TWC Adds $1 Million in Federal Funds to Apprenticeship Training Program
Houston County Courier -  July 2009

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has added $1 million to its Apprenticeship Training Program to prepare Texas workers for occupations in high-demand skilled trades.
The additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act brings the total amount available for TWC registered apprenticeship training programs to $2.6 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010.                                                 
The TWC Apprenticeship Training Program combines structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
Apprentices who successfully complete a registered apprenticeship training program can become certified and skilled journey workers.
The program supported training for more than 4,000 apprentices in FY 2009.
“By increasing the funding for our apprenticeship program, we are able to prepare more workers in high-demand skilled trades,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. 
“Apprenticeship is an outstanding training program, and I’m extremely pleased that we are able to expand.”
Occupations supported by the TWC Apprenticeship Training Program include aircraft manufacturing, auto tech specialists, carpenters, cement masons, electricians, engine maintenance mechanics, iron workers, millwrights, painters, plumber/pipefitters and sheet metal workers.
Texas Workforce Commission provides funds to local public educational institutions to support the costs of related classroom instruction in registered apprenticeship training programs.
For more information about funding for related classroom instruction for adults in registered apprenticeship training programs, contact the Texas Workforce Commission at apprenticeship@twc.state.tx.us or (512) 936-3059.