Texas Border Business
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded $2.4 million to four Laredo-area educational entities to support career and technical (CTE) training programs at Laredo College.
Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission, presented the awards at a ceremony attended by state and local officials, school staff and CTE students. The grants awarded will help the schools purchase and install state-of-the-art equipment to train more than 800 students for high-demand careers.
The six JET grants include:
- Laredo College: a $336,300 grant to purchase and install equipment to train 200 students as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Zapata County Independent School District (ISD): a $492,165 grant to train 126 students as registered nurses in partnership with Laredo College
- United ISD: a $90,789 grant to train an initial 90 students in HVAC installation in partnership with Laredo College
- Laredo ISD: three grants that included $712,500 for equipment to train 130 students in automotive services in partnership with Laredo College; $497,610 for equipment to train 130 students as dental assistants in partnership with Laredo College; and $294,941 for equipment to train 130 students in HVAC installation in partnership with Laredo College
Laredo College Continuing Education Department Director Brenda Martinez said the funding will be used to purchase three state-of-the-art truck driving simulators that will enhance the training of truck driving students.
“Laredo College is grateful to have been awarded this grant to acquire these simulators that will enhance the Professional Truck Driving Program by integrating simulation-based driver training, as well as provide professional training to the trucking industry throughout the region,” Martinez said.
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