Hundreds of new and existing workers are to benefit from a job-training grant made available through a partnership between Paris Junior College and three Greenville businesses.
The four entities have combined to present a more than $542,000 grant which will train 273 new and existing workers in advanced manufacturing and logistics skills, helping the companies improve operational efficiencies and productivity.
Administrators from PJC, Atrium Windows & Doors, Case New Holland America and Newell Rubbermaid took part in a ceremony Friday at PJC’s Greenville Center. Also on hand were officials with the Texas Workforce Commission and District 2 State Representative Dan Flynn.
New and existing workers trained will include set-up technicians, shipping/receiving associates and maintenance technicians. Upon completion of training, the workers will earn an average hourly wage of $18.60.
As part of his welcoming comments Workforce Education Vice President John Spradling said, “Local businesses have partnered to improve employee training and the products they provide to the Greenville community. With the help of the Texas Workforce Commission, we are here to support their efforts.”
“It’s hard to believe it was just 14 months ago when we began meeting to put together the joint skills development grant request,” said PJC President, Dr. Pamela Anglin.
“This is the third time in twelve months that I’ve presented a check to Dr. Anglin and PJC,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar, “I am very pleased to be here and this is very beneficial for this community.” He explained just the day before at a Fort Worth meeting he had talked of moving the economy and Texas communities forward and responding to the marketplace.
“Time and again I hear that Texas is the last place in the United States these companies are still doing business,” Alcantar continued. “We are very pleased to partner with PJC and the three manufacturing companies to bring improvements to Greenville, Texas. We’re going to help you succeed. Thanks to Governor Perry and the Legislature for the Skills Development Grant legislation and funding so we can continue this program. Building the capacity of community colleges and providing customized training improves the skills of our workers and PJC has added capacity to respond to these and other companies, moving us forward.”
“This is a great way to finish a really good week,” said The Honorable Dan Flynn, District 2 House member. “Instead of telling you about cuts, I can hand you money. Community colleges are the best bang for the buck and Paris Junior College is a real asset for our community.” He went on to praise PJC students, as well as Dr. Anglin for coming with them, when they attend the visiting day for college students at the State Capital.
“Local industry and business are extremely important to us,” said Dr. Anglin in her concluding remarks. “Paris Junior College is all about serving our community’s needs. Keeping employee skill levels up allows our local industry to stay competitive.”
For more information about workforce training at Paris Junior College, contact Dr. Charles George, associate dean for workforce education, at 903-782-0245 or cgeorge@parisjc.edu, or John Spradling, vice president of workforce education, 903-782-0381 or jspradling@parisjc.edu.