Workers for skilled jobs are in high demand, and now skilled work is getting a boost.
Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced three Skills Development Fund grant awards totaling more than $3.8 million to Dallas College by the Texas Workforce Commission to help train students for specialized jobs in construction, manufacturing and aerospace engineering.
The grants will provide training for over 1,900 new and current workers. Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon said they will help incumbent workers upskill and gain certifications while also providing opportunities for new employees.
We need more skilled workers in these high-demand occupations that are important to the economy.
Opinion
Lonon told us that Dallas College has over 30,000 students enrolled in skills-based programs. These programs are successful in quickly getting people the skills they need to get into good-paying jobs, he said.
It’s important that we create other pathways for young people who don’t want to or might not be able to attend a four-year degree program. These grants supporting specialized job training are a step in the right direction, and we hope to see more investment in these programs going forward.
Specialized job training goes beyond general labor by teaching industry-specific skills. These roles require more than physical work; they demand certifications and technical expertise. Grants like these help workers gain the qualifications they need for well-paying, high-demand careers.
The TWC Middle Skills Initiative helps address the high demand for middle-skills jobs in Texas. These are jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree.
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, nearly 47% of jobs in Texas require postsecondary training, yet only 32% of workers are qualified. These grants aim to close that gap by expanding access to the specialized training our workforce needs.
This funding comes on the heels of a $5.7 million investment from the U.S. Department of Labor to Dallas College and other local colleges to help meet the growing demand for health care professionals.
Not only are we investing in training the next generation of workers in industries like construction, manufacturing and engineering, we are also expanding opportunities in health care. This is workforce training that helps promote the well-being of our communities.
Lonon said these programs get at the bigger regional perspective and work Dallas College is doing with other colleges, institutions and programs in North Texas. Through these partnerships that bridge between people and institutions, Dallas College is helping build a more coordinated, responsive workforce that meets the region’s evolving economic needs, he said.
These investments are a smart step toward building a stronger, more skilled workforce. With continued support, programs like these can open doors for Texans and create opportunities for success.