Dallas College Scores $3.8 Million Boost to Train Workers in High-Demand Industries
Dallas College just landed a $3.8 million grant windfall from the Texas Workforce Commission, aimed squarely at tackling the state’s skilled labor shortage. These three grants will train nearly 2,000 workers in areas such as construction, manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and electrical trades — all fields where Texas companies are currently struggling to find talent.
Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the importance of this funding, saying, “Investing in our workforce ensures Texas employers have the talent they need to compete globally.”
Texas is facing a significant mismatch between job openings and skilled workers, particularly in manufacturing and construction, where demand consistently outpaces supply.
How the Grants Break Down
The biggest slice—$2.8 million—goes to construction, focusing on plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. This initiative will train approximately 1,452 workers through a partnership with local companies.
Another $542,524 targets manufacturing, with plans to train 312 employees to help shore up this vital sector of Texas’s economy. The final grant, totaling $459,920, is dedicated to Lockheed Martin, which will train 230 workers for specialized roles in aerospace and electrical engineering.
Closing the Skills Gap
These grants come at a critical time. The Texas Workforce Commission reports over 1 million middle-skills job listings in 2023, with projections showing nearly 7 million Texans will fill these roles by 2030 — that’s almost 44% of the state’s workforce.
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel put it simply: “Skills Development Fund grants equip hardworking Texans with the training needed for high-demand jobs.”
Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon stressed the impact, noting the college will deliver over 80,000 hours of tailored training across these key industries.
“These sectors don’t just drive our economy—they open doors to well-paying, stable careers that support families for the long haul,” Lonon said.
A Proven Model for Workforce Success
The Skills Development Fund has been a Texas staple since 1996, partnering with more than 4,900 employers to create or upgrade over 435,000 jobs across the state.
By teaming up community colleges with local businesses, the program designs training that actually fits employer needs, not just general skills.
Texas Labor Commissioner Alberto Treviño III presented the awards to Dallas College and its local partners at a ceremony in Coppell.
Building Local Workforce Strength
Dallas College’s efforts don’t stop with these grants. The recently opened RedBird Center in South Dallas—a $1.3 million facility backed by Arcosa and the PepsiCo Foundation—offers career coaching and certifications designed to help 350 adults secure living-wage jobs within three years.
The college also operates WorkReadyU, a free program that helps Dallas County adults prepare for career growth or college.
These initiatives, combined with the new funding, create a solid pipeline for workforce development.
Targeting the Toughest Industry Needs
Texas has long struggled to fill roles like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians—jobs that pay well without requiring a four-year degree.
Manufacturing firms face similar challenges in finding workers with the right technical know-how for today’s high-tech production.
Lockheed Martin’s grant focuses on training for aerospace and electrical engineering roles critical to North Texas’s defense and aerospace sectors.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workforce
These grants are part of a larger initiative in Texas aimed at maintaining competitiveness in manufacturing and technology. The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund, with a $5 million budget for 2024-2025, offers up to $7,500 per trainee, with a maximum award of $250,000.
Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said, “We’re not just serving today’s workforce—we’re creating opportunities for tomorrow’s economic prosperity.”
Dallas College’s new grants highlight Texas’s commitment to bridging the gap between worker skills and employer demand. As industries evolve and automation changes the landscape, programs like this ensure that Texas workers are prepared to adapt and succeed.
By investing in training today, Dallas College is cementing its role as a key driver in North Texas’s economic future—building career paths for workers while fueling growth and competitiveness across the region.