News Summary
McAllen has launched a free training program through South Texas College aimed at enhancing workforce skills for employees at small businesses. In partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, eligible businesses with fewer than 100 employees can receive training funds for current and new staff. The flexible program offers various training categories, ensuring businesses can adapt to the modern workplace. Additionally, STC aims to double the participation in apprenticeship programs while promoting workplace safety through recently awarded grants. Employers can apply anytime to get their staff trained.
Texas – South Texas College (STC) is launching a free training program aimed at enhancing the workforce skills of local small businesses. The initiative, developed through the college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department, is made possible through a partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Small Business Grant program. This program targets small businesses with fewer than 100 employees, offering them an opportunity to improve their workforce without the burden of financial strain.
Participating businesses can receive up to $1,000 in training funds for current employees, and up to $2,000 for newly hired employees within a one-year period. This funding covers a range of training options, including essential soft skills, such as leadership and customer service, alongside technical courses in areas like Microsoft Excel, CPR, and workplace safety.
Employers benefit from the flexible structure of the grant, which allows for classes to be conducted either on-site at their business locations or at one of STC’s six campuses. To be eligible, businesses must meet certain guidelines set by the TWC, which require them to be current on taxes and to compensate employees at or above the prevailing wage.
STC has been facilitating this Small Business Grant for over a decade, positively impacting a variety of industries throughout the region. Popular training choices have emerged, especially Microsoft Office courses, which cater to businesses transitioning from paper-based systems to digital processes. With the application process open year-round, employers can potentially commence training within just two weeks of their application’s approval.
All courses offered through this program are taught by instructors from STC Continuing Education, ensuring high-quality educational experiences. Furthermore, the college is in the process of building the STC Continuing Education and Testing Center, a new $9 million facility which aims to support short-term workforce training programs. This center will encompass 20,000 square feet of classrooms that will host high-demand courses, including English as a Second Language (ESL), General Educational Development (GED) preparation, and real estate training.
Additionally, STC has been awarded a $100,000 Safety Education Grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company to bolster its workplace safety training programs. The college has successfully secured over $300,000 in grants from Texas Mutual, which will be allocated to expand training initiatives for local businesses. As a result of these training programs, regional employer Red Sun Farms reported no incidents after participating in STC’s safety training.
In an effort to further enhance local workforce development, Dr. Carlos Margo, dean of industry and economic development at STC, aims to double enrollment in the college’s apprenticeship programs. To facilitate this, Margo has organized community sessions designed to inform employers about the advantages of training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Over the years, STC has trained more than 200 employees across a range of industries through its safety training programs. The college remains dedicated to assisting local businesses in refining their workforce skills, thus contributing to the overall growth and success of the Texas economy.
For small businesses looking to learn more about the training options available through STC, detailed information can be accessed on the STC Continuing Education website.
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