$300,000 JOB TRAINING GRANT AWARDED TO NCTC FOR OCCUPATIONS IN HIGH DEMAND
September 29, 2023
GAINESVILLE, Texas – On Friday, September 29, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel presented a $300,000 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant to North Central Texas College (NCTC) Chancellor Dr. G. Brent Wallace. This grant award includes a $150,000 match from the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) that will be used to expand the NCTC Industrial Mechatronics program to the Gainesville campus and provide state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for hands-on training.
“The HDJT grant program helps provide opportunities for skills training in Texas communities,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The funds from this program foster local partnerships that deliver high-demand job training resources directly to Texas’ growing workforce.”
Industrial Mechatronics combines “Mechanical” and “Electronic” engineering fundamentals. This innovative education program began in 2022 at the NCTC Champions Circle Training Center and is designed to develop entry level technicians in the field of advanced manufacturing. Students may pursue an Industrial Mechatronics Certification or an Associates of Science Degree. Upon graduation they are eligible to work in a variety of industries with a solid foundation for future engineering education. Employment opportunities are currently available with existing industries and more opportunities are on the way with the semiconductor expansions including Texas Instrument, GlobiTech, and their suppliers planning to establish operations in the region.
“The NCTC Industrial Mechatronics Program is a proven curriculum that grew 86% in its first year at the Champions Circle Training Center. Graduates of the program are eligible for jobs in growing industries that will always be in demand. When classes begin in the spring at the Gainesville campus it will continue to grow and produce a world-class workforce in our region,” said NCTC Chancellor Dr. G. Brent Wallace.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020-2030 employment of Electricians is projected to grow 27% and Industrial Technicians are expected to increase by 35%. As a result of the dual-funded grant, sixty-five to seventy-five individuals will receive workforce skills training to launch their careers in emerging workforce areas with strong starting salaries. The average wage in North Texas for an Electrician is $47,630 and $55,460 for Advanced Manufacturing Technicians.
“We couldn’t be happier with our partnership between Workforce Solutions Texoma and NCTC,” said Ryan Morris, President of the Gainesville EDC. “We are making a strong investment in our community to create high-tech career paths for Cooke County students while meeting the needs of regional businesses desiring a skilled workforce.”
The HDJT grant, funded by the Texas Workforce Commission, focuses on training for specific occupations needed in the region. It encourages collaboration between economic development corporations, colleges, and regional workforce solution offices. To be eligible for the grant, a local economic development corporation must match the state funding. The GEDC provided the $150,000 matching grant approved by the GEDC Board and the Gainesville City Council in February, allowing Workforce Solutions Texoma to receive and administer the TWC grant funding at the local level.
Contact:
William Myers
Executive Director, Gainesville EDC
940-665-5241