The Texas Workforce Commission announced they have approved a series of one-time and pilot programs funded through a $4.9 million donation from IKEA. The programs will equip and enable individuals with information and tools to advance in their career though educational resources and programs including apprenticeship, online learning platforms, grants and real-time labor market and job information. Texas businesses will also be supported through industry data analytics, online training videos, and tools to help adapt jobs to remote and contactless operations.
A pre-apprenticeship program has been designed to better prepare individuals for the state’s existing registered apprenticeship program. It will also fund consumable resources for that program and several jobs programs Jobs and Education for Texans. Several programs will benefit Texas businesses, including a Texas-specific retail survey, retail data analysis for the state’s workforce development boards, and a program to help adapt jobs to telecommute positions and contactless operations. The commission also approved the development of a series of training videos for retail and restaurant employers to help them adapt.