Workforce Solutions East Texas is Accepting Grant Applications for TWC's High Demand Job Training Program

Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 12, 2022

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m., October 31, 2022

Workforce Solutions East Texas is accepting projects where Texas Workforce Commission High Demand Job Training Grant Funds can be used for the purchase of equipment, supplies and minor renovation of facilities used for job training. Responses to the Request for Applications are due by 5:00 p.m., October 31, 2022.


Through the High Demand Job Training Program, the Texas Workforce Commission dedicates one million dollars ($1,000,000) of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ("WIOA") funds to address skill gaps and ensure a talent pipeline to address industry needs, through collaborations between Local Workforce Development Boards and local Economic Development Corporations. Collaborations must engage in allowable WIOA activities, focusing on high demand occupational job training determined by the Board in the local workforce areas.

 

The intent of the High Demand Job Training Program is to support Boards in partnering with local EDCs which use their local economic development sales taxes for high demand job training. To achieve this purpose, TWC wants to enable Boards to collaborate with local EDCs and leverage funds from their local economic development sales tax funds to jointly support the provision of such training. 

 

Additional information about the High Demand Job Training Program is available through the Texas Workforce Commission website at the following link: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/high-demand-job-training-program. 


Responses must be submitted to grantapps@etcog.org.

 

Application Documents
The following forms must be submitted in their entirety.


***Please Submit All Documents in Word and Excel Formats. No Pdf’s***


Jobs to be trained for must be on the Targeted and High Demand Occupation Lists for the East Texas Workforce Development Area. 


Download our RFA Application Procedures and Information page.


August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

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Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

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

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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).

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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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