Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed four state agencies to take immediate steps to expand workforce training and help more Texans qualify for high-demand, high-paying jobs in the trades and other critical industries.

Workforce Development Initiatives

The directives, announced during a press conference at the Governor’s Mansion, stem from recommendations developed by the Texas Jobs Council, a workforce advisory group Abbott created earlier this year. The Texas Workforce Commission will expand apprenticeship opportunities and create a centralized online hub for career-planning resources.

The Texas Education Agency has been directed to recruit more skilled trades professionals to teach Career and Technical Education courses in high schools. The agency will also expand local teaching permits, provide guidance to school districts, and update approved industry certification lists.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will launch a new campaign to highlight careers in skilled trades and other high-demand fields that do not require a traditional four-year degree. The board will also provide career-advising training for K-12 counselors and college advisors.

Goals and Expectations

State officials said the measures are intended to help workers move more quickly from training into licensed professions. The goal is to ensure the state’s workforce keeps pace with economic growth and increasing demand for skilled workers across multiple industries.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.