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This month: resources for job-training programs.

Partnering for Impact

State and federal grants help communities build work force training programs.

The Comptroller’s office empowers local governments and communities across the state with the information and tools they need to support economic development and create new jobs for Texans. Look for our special “Partnering for Impact” section in each edition, featuring timely information for local governments and economic development corporations.

As some of the nation experiences job losses resulting from a slowing economy, most regions of Texas continue to grow. Some cities located in energy producing areas of the state, such as Midland and Odessa, have a shortage of skilled labor. Other cities, faced with layoffs, are taking actions to retrain their workers for jobs in growing sectors of the economy. Whether a community is experiencing job losses or labor shortages, job-training programs are key tools that should be in every community’s economic development toolbelt.

Funding for job-training programs is available from a variety of sources including local economic development corporations, the Texas Enterprise Fund and federal grants to councils of government (COGs) administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Local economic development corporations (EDCs) may fund job-training facilities, career centers and job-training classes. Job-training facilities must be located at public institutions of higher education and must train workers for industries that export goods or services. EDCs may also fund job-training classes through businesses, as long as the businesses agree to pay wages or increase wage rates to a level equal to or above the prevailing wage in the labor market.

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), administered by the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Division, may fund a number of economic development incentives for businesses, including job training. With unanimous support of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, TEF funds may be expended to provide for job training as an incentive for a business relocating to Texas or to assist with a substantial expansion in the state.

COGs may apply for federal Workforce Investment Act job-training grants through TWC. This program creates a partnership among workers, government and industry to tailor training programs that prepare workers for long-term employment. TR