Petrochemical Consortium Partners with Del Mar College

AUSTIN – The Coastal Bend-area workforce will benefit from a $682258 job-training grant from the Skills Development Fund that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers. A petrochemical industry consortium has partnered with Del Mar College to provide the training for workers.

The grant will be used to create 224 new jobs and upgrade the skills of 409 chemical and electrical engineers project managers and computer support specialists among others. Upon completion of training workers will earn an average hourly wage of $25.35. The consortium includes DuPont Belcan Corp. Zachry Construction Corp. First Chemical Texas LP Repcon Inc. and Sherwin Alumina Co.

“Congratulations to all the partners involved in making this Skills Development Fund grant a success” said state Sen. Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa. “The jobs created and upgraded as a result of this grant will strengthen the Coastal Bend-area economy and have a long-term effect on the Texas economy.”

“All the partners involved in bringing this grant to Del Mar College deserve gratitude from our community” State Rep. Abel Herrero said. “Del Mar College creates opportunities for families across South Texas by training tomorrow’s workplace leaders. Helping Del Mar College helps Corpus Christi.”

“This Skills Development Fund grant provides a great opportunity for workers and gives employers a skilled labor force” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature TWC makes these grants available each year assisting thousands of Texans to improve their quality of life.”

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Skills Development Fund grants created or upgraded 20831 jobs which paid an average hourly wage of $19.04. These grants assisted 281 Texas employers with their customized training needs. The Legislature has appropriated $50 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2008-09 biennium.

Employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may visit the TWC Web site at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/funds/sdfintro.html.

Del Mar College contact: Bud Harris at (361) 698-1702 or lharris@delmar.edu