Governor Abbott Ceremonially Signs Workforce Development Legislation
Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks and ceremonially signed into law House Bill 2784 (Phelan/Romero) at S & B Engineers and Constructors’ Craft Education and Skills Enhancement Center in Baytown. The Governor was joined by S & B Chairman James Slaughter, S & B President J.D. Slaughter, State Senator Carol Alvarado, State Representative Dade Phelan, Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie, and Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner for the bill signing.
House Bill 2784 establishes the Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs Grant Program within the Texas Workforce Commission.
"The Lone Star State's economy is stronger than ever thanks to our unrivaled workforce and companies like S & B and their employees," said Governor Abbott. "Texas' greatest resource is our highly skilled workforce and it is imperative that we continue to invest in the hardworking men and women who make Texas the greatest state in the nation. I am hopeful that this program and the example set by S & B will help Texas strengthen its status as a global economic powerhouse."
“Billions of dollars are being invested in energy and petrochemical projects along the Texas Gulf Coast," said S & B President J.D. Slaughter. "It is imperative for our Texas economy that we have a skilled workforce that is ready and able to complete this important work. This bill enables companies, like S&B, to invest in their people—to establish robust earn-while-you-learn training programs that ensure employees have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to deliver. And creates a pathway to empowering career opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Texans.”
S & B Engineers and Constructors provides full in-house engineering, procurement direct-hire construction and fabrication services to multiple industries across the nation. S & B’s Craft Education and Skills Enhancement Center is an existing earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship program that provides hands-on training in all of the major craft disciplines, including welding, pipefitting, electrical, millwright, civil & rigging, carpentry, crane operating, ironworking, scaffolding and safety, and guarantees a job upon completion of training.