Aug. 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHARTON, TEXAS – A Texas Workforce Commission grant will enable Wharton County Junior College to provide training that area businesses need in the midst of COVID-19.
Through the Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Special Initiative, businesses can apply for financial assistance that will cover the costs of employee training. The training will be provided by WCJC of the business via online, face-to-face or hybrid courses. Total grant amount is $115,000.
“As I speak with industry leaders in our area, it’s difficult to find a business that hasn’t been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another,” said Tamara Sealy, WCJC’s Continuing Education Corporate Coordinator. “We want to help as many companies as we can during this difficult time.”
The funds assist businesses in such areas as providing additional safety training related to the pandemic, certifying employees to perform multiple job duties amidst a quarantine or lay-off, training of essential industries that are in search of staff, and new training for businesses adapting their production to meet COVID-19 needs.
Sealy said funding has already been utilized to assist a Bay City chemical plant in training 19 employees in a Basic Water training course.
“The grant funded 100 percent of the course, which cost about $6,000,” she said.
Sealy noted that the funds are for training, not capital projects or equipment needs. Grant funds will be available until June 30, 2021. Businesses interested in applying should contact Sealy via email at sealyt@wcjc.edu
“This grant not only helps the company as a whole but also helps individual employees,” she said. “Employees receive the training they need to find employment in the same or a similar industry more quickly than they would otherwise in the event of a layoff.”
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