Workforce Solutions (WFS) Lower Rio and WFS Cameron have received a $1,991,745 Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant from the US Department of Labor. Only two such grants were awarded in the State of Texas. The funding supports public-private partnerships that provide worker-centered training programs. This initiative is in response to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to collaboratively build a better America, and will help improve the Rio Grande Valley infrastructure while developing talent pipelines to high-quality jobs.

The program is designed to create career pathways to high-quality jobs in the renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure sectors while prioritizing the delivery of training and supportive services to those from rural and underrepresented communities.

“The ultimate goal is to help job seekers take on high-demand, high-quality career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and technical service occupations.” Said Francisco Almaraz, WFS Lower Rio Chief Executive Officer. “This will create a clear path to obtaining good-paying infrastructure jobs that will help our communities thrive in the long run.”

"The Valley's two workforce boards are collaborating regionally to prepare locals for upcoming high-paying jobs. These jobs include the construction and operation of new LNG terminals at the Port of Brownsville, Space X operations at Boca Chica, clean hydrogen production facilities, and other upcoming technologies. This grant will aid in developing the necessary training and education pathways." Said Pat Hobbs, CEO of WFS Cameron.

The Building Pathways grant complements the local workforce boards’ ongoing efforts to meet the Rio Grande Valley’s infrastructure workforce needs. This includes aligning registered apprenticeships and workforce programs at community colleges and supporting state and local partnerships that seek to leverage workforce funding to provide high-quality training and supportive services.

WFS serves as the governing body for the workforce development area that includes Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. The Workforce Solutions local workforce development boards' main goal is to respond to local employers and workers' needs through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.

###