Mayo Manufacturing, JCM Industries Partner with Texarkana College for $237,697 in Job-Training Grants
Mayo Manufacturing Corp. and JCM Industries have partnered with Texarkana College to provide customized training to new and incumbent workers using two Skills Development Fund grants totaling $237,697 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These grants will benefit the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas area.
“Having a skilled workforce is essential to the Texas economy. The customized training provided through these partnerships will allow local workers to advance their skill sets and further their career,” said Rep. Gary VanDeaver. “We are pleased to make these investments to the Texas workforce.”
Mayo Manufacturing will create or upgrade 83 jobs using a $163,582 Skills Development Fund grant to accommodate recent upgrades to production equipment and manufacturing facilities expansion. Customized training will be provided on new techniques and automated systems for industrial design, routing, fabric cutting, upholstery and sewing equipment. Those trained will include upholsterers, sewing operators, floor production leads and team production supervisors. Upon completion of training, workers will receive an average wage of $15.77.
JCM Industries Inc. will create or upgrade 43 jobs using a $74,115 Skills Development Fund grant to meet manufacturing industry standards and the demand for advanced welding skills. Customized training will be provided on gas metal arc welding, manufacturing control and welding use processes. Those trained will include welders, fabrication machinists and production line assemblers. Upon completion of training, workers will receive an average wage of $21.04 and may be eligible for American Welding Society certification.
“It is a tremendous benefit when our local community colleges and employers partner to provide job-training to help build a skilled and educated workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “The Texas Workforce Commission is proud to support these partnerships and this investment in the Texarkana community.” 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 www.texasworkforce.org/skills. Texarkana College contact: Director of Institutional Advancement & Public Relations Suzy Irwin, 903-823-3095 or suzanne.irwin@texarkanacollege.edu
