Igloo Products Corp. has partnered with Blinn College to provide customized training to new and incumbent employees using a $384,469 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that will benefit the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast area. This grant will be used to develop apprenticeship programs, expand custom training and upgrade the skills of 341 new and incumbent employees.
Apprenticeship programs have been developed for new and incumbent engineers, maintenance technicians, mold operators, designers, and tool and die makers. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees will receive an average wage of $24.13 and may be eligible for industry-recognized certifications.
Training Grant
“This Skills Development Fund grant creates a tremendous opportunity for Igloo workers as they receive customized training to upgrade their skillsets and further their career,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Having a skilled workforce is essential to the Texas economy. We are excited to make these investments in support of our Texas businesses as they continue to grow and succeed.”
The Skills Development Fund grant program is celebrating 20 years of success as the state’s premier training program in 2015-16. The fund was initiated by the Legislature in September of 1995 and first began awarding contracts in 1996. During that time the Skills Development Fund grants have created or upgraded more than 329,333 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted 4,141 employers with their customized training needs. The Legislature allocated $48.5 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2016-17 biennium. Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC website at texasworkforce.org/skills. Blinn College contact: Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Richard Bray, 979-209-7285, richard.bray@blinn.edu