September 17, 2025

New Career Training Opportunities in Texas

News Summary

Texas is enhancing career and technical training for students with the recent signing of House Bill 20 and House Bill 120. With over $7 billion invested in the past two years, Texas aims to provide diverse training options that prioritize workforce readiness. The new Applied Sciences Pathway Program will allow high school students to earn diplomas while completing certificate programs. Schools in North Central Texas will receive over $1.6 million in grants, benefiting nearly 540 students in high-demand fields. The initiatives aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, positioning Texas as a leader in workforce development.

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott has ceremonially signed two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students throughout Texas. House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 were officially signed to address the increasing demand for skilled workers in various industries, reinforcing the state’s commitment to workforce development.

The new laws are a response to Abbott’s assertion that a four-year college degree is not the optimal pathway for every student. Over the past two years, Texas has dedicated more than $7 billion to advance career training programs across the state. The recent legislation marks a substantial improvement in CTE efforts and signifies Texas’s role as a model for economic success in America.

House Bill 20 introduces the Applied Sciences Pathway Program, catering specifically to 11th and 12th graders. This initiative will permit students to earn high school diplomas while also completing certification programs in various lucrative fields. House Bill 120 focuses on enhancing college, career, and military readiness by broadening access to quality CTE programs and refining career advising practices across schools.

In addition to the newly signed bills, Abbott announced a total of $1.6 million in career training grants awarded to six schools in North Central Texas through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program. These funds will facilitate the purchase and installation of specialized training equipment, enabling more than 540 students to prepare for high-demand jobs, including fields such as nursing and mechanics.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) highlighted the JET program’s aim to develop and enhance CTE offerings within educational institutions. JET grants, funded by the Texas Legislature, specifically support the costs associated with establishing or expanding CTE programs to ensure students are equipped with the skills needed for the modern workforce.

Abbott also announced an additional $1.5 million in JET grants for five schools located in the San Antonio region. These grants are expected to prepare over 650 students for various high-demand careers in software development, nursing, and welding. The funding will again focus on procuring specialized training equipment that will deliver practical skills to students.

During the signing ceremony, Abbott was joined by key stakeholders, including Senator Bob Hall, Representative Gary Gates, and various local school leaders, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this initiative. The collective goal is to create pathways that encourage students to pursue careers in fields aligned with current job market demands.

The emphasis on CTE aligns with Abbott’s identification of career training as a priority for the upcoming 89th Regular Legislative Session. This urgent focus is aimed at equipping the Texas workforce with the skills necessary to meet future employment demands. The governor’s commitment illustrates a broader strategy to ensure that students have access to diverse educational opportunities that cater to various career paths.

The TWC, represented by Commissioner Joe Esparza, noted the fundamental role of JET grants in preparing students for successful careers. The program is a pivotal component in meeting the workforce needs within Texas industries, significantly contributing to the state’s economic robustness and resilience.

As Texas continues to push forward with initiatives that bolster CTE programs, the investment in training, resources, and facilities remains crucial. Such measures reflect a growing recognition of the value of vocational education and training, poised to prepare a well-equipped workforce capable of driving the state’s economic future.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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