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Jefferson County proclaims support for workforce training as Lowe's Foundation pledge highlighted
Summary
On Oct. 1, Jefferson County Commissioners Court issued proclamations recognizing the Lowe's Foundation and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and heard a presentation from Digital Workforce Academy in Port Arthur about training for pipefitters and electricians.
On Oct. 1, 2024, the Jefferson County Commissioners Court issued proclamations honoring the Lowe's Foundation and the National Center for Construction Education and Research and heard from a representative of the Digital Workforce Academy about local workforce training efforts.
The court adopted proclamations for both organizations after a motion and voice vote. Judge [presiding] read that the Lowe's Foundation has “pledged a five-year, $50,000,000 commitment to train 50,000 skilled, job-ready tradespeople,” and noted NCCER’s role in standardizing curricula and credentials used in all 50 states.
Sharon, who identified herself as representing Digital Tech/GTEC (the Golden Triangle technical center and Digital Workforce Academy), told the court the program is based in Port Arthur at 617 Proctor Street and has run several classes. “We are training individuals to be introduction to pipe fitters and introduction to electrician, and we're helping people get job placements,” she said. She said the program has had more than 100 participants pass through classes, with 22 students scheduled to graduate in October and employer interviews scheduled the week before graduation.
Court members and speakers emphasized the partnership model between industry, community nonprofits and training providers. The record provided that Digital Workforce Academy was accredited by NCCER on Aug. 6, 2018, and that Lowes-supported programming provides NCCER certification for participants.
Why this matters: county officials said the initiatives aim to address a regional shortage of skilled tradespeople needed for residential, commercial and industrial projects in Southeast Texas.
The court did not take further action beyond adopting the proclamations; the presentation concluded with a brief question-and-answer exchange and an invitation to apply through the program website or by phone.
