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. The grant benefits individuals participating in the Critical Infrastructure Security Training Programs for Industry Professionals and University Students project. The grant will continue to provide funds for sustaining the regionally focused automation and cyber-physical security training program. The project will use realistic cybersecurity simulations and offer industrial grade software licenses and endorsing certificates for job opportunities in the energy and water industries. Workforce Solutions South Plains will provide workforce services for the project.

“Texas continues to set employment records monthly, but employers still have demand for jobs with critical skills, like cybersecurity and automation,” said Bryan Daniel, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission.  “Innovative projects like this one with our workforce partners remain crucial to continuing to meet the demand for important middle-skill, high-demand jobs.” 

On behalf of the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Workforce Investment Council facilitates the call for applications and competitive selection processes for the Texas Talent Connection grant program. The Texas Workforce Commission is responsible for processes related to Texas Talent Connection grant award negotiation, funding, management, and monitoring.

The Texas Talent Connection grant program is funded by Wagner-Peyser 7(b) federal funds. These funds are allocated yearly to each State Office of the Governor to fund workforce training and job placement services.

Texas Tech University contact: Allison Hirth, 614-499-2532, Allison.hirth@ttu.edu

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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.