Recent Press Releases

Sep. 21, 2023 - My Possibilities Receives $350,000 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ My Possibilities, a non-profit organization serving adults with disabilities, received a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection (TTC) grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to provide innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention for workers in the Workforce Solutions North Central Texas area.  

Sep. 15, 2023 - Texas Employment Reached Historic Highs in August

AUSTIN ⎯ After continued growth through the month of August, Texas has once again set new records for the number of jobs, number of people employed, and size of the civilian labor force. Total nonfarm employment increased by 16,700 positions over the month to reach a 23rd consecutive series-high level with 13,979,100 jobs and a 30th consecutive month of growth. Since August 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 402,000 positions and continued to outpace the nation in the rate of annual employment growth.

Sep. 14, 2023 - TWC Awards More Than $56,000 in Training Grant to Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas and Local Partners

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas a $56,172 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant to prepare area workers for long-term, high-demand careers. 

Sep. 08, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $229,000 In Career Training Grants To Central Texas Schools

Governor Greg Abbott today announced two Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $229,000 to two schools in Central Texas to support career and technical education training programs. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), these grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 70 students for high-demand occupations in manufacturing and healthcare.

Sep. 07, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $7.6 Million In Career Training Grants To Permian Basin, Gulf Coast Schools

Governor Greg Abbott today announced 20 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $7.6 million have been awarded to 14 schools across the Permian Basin and Gulf Coast regions by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train more than 4,300 students for high-demand occupations in healthcare, carpentry, welding, and more.

Sep. 01, 2023 - Thank You for Continuing to Work for Texas

AUSTIN – This Labor Day, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) wants to recognize the state’s workforce for making Texas the best place to live and work.

Aug. 24, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.7 Million In Career Training Grants To Northeast Texas Schools

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced 11 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $2.7 million to 11 schools in Northeast Texas to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), these grants will help schools purchase and install equipment to initially train more than 1,340 students for high-demand occupations in healthcare, automotive services, welding, engineering, construction management, culinary arts, public relations, and more.

Aug. 23, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.8 Million In Career Training Grants To Southeast Texas Schools

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today announced nine Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $2.8 million to five Southeast Texas schools to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train more than 890 students for high-demand occupations.

Aug. 18, 2023 - Solid Employment Growth in July Leads to More Records in Texas

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas has more jobs, more people employed, and more people willing and able to work than ever before as growth continued in July. Total nonfarm employment increased by 26,300 positions over the month to reach a 22nd consecutive series-high level at 13,969,100 jobs and achieved 29 consecutive months of growth. Since July 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 441,700 positions—again, leading the nation in number of jobs added over the year.

Aug. 11, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $130,000 Job Training Grant To Texas Southmost College

Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award of $132,794 to Texas Southmost College by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Aug. 10, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $9.9 Million In Career Training Grants To Rio Grande Valley Schools

Governor Greg Abbott today announced 20 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $9.9 million to 11 schools in the Rio Grande Valley to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs. 

Aug. 9, 2023 - TWC Youth Robotics Grants Inspire High School Students to Pursue STEM Occupations

AUSTIN – Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded more than $2.3 million in grants for Youth Robotics programs, allowing more than 10,000 Texas high school students to participate in various events that lead to the world championship.

July 27, 2023 - TWC Awards Training Grants to Workforce Solutions Cameron in Collaboration with Local Partners

AUSTIN – Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) presented two grants totaling $300,000 to Workforce Solutions Cameron County. The grants—a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) grant and a $150,000 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant —will be used to prepare Texas workers for long-term, high-demand careers.   

July 27, 2023 - TWC Supports Workplace Learning on National Intern Day

AUSTIN –Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reminds Texas employers and students about the opportunities to create a beneficial connection on this National Intern Day. Texas Internship Challenge and the connected initiative Texas Interns Unite! support these efforts to promote work-based learning.

July 21, 2023 - Record Jobs, Employment, and Labor Force Spotlight Texas Momentum

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas broke three records again with number of jobs, number employed, and the size of the state’s civilian labor force. Total nonfarm employment increased by 31,100 positions over the month to reach a 21st consecutive series-high level at 13,944,600 jobs and achieved 28 consecutive months of growth. Since June 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 542,500 positions—the largest annual increase in the nation. Texas’ employment growth rate continued to outperform with 4.0 percent annual growth from June 2022 to June 2023—outpacing any other state as well as the nation’s more modest 2.5 percent.  

July 13, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.4 Million In Career Training Grants To Laredo Area Schools

AUSTIN—Governor Greg Abbott today announced six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $2.4 million to four Laredo-area schools to support career and technical (CTE) training programs. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to train more than 800 students for high-demand careers. 

