Texas Job Training Grant for Tekscend Photomask

TX TWC News

Published February 13th, 2026

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

Governor Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced a Skills Development Fund grant of over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. This grant will fund customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.

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The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in conjunction with Governor Greg Abbott, has awarded a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant totaling over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. This funding is designated to provide customized training for 66 existing and new employees at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc., focusing on high-demand occupations within the machinery manufacturing sector. The grant aims to support the growth of the semiconductor industry in the Rural Capital Area, which is projected to expand significantly by 2032.

This announcement serves as a notice of the grant award and highlights the TWC's SDF program, which partners with educational institutions and local workforce boards to offer tailored training to Texas businesses. While this is an announcement of a grant, it underscores the state's commitment to workforce investment and the manufacturing sector. Regulated entities, particularly employers in manufacturing, may find this informative regarding available state resources for workforce development and training initiatives. No immediate compliance actions are required for entities not directly involved in this specific grant.

Source document (simplified)

Governor Abbott, TWC Announce Over $163,000 Job Training Grant For Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Press Releases February 13, 2026 AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott today announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Through this grant, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area will provide customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.

“Texas understands that to remain the best state for business, we must invest in our workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “This grant will help train Texans for in-demand, high-salary careers in the manufacturing sector. Working together with business leaders and the Texas Workforce Commission, we will ensure our state remains a place where Texans can provide for themselves and their loved ones.”

“The semiconductor industry in Rural Capital Area is expected to grow by more than 500% by 2032, creating abundant opportunities for highly skilled workers,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “With this grant, more than 60 individuals will be trained for rewarding manufacturing careers, further fueling the region’s momentum in the industry.”

Earlier today, Chairman Esparza presented the awards to representatives from Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. during a ceremony held at Round Rock Chamber of Commerce.

SDF is the state's workforce training grant program to help businesses upskill their new or incumbent workforce. In partnership with the public community and technical colleges, local workforce development boards, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, TWC collaborates to provide customized, innovative training to Texas businesses of all sizes.

The SDF grant program has provided training opportunities in partnership with more than 5,000 employers to upgrade or support the creation of nearly 446,000 jobs throughout Texas since the program's inception in 1996.

TWC Chairman Joe Esparza and local partners attend big check ceremony.

Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.