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The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Office of Apprenticeship supports apprenticeship programs that help employers build their current and future talent and workers progress in their careers and move into better-paying jobs. These programs support the creation and expansion of apprenticeships throughout the state. 

TWC does this through federal and state funding initiatives that support program creation and expansion, career readiness pathways, and job-related training.  

What We Do

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Information

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Grants & Funding

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Education & Training

Initiatives

The apprenticeship program offers these initiatives.

Program Development

Our Outreach team is here to help employers explore Registered Apprenticeship (RA) training models, provide consultation on options to design and build RA programs, and facilitate the registration process with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Apprenticeship Expansion

DOL has awarded various federal Apprenticeship Expansion funding to TWC—branded as ApprenticeshipTexas—to support RA expansion by engaging industry and workforce intermediaries to expand, diversify, and strengthen RA programs throughout Texas. Funds are used to build on TWC’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize RA programs by increasing the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize RA, and bridge access for underrepresented populations and underserved communities. Apprenticeship Expansion funding is accessed through a competitive Request for Application process.

Critical Skills Initiative

TWC grants funding for statewide RA projects in critical skills occupations. From production machinists and assemblers-to mechanics and more, skilled trade workers are in high demand across the state. This funding supports RA in middle skills careers, defined as occupations that require some education beyond high school but less than a four-year degree. 

Healthcare Apprenticeship Initiative

TWC grants funding for statewide RA projects in the healthcare industry. Funding supports the healthcare industry to increase the number of career pathway opportunities for registered nurses (RN) and healthcare professionals in the state. This funding is designed to offer employers an innovative approach to hiring and training future nurses and healthcare staff by expanding opportunities for employees who wish to pursue career pathways to RN certification and other healthcare fields.

Related Instruction

TWC grants money, appropriated by the Texas Legislature, to support classroom instruction in RA programs. Apprenticeship programs work with a local education agency (LEA) or their own apprenticeship committee to help manage the funds. The LEA and the apprenticeship committee are the link between the program and TWC. 

To get the funds, the apprenticeship training programs and apprentices must register with the DOL Office of Apprenticeship.

Transitioning Veterans to Apprenticeship

TWC awards funding to Nonprofit Organizations that provide recruitment and assisted services to facilitate the participation of Military Veteran's and Transitioning Military Service Member's entry into RA programs in Texas. Funding is accessed through a competitive Request for Application process.

Industry Recognized Apprenticeship

TWC grants money to address Texas' immediate industrial workforce needs resulting from the impact of hurricanes, other natural disasters, and overall workforce shortages. The program is funded by appropriations from the Texas Legislature.

Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways

TWC grants money to support preparatory instruction to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in RA programs. Quality pre-apprenticeships must have documented partnerships with at least one RA program that allows participants to enter directly into a RA program. The LEA and the apprenticeship committee are the link between the pre-apprenticeship and TWC. This program is funded by appropriations from the Texas Legislature.

Apprenticeship Tax Refund

Employers can receive a tax refund of up to $2,500 for certain apprentices they hire. Apprentices must have been enrolled in a qualifying apprenticeship program and earning wages for at least seven months in a year. Refunds amounts are based on employers’ contribution towards sales and use taxes. Refunds are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts