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Harlingen EDC To Provide $73,192 to TSTC’s Auto Collision Repair Program
HARLINGEN, TEXAS (JULY 11, 2020) – The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) recently agreed to provide matching funds for a high-demand occupation grant for Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in the amount of $73,192.
The funds will be used towards TSTC’s Auto Collision Repair training program to purchase training equipment. Equipment includes an alignment machine system, balancers, wheel lifts, welders, ATech Trainer Lighting System, ATech Trainer System for Power Door Locks, ATech Trainer for Power Window Systems, and related equipment.
Annually, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) dedicates more than $1 million in funds to address skill gaps and ensure talent pipelines. These funds are made available to local workforce boards in order to continue building a qualified and talented local workforce with the help of local economic development organizations.
The Workforce Solutions – Cameron (WFS) received $150,000 of those TWC funds. The WFS will be providing a requested $72,695 to TSTC, and the HEDC agreed to match.
The combined funds will total $145,887 that will guarantee a better training environment for the 2021 cohort of at least 20 students, and future cohorts as well.
“These funds will be used to purchase training equipment that will prepare our students for the local workforce, and that would include working at local car dealerships or automotive repair facilities.” Richard Mesquias, TSTC Senior Field Development Officer, said.
Mesquias added that the Auto Collision & Management Technology program averages 25 students a semester. The program has great support from the community, including Boggus Ford Harlingen, that offers students internships and scholarships.
“Support of programs like these helps keep our workforce local,” Mickey Boland, HEDC chair, said.
“We are all working together to ensure that students are provided with quality training and leave TSTC skilled and prepared for the local workforce.”
To learn more about the program, visit TSTC-Harlingen’s website.