TWC Proposes $5 Million In Apprenticeship Job Training Funding

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) proposed $5 Million to Registered Apprenticeship Funds for FY 2021. Proposed funds require approval of the commission along with the FY 2021 operating budget.

“The Registered Apprenticeship Training Program is one of the many programs providing Texans with options to improve their future and our overall Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Employers create a pipeline of workers who have the exact skills their businesses need to grow and be competitive, while job seekers learn key trades and gain qualifications to meet industry standards that lead to rewarding careers.”

TWC Registered Apprenticeship Training Program helps prepare and train individuals for highly skilled jobs and life-long careers in over 1,300 possible trade or craft occupations with competitive wage opportunities. The program provides valuable skills, work experience, and connections between job seekers with employers.

“Apprenticeships used to be referred to as the best kept secret in Texas! Well, not anymore,” said TWC Commissioner representing labor Julian Alvarez. “Listening to constituents around the state, TWC has helped to expand this program through traditional and non-traditional sectors. This proven, earn while you learn model has helped thousands of students work on day one and graduate with little or no student debt.” 

Registered Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Most of these training programs last from two to five years. Generally, apprentices are full-time, paid employees who earn while they learn.

TWC grants funds to local public educational institutions and apprenticeship committees to support the costs of classroom instruction related to apprenticeship training. During FY 2020, TWC funding supported 6,865 apprentices. For FY 2021, TWC’s goal is to increase the number of individuals served by 1,000.

“Apprenticeship programs provide Texas companies with a choice,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “A number of employers in Texas recognize the Registered Apprentice Training Program as a tool for strengthening our state’s workforce.”

Employers seeking information on building a Registered Apprenticeship Training Program should contact TWC at Apprenticeship@twc.state.tx.us or visit the Apprenticeship website.

Job seekers looking to become a Registered Apprentice can find more information at the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program page.