Workforce Solutions (WFS) recognizes that the Healthcare Industry is one of the largest and amongst the fastest growing in the RGV, with a projected growth of 23.6% by the year 2032 (Lightcast 2022.3). The WFS Healthcare Sector Partnership initiative convenes local industry leaders to have strategic discussions about industry needs, talent pipeline, workforce development, special initiatives or partnerships, and overall economic impact. The objective of the Partnership initiative is to help inform industry leaders about accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities as the industry continues to expand in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). For more information on this initiative, connect with the Business Relations team.

Healthcare Sector Partnership Forum 2024

Join the conversation and learn about workforce initiatives and awards, latest statistics, strategies to alleviate shortages, and talent pipeline alignment. Network with industry experts, educators, businesses, and economic development partners as we shape the future of healthcare together! 

View Healthcare Sector Partnership Forum Information 2024

Economic Impact Study of the RGV Healthcare and Bioscience Industry

The RGV Partnership, with financial support from regional hospitals and Workforce Solutions, commissioned UTRGV’s Data and Information Systems Center (DISC) to conduct an economic impact study of the Rio Grande Valley healthcare and bioscience industry. The purpose of the study is to quantify and demonstrate the economic importance of the healthcare and bioscience industry in the Rio Grande Valley. Secondary objectives of the study are to collect wage and salary data on select high growth occupations in the industry, and identify career opportunities to maintain and repair industry equipment.

 
 View Economic Impact Study of the RGV Healthcare & Bioscience Industry

WFS Healthcare Industry Sector Partnership 2022

As a result of the growth in the industry, and the need to have a skilled workforce to meet the demand of employers, WFS established the Healthcare Industry Partnership in August 2015, which is comprised of major healthcare employers, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders within the RGV. The purpose of the partnership is to identify and address healthcare industry challenges, recruitment and training needs, and serves as a forum to explore partnership opportunities.

The WFS Healthcare Industry Partnership has been successful in working collaboratively to leverage resources, explore solutions to common challenges, and building capacity within the healthcare industry. These efforts have earned the Partnership, the Texas Workforce Commissions Industry Outreach Award and resulted in various Healthcare Skills Development Fund Grant Awards. WFS continues to actively engage the Healthcare Industry to align to industry needs.

Healthcare Industry Partnership Meetings

View Healthcare Industry Partnership Meetings Here 

Healthcare Industry Sector Initiatives

1. Healthcare Apprenticeships Grant Opportunities

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.

Apprenticeships include:

• Paid Careers – Apprentices are paid employees who work while they learn skills that enhance employers' needs.
• On-the-Job Learning – Develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting.
• Related Instruction – Improves job-related skills through education in a classroom setting (virtual or in-person).
• Mentorship – Provides apprentices with the support of a skilled worker to assist and enhance critical hands-on learning.
• Credentials – Offers a portable, nationally-recognized credential to be issued at the completion of the program.

The Texas Workforce Commission has dedicated fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) to support the healthcare industry to increase the number of apprenticeship career pathway opportunities for registered nurses and healthcare professionals in the State.

Use the Application Guidelines & Funding Form linked below. Applications may be submitted year-round, or until approved funding has been exhausted.

Forms:

• Healthcare Initiative Application Guidelines & Funding Form
• Healthcare Initiative Budget Form
• Healthcare Initiative Frequently Asked Questions

Submit your complete, signed Application for Funding by email to ApprenticeshipTexas@twc.texas.gov. 

Access the Texas Workforce Commission ApprenticeshipTexas grant opportunities for additional resources.

2. Healthcare Training Grants Opportunities

Skills Development Fund Grants

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) is the state’s premier workforce training program to help businesses upskill their new or incumbent workforce. SDF grants provide site-specific, customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and their employees to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. The Commission’s action authorizes the suspension of portions of the SDF’s rules to allow training grants that would benefit public sector healthcare employers. This action makes up to $5 million available in FY 2022-2023 to support the training of healthcare occupations for these employers

Access the application forms here!

Explore all grant opportunities to train your workforce here!