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TWC Celebrates Apprenticeship Week

News Category Press Releases
November 13, 2023

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Texas Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 13-19, 2023. The weeklong event encourages employers to explore the many benefits of apprenticeship programs and highlights the growing popularity of apprenticeships in a variety of industries. Apprenticeship programs draw on support from businesses, education partners, labor organizations, workforce partners, and industry associations to meet the ongoing need for a skilled workforce.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently issued a proclamation recognizing Texas Apprenticeship Week while noting how apprenticeship programs serve as instruments of workforce and economic development in Texas. Concurrent with National Apprenticeship Week, the Texas celebration also showcases how employers are finding and retaining the talent they need to remain competitive in a global economy.

“Apprenticeships give Texans the ability to earn while they learn and obtain the skills needed by Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The education and training offered through these programs make them effective strategies to prepare for a rewarding career.”

There are more than 800 registered apprenticeship programs in the state. In addition, apprenticeship programs supported by TWC have trained more than 20,000 apprentices in the past three years, with an investment of $14.6 million. Texas is continuing to innovate and invest in apprenticeships with $20 million allocated in the 88th Legislative Session to Texas Industry Recognized Apprenticeships. The application for those funds will soon be available to businesses throughout the state.

“Apprenticeships are critical to the development of Texas’ civilian workforce as it continues to grow from month to month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through apprenticeships, workers benefit from earning wages while gaining hands-on experience to improve employability for high-demand careers in expanding industries.”

“TWC encourages employers to offer apprenticeship programs as they explore ways to develop their workforce for the future,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “Employers that use apprenticeship programs can provide specialized training and create a dedicated talent pipeline for their businesses.”

Texas Apprenticeship Week recognizes leaders in business, labor, education, and industry, and highlights how apprenticeships prepare workers for careers in demand today and in the future. Events are planned around the state to promote Texas apprenticeships and the employers benefiting from the work-based learning model. ApprenticeshipTexas encourages local employers and industry partners to develop new apprenticeship training programs and expand on current registered apprenticeship training programs.

Employers seeking information on building the core components of an apprenticeship training program should contact TWC at ApprenticeshipTexas@twc.texas.gov or visit TWC’s ApprenticeshipTexas website.

Texas is a place where businesses can thrive thanks to reasonable regulations, low taxes, a fair legal environment, an educated workforce, and an unparalleled quality of life. Apprenticeships, an important component of our workforce, allow skilled tradesmen and women to earn valuable experience and knowledge. They enable industries to develop the skilled workers needed to address the great challenges of our time. We depend upon the specialized expertise of electricians, carpenters, manufacturers, and mechanics to keep our society functioning. These seasoned professionals must assist those who follow in their footsteps, and apprenticeships are no doubt a means to that end. Each November, a week is dedicated to raising public awareness of the outstanding apprenticeship programs available in our state and country. The American Dream depends upon the next generation of experienced laborers. At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about apprenticeship programs and how they support our trade industries. These programs are crucial to the sector of commerce that are building our state in the most literal sense. They will therefore have a key role to play as we work together to bring about a better, brighter future. Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim the period from November 13 to November 19, 2023, to be Apprenticeship Week in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 27th day of October, 2023. Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.