WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
Job Brief

January 2025
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Expanding Workforce Training Through JET and Skills Development Fund Grants
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Supporting Schools with JET Grant Funding

Workforce Solutions has worked closely with several area school districts and colleges in their efforts to obtain funding through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. This funding allows schools to purchase vital equipment for students to gain ndustry-recognized certifications and hands-on training for high-demand careers. By increasing access to training equipment purchased through the JET grant students will gain valuable skills that will enhance their career readiness after graduation. More information on the JET grant can be found at TWC's JET program page!

jet grant logo Advancing Workforce Training with Skills Development Fund Grants

For employers, the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Skills Development Fund (SDF) provides customized job training grants in collaboration with public, community and technical colleges. These competitive grants help businesses develop workforce training programs tailored to their specific industry needs, enhancing productivity and economic growth.

In 2024, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas secured a $192,356 SDF grant to upskill employees at Entergy Texas, Inc. This funding supports training at Entergy facilities across the region, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station (OCAPS) project. The OCAPS facility is expected to generate over $1.8 billion in economic activity during construction and sustain $65.4 million annually once operational.

The grant-funded training focuses on regulatory compliance, safety protocols, job-specific maintenance, supervisory development, and plant-specific equipment operation—ensuring workers are equipped for specialized, high-demand roles.

The Skills Development Fund is open to:
  • Public community and technical colleges
  • The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)
  • Local workforce development boards
  • Community-based organizations in partnership with eligible entities
Private, for-profit businesses are the primary partners in SDF projects. The grant application process includes proposal development, submission, and review by TWC, with funding typically covering training costs of approximately $2,000 per trainee.

For details on eligibility and application guidelines, visit twc.texas.gov or contact the Texas Workforce Commission at [email protected].

By leveraging both JET and SDF funding, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas continues to foster strong partnerships that enhance career pathways for students and workforce development opportunities in our region.

A World-Class Competitive Workforce for Southeast Texas.