July 7, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $3.5 Million In Career Training Grants To North Texas Schools

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced eight Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to support career and technical education (CTE) training by six North Texas-area educational institutions. Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the combined $3,511,598 in grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 1,164 students for high-demand occupations.

June 16, 2023 - Texas Civilian Labor Force Reaches Record 15 Million People

AUSTIN – For the first time in its history, the Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force crossed the 15 million threshold, adding 49,000 people over the month to reach 15,009,300 in May. Though the unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.1 percent, the number of employed also reached a new record high at nearly 14.4 million. Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 51,000 positions over the month—adding more jobs than any other state—to reach a 20th consecutive series-high job count at 13,918,700 total nonfarm jobs and achieved 27 consecutive months of growth. Since May 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 529,800 positions—outpacing every state in the nation by number and percentage of jobs added.

June 14, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.3 Million Job Training Grant To Brazosport College

AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award for $1,340,802 to Brazosport College by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Brazosport College will provide training for over 530 new and current employees of all organization levels at global chemical company INEOS. The classes will range from basic chemistry to instrument troubleshooting for operators. 

June 14, 2023 - Alvin Community College Receives $350,000 Workforce Training Grant 

AUSTIN ⎯ Alvin Community College received a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection (TTC) grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention.

June 7, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $468,000 Job Training Grant To Dallas College

AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award for $468,309 to Dallas College by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Dallas College will provide training for more than 240 new and current employees from health and human services programs provider Gainwell Technologies to increase their skills across IT systems, increase efficiency in the delivery of products, and prepare employees to replace retiring workers.

May 22, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $1.2 Million In Career Training Grants To San Antonio-Area Schools

AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today announced five Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $1.2 million have been awarded to five San Antonio-area schools by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to train initially more than 1,600 students for high-demand occupations.

May 19, 2023 - Texas Job Growth Continues in April with Record Job Count

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas achieved 26 consecutive months of growth in total nonfarm employment in April 2023, with the state again eclipsing records for the largest civilian labor force and greatest number of people employed in state history. The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force increased by 62,184 to reach a series-high 14,960,308 people, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.0 percent. Texas added 33,300 positions to reach another series-high job count at 13,871,100 total nonfarm jobs. Annually, the Texas job count increased more than any other state, with 534,600 positions added since April 2022.

May 17, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $7.7 Million In Career Training Grants To Coastal Bend Schools

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced 17 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling more than $7.7 million have been awarded to 12 Coastal Bend-area educational institutions by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to train initially more than 1,700 students for high-demand occupations.

May 16, 2023 - TWC’s Summer Earn & Learn Program Connects Students with Disabilities to Work Opportunities

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the kickoff of this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program for students with disabilities aged 14-22. Through work-based learning, students earn a paycheck while acquiring new skills and gaining professional experience.

May 11, 2023 - Governor Abbott Announces Over $944,000 In Career Training Grants

AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott announced four Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant awards for a combined $944,203 to Austin Community College and Bastrop Independent School District (ISD) by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to support career and technical education (CTE) training programs. These grants will help the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train over 1,600 students for high-demand careers in the welding, carpentry, automotive service, and nursing industries.

May 9, 2023 - TWC Grants Enable Middle School Students to Attend STEM Summer Camps

AUSTIN – Students will attend various camps across the state this summer for free to get a head start in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Camp Code will offer 1,207 middle school students summer camp scholarships in coding and computer science after Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded 12 grants totaling $736,432.

April 25, 2023 - TWC Awards Grants to Create Child Care Talent Pipeline Through Apprenticeship Programs

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is investing in a talent pipeline for the early childhood industry by providing $1,052,881 for six grants to develop child care apprenticeships.

April 21, 2023 - Texas Breaks More Records in March 2023: Labor Force Size, Number Employed, and Job Count

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas attains new records in March 2023 with the largest civilian labor force and greatest number of people employed in state history. The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force increased by 78,800 to reach a series-high 14,898,100 people, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.0 percent. Texas added 28,600 positions to reach another series-high job count at 13,839,200 total nonfarm jobs. Since March 2022, 575,100 positions have been added. 

April 20, 2023 - Governor Abbott, TWC Award Over $970,000 In Governor’s Summer Merit Scholarships

AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today awarded 12 grants totaling $979,640 to Texas universities and community colleges for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) summer youth camps through the Governor's Summer Merit Program. Administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), these funds will provide scholarships for more than 1,500 students ages 14 to 21 to attend STEM camps that will prepare them for advanced, high-demand jobs.

April 19, 2023 - TWC Awards Training Grant to Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend for Partnership with Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Bend College

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, in partnership with Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) grant to create training programs to support Naval Air Station Kingsville through a collaboration with Coastal Bend College. 

