Governor Greg Abbott has announced that two Austin-area schools will receive grants totaling $405,954 to support career and technical education training. The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), aim to help the schools purchase and install equipment for programs that will initially train 195 students for high-demand jobs as welders 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.”
Joe Esparza, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, also commented on the impact of these funds. “The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” Esparza 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.”
The awards were presented earlier today at a ceremony held at Austin Community College Riverside Campus, attended by Commissioner Esparza along with state and local officials and school staff.
The grants include $64,774 awarded to Austin Community College District to train 120 students as HVAC mechanics, and $341,180 awarded to Granger Independent School District in partnership with Texas State Technical College – East Williamson County to train 75 students as welders.
Funding for JET grants comes from appropriations made by the Texas Legislature every two years. The program helps cover start-up costs for developing or expanding career and technical education programs at public community colleges, state technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools across Texas. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used specifically for training students in high-demand fields. Information about additional JET grant awards for the current fiscal year is expected to be published in upcoming months.
