BLINN RECEIVES GRANT FOR BLUE BELL TRAINING
The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Blinn College a $403,981 grant to provide a wide array of training programs for almost 700 employees at Blue Bell Creameries.
The grant will allow Blinn to train 639 incumbent employees and 57 new employees in safety, welding, the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), refrigeration, robotics, pneumatics, computer technology, food safety, AutoCAD Electrical, forklift operation, manufacturing processes, manufacturing and distribution and other topics.
“With this training, Blue Bell employees will build upon their skill sets, master new technologies and have opportunities for career advancement,” said Megan Costanza, dean of Workforce Education. “We are excited to partner with Blue Bell and help its employees master the latest skills and techniques in the industry.”
Founded in 1907 and based in Brenham, Texas, Blue Bell is the third highest-selling ice cream brand in the United States, despite only being sold in 23 states. The regional company offers more than 60 ice cream flavors as well as frozen snack items and a variety of health claim products.
“For more than 100 years we have dedicated ourselves to producing a superior product,” said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president. “The training provided by this grant will be an asset to everyone and help us continue making ‘the best ice cream in the country.’”
The Skills Development Fund is the premier job-training program in Texas, providing training dollars for Texas businesses and their employees. Administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, success is achieved through collaboration among businesses, public community and technical colleges, local workforce development boards and economic development partners.
From Sept. 1, 2013 – Aug. 31, 2015, the Texas Workforce Commission has budgeted $48 million in Skills Development Funds to support high-quality, customized job training projects across the state. Blinn has been awarded more than $500,000 in Skills Development Funds so far for training in 2014-15.
“Blinn is excited about the opportunity to partner with more local businesses in applying for these funds,” said Rod Thomas, director of workforce and corporate partnerships. “The training provided through the Skill Development Fund produces better employees who in turn contribute to the community’s economic vitality.”
Businesses, consortiums and trade unions with more than 100 employees are encouraged to contact the College at 979-209-7205 to explore partnering with Blinn for Skill Development Fund training opportunities. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for Skills for Small Business grants, and are also encouraged to contact Blinn for more information.
Blinn’s Division of Workforce Education improves the local economy by helping job-seekers obtain the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the workplace, and by partnering with local businesses to offer training opportunities for incumbent and new employees. For more information on Blinn’s Workforce Education opportunities, including class schedules and registration information, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce. Story provided by Blinn College.