Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $2.4 million investment in workforce development for North Texas. The funding will be distributed to ten schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program.

Boosting Career and Technical Education

The JET program, overseen by the Texas Workforce Commission, aims to strengthen career and technical education initiatives. It will also provide schools with essential equipment for hands-on training. This investment is designed to prepare students for success in the state’s growing economy.

Preparing Students for In-Demand Jobs

The grants will impact over 3,250 students, training them for roles in high-demand industries. These include positions such as aircraft mechanics, registered nurses, skilled welders, and commercial truck drivers. These professions are currently facing significant workforce shortages.

State and Local Leaders Support the Initiative

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of equipping students with the skills needed for the evolving job market. Texas Workforce Commission Chairman, Joe Esparza, highlighted the role of JET grants in strengthening the workforce pipeline in North Texas.

The grant awards were presented at a ceremony at Dallas College Garland Center. State and local leaders, along with school representatives, attended the event to demonstrate their commitment to Texas’s workforce.

Grant Program Details

The JET program is funded by the Texas Legislature and aims to reduce the financial burden of launching or expanding workforce training programs. Any equipment purchased with grant funds must be used to train students for high-demand occupations.

Additional JET grant awards for the current fiscal year are expected to be announced in the coming months, signaling a continued focus on workforce development across the state.