TX WORKFORCE COMMISSION GIVES OVER $800,000 IN GRANT TO BLINN
The Texas Workforce Commission presented Blinn College and NOV Grant Prideco an $820,365 grant Thursday, May 25, to provide safety and skills training for NOV Grant Prideco employees. The grant will train 395 workers, and the Texas Workforce Commission estimates it will make a $4.3 million economic impact on the local community.
Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez made the announcement at the NOV Grant Prideco facility in Navasota alongside Dr. Crystal Lee, Blinn College Vice President for Instruction; Dr. Jimmy Byrd, Executive Director of the Blinn-Bryan Campus; Jay Anderson, Dean of Blinn College Technical & Community Programs; R. Brett Chandler, NOV Grant Prideco President; and Steve McAteer; NOV Grant Prideco General Manager.
The grant provides training for 34 new jobs and 361 upgraded positions in forklift operation, aerial platform work, overhead crane operations, electrical troubleshooting and repair, electrical power, hydraulics, machining, ultrasonic testing welding manufacturing, and a variety of workplace safety courses.
The Skills Development Fund provides local customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and workers to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. Blinn has secured $2.7 million in Skills Development Fund grants since August 2014, helping local employers such as Axis Pipe & Tube, Blue Bell, Igloo, Kaemark, Stanpac, and Tempur Sealy develop and implement employee safety and skills training programs.
“Skills Development Fund grants deliver customized training solutions that help Texas businesses and their employees thrive in today’s competitive business environment,” Anderson said. “This investment from the Texas Workforce Commission builds the skills of local employees, benefitting both the business and our community.”
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 Skills Development Fund training opportunities. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for Skills for Small Business grants, and also are encouraged to contact Blinn for more information.
Information provided courtesy of Blinn Communications