The Texas Workforce Commission is awarding grants to employers, nonprofits and educational institutions to rapidly develop short-term apprenticeship training programs designed to fill immediate industry workforce needs.
The grants, funded by legislative appropriation and approved by Governor Greg Abbott, provide up to $1 million per award, with individual participant costs capped at $10,000 (excluding wages and benefits) to cover training, materials, tools and credentials.
The Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship (TIRA) program differs from traditional federal apprenticeships by supporting short-term programs of 26 weeks or less that combine structured instruction with full-time employment, leading to industry-recognized credentials. Participants must remain employed in the private sector for 12 months after completing the program.
Eligible applicants include Texas employers, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and unions. Proposed programs must align with a TWC-recognized occupation and offer progressive wages and benefits at or above median wage levels. The program prioritizes unemployed Texans, UI claimants, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals and underemployed individuals without credentials.
Applications can be submitted to apprenticeshipinitiatives@twc.texas.gov with a project summary, training plan, partnership documentation, implementation timeline and budget details.
The commission will host the 10th Annual ApprenticeshipTexas Conference on September 24-25, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Houston West Hotel to help organizations start or expand apprenticeship programs.