Date: September 19, 2019
Media Contact: Cisco Gamez
Phone: 512-463-8556
TWC Hosts Third Annual ApprenticeshipTexas Conference in San Antonio
AUSTIN – Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) hosted local employers, educators and industry stakeholders at the third Annual ApprenticeshipTexas conference in San Antonio, Thursday, September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday, September 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk. TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Public Bryan Daniel, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, and TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson joined local employers, educators and intermediaries to discuss best practices for strengthening and furthering apprenticeship expansion strategies in Texas.
“I applaud the outstanding group of forward-looking organizations pursuing innovations in registered apprenticeships for the future of Texas,” said Chairman and Commissioner Representing the Public Bryan Daniel. “The number of newly registered apprenticeship training programs in 2019 has increased by 4%. Partnerships like these serve to reinvigorate Texas and its apprenticeship system, creating opportunities and pathways to prosperity for thousands of future Texans that will last for years to come.”
With the Texas unemployment rate at a record low, TWC continues to address the importance of apprenticeship opportunities in Texas. The two-day conference featured panels by industry professionals aimed at developing new programs and continuing to expand current apprenticeship training programs for in demand occupations and underrepresented populations in Texas.
“By increasing the availability of registered apprenticeship programs for young Texans, we see that more and more of them are taking advantage of the education and training they receive, giving them an early start in preparing for and succeeding in the jobs of the future,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “We are committed to continuing to expand registered apprenticeship programs and helping Texas employers start new programs in traditional and nontraditional industries, offering a winning combination for our state’s continued economic growth.”
Presentations at the conference provided attendees the tools to implement apprenticeship programs in industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and health care. Businesses attending the conference witnessed real-world examples of the benefits of hiring apprentices and learned how training in-house allows workers to immediately contribute their talents and skills to the business’ needs.
“Apprenticeships are a unique way for employers to provide work-based learning opportunities and ensure their next generation of workers have the skills needed to keep their business competitive,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “This conference is an essential way to bring all stakeholders together and build an effective talent pipeline to support our ever-growing economy.”
The ApprenticeshipTexas Conference provided an opportunity for hosts and stakeholders to gain insights from policy experts and leading practitioners in developing successful training programs. For more information on the conference, visit the TWC website at Events - ApprenticeshipTexas Conference.
###mmh
The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
