Texas Workforce Commission Backs South Texas Workers

AlbertoTreviño III highlights how employee training and regional partnerships can strengthen industry and expand career opportunities. 

MCALLEN, TEXAS — Investing in workers is essential to supporting South Texas’ industrial growth, according to Alberto Treviño III, Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor. As employers expand and communities pursue new investment, he sees workforce training and regional cooperation as priorities for connecting residents with opportunity.

Speaking with Pro Texas Industry during a Skills Development Fund grant presentation at Rio Bank in McAllen, Treviño emphasized the shared effort behind the initiative.

“This was a group effort through the local community and business leaders,Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, and economic development corporations here in the area,” he said.

The event recognized a $169,087 Texas Workforce Commission grant supporting training for 87 employees at ALPS Logistics, DENSO TEN,Emerson Tool, and Index Fresh. Workforce Solutions serves as the grant recipient and coordinator, while UTRGV’s Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center develops and delivers the training. Instruction focuses on operational excellence, quality systems, and supply chain management.

Treviño explained that the funding supports employees already contributing to the region’s economy, helping them develop additional capabilities and pursue advancement.

“It’s a Skills Development Fund grant that is dedicated to train and upskill current employees and workers so that they can have opportunities to get better training,” he said.

He also pointed to the “possibility of a better salary,” while emphasizing that the investment serves businesses as well.

“It also benefits the employer by having a trained and skilled worker,”Treviño said.

For South Texas manufacturing and its supporting industries, that connection is important: developing employees’ skills can help companies improve operations while creating opportunities for workers to assume greater responsibilities.

Asked what the region needs to maintain its economic momentum, Treviño pointed to stronger coordination among organizations already working toward that goal.

“I think what’s being done right now is what needs to be done, and that’s a collaboration between our community partners and leaders, our workforce boards here in the area,” he said.

He emphasized that this cooperation extends beyond one service area,describing the effort as “not just here in Lower Rio Grande Valley, but also Cameron County.”

Referring to the previous week’s regional workforce event, Treviño highlighted organizations working together to prepare residents for incoming employment opportunities.

“They’re joining forces together so that we make sure we have a great pipeline of skilled workers to take all the jobs that are coming here to this area,” he said.

His comments connect industrial recruitment with a practical requirement:communities must prepare people to participate in the growth they are pursuing.Cooperation among employers, educators, workforce boards, and economic development organizations can help align training with the skills businesses need.

He described communication between those organizations and workforce boards as an important connection between business development and employee preparation.

“The fact that we work with and have communication with our economic development corporations through our workforce solution boards is what makes that possible,” Treviño said.

For South Texas, that coordination can help turn industrial investment into lasting local opportunity. By preparing workers, supporting existing employers,and connecting training with business needs, the region can strengthen its manufacturing base while giving residents more opportunities to build their careers close to home.