Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the new Texas Jobs Council and its role in workforce development during a visit to South Plains College’s automotive technology and welding facilities on April 14. The event brought attention to how students at the college are preparing for high-demand jobs that support Texas’ economic growth.
The topic is significant as Texas continues to experience rapid job creation and needs skilled workers to fill those positions. Efforts like the Texas Jobs Council aim to align education, training, and industry needs so that Texans can benefit from expanding employment opportunities.
“We are building and manufacturing the future of the entire world right here in the State of Texas,” Abbott said. “We are united on a mission that benefits all Texans: keep Texas the number one state for business, jobs, employment opportunities, and workforce training programs to ensure great careers for generations to come.” Abbott also thanked South Plains College for providing a pipeline of talented workers.
Abbott said that over $7 billion has been invested in career training programs across Texas in just two years. He noted signing House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law last year, which expanded career and technical education by encouraging partnerships with higher education institutions and improving college advising. The Governor was joined at the event by Teamsters Local 988 President Robert Mele, SPC President Robin Satterwhite, Representative Ken King, and Ray Martinez III of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.
The newly launched Jobs Council will focus on immediate executive actions by state agencies aimed at reducing regulatory burdens around workforce development. It will also make policy recommendations ahead of next year’s legislative session before delivering a final report with proposals in November 2026.
Greg Abbott is serving as the state’s 48th governor according to the official website. The Office of the Governor provides leadership across Texas while promoting economic opportunity, education, public safety, cultural understanding through commissions supporting women and people with disabilities according to its official website.
The inaugural meeting of the Jobs Council took place last month at the historic Greek Revival-style Governor’s Mansion—official residence since 1856—which stands as one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to information from state sources.
