By: Henri Nilsen, Business Advocacy Manager

The Texas Skills Development Fund (SDF) stands out as a key tool in modernizing the workforce and maintaining Texas’ competitive edge in an increasingly digital, global economy. 

The rapid pace of technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Whether integrating new technologies or navigating shifting market demands, companies must adapt quickly. Texas’ Skills Development Fund addresses this by offering customized training solutions through partnerships between businesses and community colleges. 

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC), one of 28 local workforce development boards across Texas under the Texas Workforce Commission, works directly with Tarrant County residents and their employers to get the assistance and training they need to obtain employment in a career pathway of their choice.  

Renee Parker, who is the Industry Services Unit Director for WSTC, shared that “A well-trained workforce is crucial for Texas to stay competitive in an ever-evolving economy. By investing in skills development training, we’re not only supporting local industries but also creating opportunities for workers to achieve long-term success.”   

Modernizing the Workforce for a Digital Future 

The SDF plays a crucial role in modernizing Texas’ workforce. It facilitates training in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge customer service technologies. For Fort Worth’s business community, this means having access to a workforce capable of handling the latest innovations. 

The SDF allows training programs to be tailored to businesses’ specific needs, whether in aerospace, logistics, or healthcare. Businesses depend on skilled workers who can adapt to technological advancements and the SDF empowers these sectors to remain at the forefront of their industries, maintaining Fort Worth’s position as a hub of economic growth.  

One of the greatest advantages of the fund is its accessibility to companies of all sizes. Whether you're a small startup or a large corporation, the program provides the means to upskill employees and meet operational needs. By collaborating strategically, businesses can ensure that their workforce remains productive, skilled, and adaptable. 

Local Fort Worth Company Taps into Fund 

Fort Worth-based company Cummings Electrical has taken a proactive approach to modernizing its workforce. The $1,272,322 grant, facilitated through Tarrant County Community College (TCC), is currently funding customized training for over 630 new and existing Cummings Electrical employees, focusing on essential skills for high-demand electrical contracting roles. As the need for skilled electricians rises, Cummings Electrical is using this grant to ensure its workforce stays up to date with the latest industry knowledge and technical skills. 

By working with TCC and WSTC, Cummings Electrical is creating opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and advance their careers, all while improving the company’s overall productivity and ability to meet industry demands. This initiative is part of a larger effort to align workforce training with the needs of local businesses, ensuring that companies like Cummings Electrical remain competitive in a fast-evolving market. Through this partnership, both the company and the region’s economy benefit from a skilled, future-ready workforce capable of handling modern electrical contracting challenges. 

Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation 

The benefits of the SDF extend beyond individual businesses. By raising the overall skill level of workers, the program helps drive economic growth and job creation. A modernized workforce not only improves productivity but also attracts new businesses and investment to the region, further fueling Fort Worth’s economy. With the SDF’s flexibility, it ultimately allows the program to respond to emerging industry trends, ensuring that businesses are prepared for future demands.  

Since the program’s inception in 1996, the SDF grant program has provided training opportunities in partnership with more than 4,800 employers to upgrade or support the creation of over 420,000 jobs throughout Texas. 

Learn More 

The Texas Skills Development Fund is an invaluable resource for Fort Worth’s business community, offering customized training that equips workers for the future. By tapping into this program, businesses can modernize their workforce, boost productivity, and contribute to the region’s long-term economic success. 

You can learn more about all the customized assistance Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County offers by visiting https://workforcesolutions.net/employer-services/customized-assistance/ or email  employerservices@workforcesolutions.net.  

The Fort Worth Chamber can also make a personal connection to help you work through accessing the Texas Skills Development Fund. For assistance, please reach out to Netty Matthews.