April 6, 2023 – American YouthWorks Receives $319,824 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ American YouthWorks received a $319,824 Texas Talent Connection grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention.

April 4, 2023 - TWC Invites Employers to Apply for Funds to Train Workers

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is rolling out a new initiative named Upskill Texas to help businesses with 100 employees or more train their workforce.

March 30, 2023 – South Texas College Receives $254,167 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ South Texas College received a $254,167 Texas Talent Connection (TTC) grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention.

March 24, 2023 - Texas Growth Continues, State Leads the Nation in Jobs Added Over the Last 12 Months

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas added 58,200 positions in February 2023, leading the nation in jobs added over the month. In February, the state reached 13,831,900 total nonfarm jobs. February also marks two full years of uninterrupted monthly job growth in Texas. Since February 2022, 611,400 jobs have been added in Texas. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.0 percent. However, the civilian labor force increased by 64,800 people which marked the largest monthly increase since September 2020.

March 10, 2023 - Texas Adds 48,600 Jobs in January, Marks Five Percent Growth in Jobs Added Over the Year

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas added 48,600 positions in January 2023, reaching 13,782,300 total nonfarm jobs. This marks the 16th consecutive record employment high based on a revision to the December 2022 report. Since January 2022, 654,100 jobs have been added in Texas, marking an annual growth rate of 5.0 percent. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percent to 3.9 percent from a revised rate of 3.8 percent in December 2022, remaining below 4.0 percent since March 2022.

March 3, 2023 - TWC Approves Additional Funding to Support Employers, Child Care Providers, Families

AUSTIN –Texas Workforce Commission is investing nearly $173 million for several child care initiatives to support Texas families and expand the child care industry. The initiatives include free business coaching for providers, additional funding for financial aid for lower income families in child care services, and assistance for launching employer-supported child care.

Feb. 22, 2023 - TWC Opens Call to Serve on the Purchasing from People with Disabilities Advisory Committee

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications from qualified community members throughout Texas interested in serving on the Purchasing from People with Disabilities Program’s Advisory Committee, also known as the Works Wonders Program.

Feb. 16, 2023 - BayTech Advanced Technology Consortium Receives $332,324 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Bay Area Houston Advanced Technology Consortium (BayTech) received a $332,324 Texas Talent Connection grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention.

Feb. 9, 2023 - Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Now Accepting Applications

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has published a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program for Public Junior, State, and Technical Colleges, Texas Independent School Districts, Open-Enrollment Charter Schools and the Windham School District.

Feb. 1, 2023 - TWC Releases 2023 Texas Conference for Employers Schedule

AUSTIN –Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the 2023 season of the Texas Conference for Employers (TCE), with the first event scheduled this month. TWC’s Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers sponsors the TCE series, which offers employers, managers, and human resource professionals the opportunity to learn about new employment laws, earn education credits, network with peers, and talk one-on-one with employment attorneys.

Jan. 25, 2023 - Lone Star College Receives $324,792 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Lone Star College received a $324,792 Texas Talent Connection grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention. The grant benefits individuals participating in the Strategic Engagement for Student Career Planning project.

Jan. 24, 2023 - Texas Outpaces the Nation, Adding the Most Jobs in 2022

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas ranks first in the nation in over-the-year jobs added, with 650,100 positions gained in 2022. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state not only had the largest absolute increase in jobs added, but also attained the highest percent of seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs added over the year at 5.0 percent.

Jan. 20, 2023 - Texas Unemployment Rate Drops in December, State Adds 29,500 Jobs

AUSTIN ⎯ In December 2022, Texas added 29,500 positions, reaching a total of 13,705,500 nonfarm jobs in Texas. December marked the 14th consecutive record employment high in Texas, after the state first surpassed the pre-COVID level in November 2021. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined for the first time in three months to 3.9 percent in December, logging the first month the rate fell below 4.0 percent since February 2020.

Jan. 12, 2023 - Community Learning Center Receives $300,000 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Community Learning Center, Inc. (CLC) received a $300,000 Texas Talent Connection grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention. The grant benefits individuals participating in the North Central Texas (NCT HVAC-R) project.

Jan. 11, 2023 - Texas Tech University Receives $350,000 Workforce Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas Tech University received a $350,000 Texas Talent Connection grant from the Office of Governor Greg Abbott to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention.

Jan. 11, 2023 - TWC Welcomes Treviño as the New Commissioner Representing Labor

AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Alberto “Albert” Treviño, III as the Texas Workforce Commission’s new Commissioner Representing Labor.

Jan. 10, 2023 - TWC Lowers Taxes for Texas Employers in 2023

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the average unemployment insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.16% for calendar year (CY) 2023. Last year, the average tax rate was 1.35%.