EDCs extend trade training to Burnet, Llano
By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer
Burnet and Llano economic development corporations have joined a Marble Falls-initiated workforce program to offer more career opportunities and train residents in high-demand jobs.
Marble Falls Economic Development Corporation began investing in the a high-demand training grant in 2016, in cooperation with the Texas Workforce Commission, Central Texas College (CTC) and Workforce Network Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
“This is the first time both the Llano EDC and Burnet EDC are participating,” Marble Falls EDC Executive Director Christian Fletcher said. “Llano and Burnet each put in $5,000 (towards the total program cost).”
Texas Workforce Commission through Rural Capital Area Workforce Solutions provides a 50 percent match for training, books, supplies, equipment and rental of facilities necessary for training. The EDCs pay for the other half.
CTC provides the education component, paid for by the grant.
Workforce Network Inc. handles the outreach, screening and recruitment component as well as grant administration.
“The message is people don't have to pay tuition,” said Gail Davalos, spokeswoman for Workforce Network Inc. “The grant is paying for that.
“We want to encourage collaboration in the whole Highland Lakes area because we have a regional workforce,” she added. . . .
Find the rest of this story in the Tuesday, April 16 issue of The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes.
. . . In May, Rural Capital Area Workforce Solutions is scheduled to disburse $52,500 to match the investments from the three EDCs.
The total grant amount for the program is approximately $105,000 for 46 adults to be trained in four occupations.
The fall 2019 program will offer spots for 12 plumbing and 12 electrician students.
To offer a comment or news tip, email connie@highlandernews.com.
