, TWC; Dr. Christal Albrecht, President, Alvin Community College; Dr. Millicent Valek,
President, Brazosport College; Mark Guthrie, Chairman, Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board;
Hector Rivera, Texas Chemical Council.
Photo Courtesy of Brazosport College
-moreTexas Workforce Commission • 512-463-8942 • www.texasworkforce.org • Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
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industry infrastructure, with an emphasis on industrial construction needs as identified by the local workforce
development board. Eligible participants will be referred to the colleges by Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast.
The grant will be used to custom train 313 skilled craft workers for the petrochemical industry. Through the
training, workers will gain marketable skills in pipefitting, welding, electric, construction, maintenance and more.
From the program’s inception in 1996 through 2013, Skills Development Fund grants have created or upgraded
more than 300,456 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted 3,971 employers with their customized training needs.
The Legislature nearly 48 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2014-15 biennium. Employers seeking more
information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at http://skills.texasworkforce.org.
Brazosport College contact: Kyle Smith, director of marketing and communication, [email protected] or
979-230-3489.
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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.texasworkforce.org.