WelderCOLLEGE STATION – TEEX has received nearly $400,000 of Wagner-Peyser funds from the Office of the Governor for a training program to fill existing Texas manufacturing jobs. The grant will provide entry-level training in welding and CNC (Computer Numeric Control) operation for at least 85 workers.

Partnering with Texas manufacturers, the Advanced Manufacturing Program of TEEX Knowledge Engineering will offer the training at TEEX facilities or use mobile training units to deliver the training at a company’s site anywhere in Texas. Participants will be certified to the employer’s specifications.

The rapid-paced welding and CNC training and job placement program will target new entrants into the workforce, dislocated workers, individuals with disabilities, and incumbent workers with a focus on Veterans.

The two-week, fast-track welding program will train candidates to American Welding Society (AWS) standards. Likewise, after just 80 hours of intensive CNC simulation training, candidates will possess the entry-level “Machinist C” designation and be able to quickly contribute to production capacity, said Program Manager Lisa Mutchler. “This will place these individuals on lifelong career paths and manufacturers will gain valuable employees,” she added.

Recent data revealed more than 500 job postings for welders, 451 for CNC machinists and more than 500 each for assemblers and quality inspectors in Texas. She said wages range from $13 to $25 per hour, depending on the region of the state.

“Our training is flexible and we can offer it at our Mesquite or San Antonio campuses, as well as any customer’s location in the state,” she said. “We are working with eight companies who have indicated an interest in hiring welders and/or CNC operators that complete the program.”

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