JACKSONVILLE, Texas (September 16, 2020) – On Tuesday, September 15, the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) kicked-off the first of many planned workforce development initiatives in a new training room located at the Corporation’s downtown office. A renovation completed in early 2020, transformed more than 1,300 square-feet of unfinished space into a modern and flexible training room. JEDCO plans to use the space to facilitate an array of training efforts aimed at meeting current and projected workforce needs.
“The size and skills of a community’s workforce correlate directly with the quality of jobs they can attract and maintain”, said JEDCO Director and Chairman of the East Texas Workforce Board Robert Haberle. “It is imperative JEDCO take a direct and active role in workforce development to move our community and people ahead.”
The inaugural endeavor to break-in the space is a 60-hour training program for first-line supervisors working in manufacturing environments. The program was developed through input from local manufacturers and is in partnership with Tyler Junior College (TJC). Partial funding for the program came from Workforce Solutions East Texas via the High-Demand Job Training Grant. Ten participants from local manufacturers and organizations will spend the next 6-weeks attending training. Leadership and soft skills will be taught at JEDCO, and technical skills in the areas of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems will be taught by TJC at their state-of-the-art West Campus.
“I am thankful for the local companies who helped shape this program and those that have invested in their people by sending them”, said JEDCO Chairman Darrell Dement. “Jacksonville benefits from a healthy mix of industries and JEDCO aims to provide training to meet the diverse needs of local employers.”
JEDCO is in the process of developing a schedule of training classes to be held locally in 2021. If your business and workforce need specific training, please contact us at 903.586.2102 to discuss potential assistance.
About JEDCO
The Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) was established in 1995 by the voters of Jacksonville. JEDCO is a Type B corporation governed by State Law and operates on revenue from a ½ cent sales tax. JEDCO is led by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Jacksonville City Council.
