Fund Your Apprenticeship Program
- Skills Development Fund: The Skills Development Fund is for businesses who want to train new workers or upgrade the skills of existing workers. Public community colleges or technical colleges may apply. The goal of the program is to upgrade the skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce.
- Apprenticeship DOL has awarded various federal Apprenticeship Expansion funding to TWC—branded as
ApprenticeshipTexas—to support RA expansion by engaging industry and workforce intermediaries to expand, diversify, and strengthen RA programs throughout Texas. Funds are used to build on TWC’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize RA programs by increasing the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize RA, and bridge access for underrepresented populations and underserved communities. Apprenticeship Expansion funding is accessed through a competitive Request for Application process. - Critical Skills Initiative: TWC grants funding for statewide RA projects in critical skills occupations. From production machinists and assemblers-to mechanics and more, skilled trade workers are in high demand across the state. This funding supports RA in middle skills careers, defined as occupations that require some education beyond high school but less than a four-year degree.
- Healthcare Apprenticeship Initiative: TWC grants funding for statewide RA projects in the healthcare industry. Funding supports the healthcare industry to increase the number of career pathway opportunities for registered nurses (RN) and healthcare professionals in the state. This funding is designed to offer employers an innovative approach to hiring and training future nurses.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways: TWC grants money to support preparatory instruction to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in RA programs. Quality pre-apprenticeships must have documented partnerships with at least one RA program that allows participants to enter directly into a RA program. The LEA and the apprenticeship committee are the link between the pre-apprenticeship and TWC. This program is funded by appropriations from the Texas Legislature.
- Apprenticeship Tax Refund: Employers can receive a tax refund of up to $2,500 for certain apprentices they hire. Apprentices must have been enrolled in a qualifying apprenticeship program and earning wages for at least seven months in a year. Refunds amounts are based on employers’ contribution towards sales and use taxes. Refunds are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- The Skills for Small Business grant supports businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The program focuses on training new and incumbent workers. Up to $2 million is available for supporting our state's small employers. This program emphasizes new and incumbent employees for small businesses. The program funds $2000 per new employee and $1000 per incumbent employee. Funding for training is for full-time employees.
- The Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund (LSWF) is a program to increase the supply of qualified workers for entry-level to mid-level jobs in high demand occupations. In doing so, LSWF will ensure that the Texas workforce is capable of filling available and emerging jobs in this state. For more information contact HCC Talent Solutions at hcc.talentsolutions@hccs.edu.
Christina Robinson, Ed.D
Executive Director, Work-Based Learning & Industry Partnerships
Email: apprenticeship.hub@hccs.edu