TWC Invites Employers to Apply for Funds to Train Workers

Texas Workforce Commission • April 12, 2023

New initiative allows businesses to receive up to $500,000 for training

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is rolling out a new initiative named Upskill Texas to help businesses with 100 employees or more train their workforce. TWC has approved $5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for the pilot program and is inviting businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to provide technical training to their employees. As the Texas economy grows, there is an increased need for employers to upskill and train their workers in the evolving workplace. Training increases the competitiveness of employers and their workers by helping those individuals obtain the new skills necessary to retain employment.


“This opportunity invests in both the Texas workforce and businesses by guaranteeing that employers have the skilled workers they need,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As we help job seekers in their career path, it is important to include programs like this that help existing workers grow their skillsets.”


Through an application-based process, medium and large employers, including publicly funded healthcare employers, or their designee may be awarded funds to identify and deploy qualified training for employees. Funding awards will range from $150,000-$500,000. The employers are required to provide a 50% cost sharing contribution, such as employee wages and benefits, or a portion of the training costs.                   


“Upskill Texas will provide training for Texas employers to address skill gaps and industry needs for their current workforce,” said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC is dedicated to finding innovative ways to help Texas employers get the resources they need to grow, thrive and sustain their business here in the Lone Star State.”


TWC will be accepting applications for Upskill Texas over the next two months, beginning on April 4, 2023. Qualifying employers or their designees can find the information to apply for the Upskill Texas grants on the website.


“The current job market is highly competitive, and employees are looking for growth opportunities and career advancement,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is helping employers invest in their current employees and retain skilled workers with Upskill Texas.”


Employers can learn more about how to train their workforce with a variety of services available through TWC. For more information about training, visit this website.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

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Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
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