Amarillo College (AC) has recently been awarded a significant grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that will greatly enhance the college’s welding program. The $331,268 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant was presented to AC by TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III at a ceremony held at the college’s Innovation Outpost. This grant will support career and technical education training programs by allowing the college to purchase and install equipment to train 80 students as welders.
In a news release from the Office of Gov. Greg Abbott, it was stated that the grant will play a crucial role in preparing young Texans in the Panhandle for success in the state’s growing economy. Gov. Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the workforce to ensure continued economic growth and prosperity for all Texans. AC expressed gratitude for the grant, recognizing the impact it will have on the welding program.
One of the key ways in which the grant will enhance the welding program is through the acquisition of virtual reality training technology. David Hall, the dean of technical education at AC, highlighted the benefits of this technology in training students efficiently and effectively. Virtual reality trainers allow students to practice welding techniques, machine set-up, and welding processes in a simulated environment before entering the welding lab. This not only saves valuable resources but also helps students develop muscle memory, a critical component in mastering welding skills.
Additionally, the JET grant will enable AC to acquire more live welders and cutting equipment, effectively doubling the capacity of the existing welding lab and increasing class-size capacity. This expansion will allow the college to meet the growing demand for professional welders in the Panhandle region. TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel emphasized the importance of JET grants in preparing the workforce for future economic needs, stating that AC students will receive training on state-of-the-art equipment to prepare them for long-term careers in high-demand occupations in Texas.
Funding provided by the Texas Legislature allows TWC to award JET grants to develop career and technical education programs for various educational institutions. Equipment purchased through these grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. According to labor market projections, the Panhandle region will need 22% more welders by 2030, translating to approximately 96 new jobs annually. AC is committed to meeting this demand by providing quality training and resources to its students.
In conclusion, the JET grant awarded to Amarillo College will have a significant impact on the welding program, allowing the college to enhance its training facilities and meet the growing demand for skilled welders in the region. The investment in virtual reality training technology and additional equipment will enable AC to train more students efficiently and effectively, preparing them for successful careers in the welding industry. This grant exemplifies the commitment of AC and TWC to investing in the workforce and ensuring a prosperous economic future for Texas.