Collin College is set to expand its role as a workforce development hub in North Texas, thanks to more than $1.3 million in new state funding. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded four Skills Development Fund (SDF) grants totaling $1,352,957 to the Collin County Community College District.
The grants will support customized training programs for over 840 new and existing workers in high-demand fields including healthcare, accounting and manufacturing.
What This Means
The funding will support partnerships between Collin College and 13 local employers. Through tailored programs, participating companies will be able to upskill their teams in areas like fiber optics, solar energy, industrial wiring, computer systems design and more.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III formally presented the grants during a ceremony at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney, attended by representatives from Collin College, local businesses and community groups.
The grants break down as follows:
- $362,157 will fund training for 370 workers at Natural Polymer, Cain Watters & Associates, Cates Control Systems Inc. and Fiber Systems International. Topics include fiber optics, industrial wiring and inventory management.
- $478,770 will support training for 227 workers at AXL LLC, Encore Wire Corporation and StatLab LLC. Participants will receive instruction in project management, mechanical and electrical maintenance and computer-related services.
- $353,072 will provide training for 169 workers at CSG Forte Payments Inc., FlexLink Systems Inc., Netrio and Portable Solar in fields such as healthcare, accounting, solar energy and computer systems design.
- $158,958 will train 78 workers at Helm Dental Laboratory LLC and Unicom Engineering in risk management, manufacturing and project management.
Established in 1996, the Skills Development Fund is Texas’ premier job-training program, having partnered with over 4,900 employers to support or create more than 435,000 jobs statewide.
According to Natalie Greenwell, Collin College executive director of grants management, companies are typically referred to the program or learn about it through various channels, including local economic development corporations and Workforce Solutions North Central Texas. Program staff then meet with each company to discuss skills gaps, organizational goals and future plans, as well as employee training needs.
"We go at the speed of the company, so some proposals take a couple of months while others take much longer," Greenwell told Local Profile. "All the courses and employee participants must be identified as we prepare the proposal, which in turn makes for a successful deployment once we are awarded. Most grants are for 12 months, some extend to 18 months."
Why This Matters
“Investing in our workforce is critical for the success of the Texas economy,” said Governor Abbott in an official statement. “The more than $1 million in grant funding will provide customized technical training for over 840 workers in high-demand industries in Collin County. This is all part of the better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities that we continue to provide in Texas.”
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said the program’s impact equips students for long-term, sustainable careers. Through Skills Development Fund grants, both new and existing workers receive training for a wide range of high-demand jobs.
“With the grants awarded today, Collin County Community College District and their local business partners can address critical workforce demands and help Texans find successful career paths,” Daniel said.
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