Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced a Skills Development Fund grant exceeding $138,000 awarded to Victoria College. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) provided the grant to facilitate customized training in petroleum and coal products manufacturing for over 100 employees at Seadrift Coke.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of workforce investments for the state's future. "As the Best State for Business, investments in our workforce are critical for the success of the next generation of Texans," he stated. He highlighted career training expansion as an emergency item for the current legislative session. "This grant will provide over 100 workers with the customized training they need to excel in their manufacturing careers," he added.

TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel remarked on the significance of such grants in creating a skilled workforce. "This grant helps create a skilled workforce by providing Victoria College with resources to supply customized training for over 100 workers," Daniel said. He noted that programs like the Skills Development Fund ensure Texas has talented workers ready for high-demand jobs.

The award was presented on Friday by TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III at a ceremony held at Victoria College's Emerging Technology Complex. Representatives from Victoria College, Seadrift Coke, and other local partners attended.

In his recent State of the State Address, Governor Abbott underscored expanding career training as an urgent priority for the 89th Legislative Session.

The Skills Development Fund is Texas's initiative aimed at upskilling new or existing workforces through partnerships with public community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, and entities like Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. Since its inception in 1996, this program has collaborated with over 4,800 employers to enhance or create more than 420,000 jobs across Texas.