Governor Greg Abbott announced that two Austin area schools have received grants totaling $405,954 through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded these funds to support career and technical education programs, specifically to help purchase and install equipment needed to train students for high-demand jobs in welding and HVAC mechanics.
“In our state’s booming economy, Texas is providing students important resources and opportunities to succeed in our growing workforce,” Governor Abbott said. “These JET grants will provide students with the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities. By investing in the success of our students, we are building a more skilled workforce to keep Texas strong.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza commented on the impact of the program: “The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” he said. “Today’s grants will help these two schools address current and future demand by training hundreds of students for good-paying jobs as HVAC mechanics and welders.”
Commissioner Esparza presented the awards during a ceremony at Austin Community College Riverside Campus attended by state and local officials as well as school staff.
The funding includes a $64,774 grant for Austin Community College District to train 120 students as HVAC mechanics, and a $341,180 grant for Granger Independent School District in partnership with Texas State Technical College – East Williamson County to train 75 students as welders.
JET grants are funded by the Texas Legislature every two years. The TWC uses these grants to help cover start-up costs for developing or expanding career and technical education programs at public community colleges, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment purchased through JET must be used specifically for training students in high-demand occupations. Announcements regarding additional JET grant awards for this fiscal year are expected in the coming months.
