Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that two schools in the Austin area will receive a total of $405,954 through Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded these grants to support career and technical education programs, enabling the purchase and installation of equipment to train 195 students for 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," said Governor Abbott. "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."

“The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe 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.”

Commissioner Esparza presented the awards earlier today at Austin Community College Riverside Campus during a ceremony attended by state and local officials along with school staff.

The Austin Community College District received $64,774 to train 120 students as HVAC mechanics. Granger Independent School District was awarded $341,180 to train 75 students as welders in partnership with Texas State Technical College – East Williamson County.

JET grants are funded every two years by the Texas Legislature. The TWC uses these funds to help public community colleges, technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools develop or expand their career training programs. Equipment purchased through JET must be used specifically for high-demand occupations. Awards for this fiscal year have not yet been announced but are expected in the coming months.