On Sept. 23, the Texas A&M University System and two of its state engineering agencies – the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) –announced a new initiative to invigorate an important Rio Grande Valley industry sector, advanced manufacturing, with workforce development programs that will prepare people for high-need jobs.

The Texas A&M RGV Advanced Manufacturing/Training Innovation Now (TRAIN) program gathers community input, creates collaborations and develops training courses that meet the needs of current and future employers at the Port of Brownsville. In two years, TRAIN will award 10,000 certificates through on line and on-site classes.

TEES and TEEX, two state agencies renowned for their workforce training and professional development, will offer these courses in English and Spanish. There is no cost to participants, thanks to $10 million in funding secured by State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. from the Texas Legislature.

“I am proud to be part of this innovative initiative that will provide robust training opportunities to the people of South Texas,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System. “With the new TRAIN initiative, the Texas A&M System continues its mission of education and service by partnering with our colleagues in the Rio Grande Valley to provide no-cost training to community members interested in being part of the rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing workforce. We owe a special thanks to Senator Eddie Lucio and Texas A&M System Regent Mike Hernandez for helping make this possible.”

“TEES and TEEX are uniquely positioned to offer expertise in workforce training in the much sought-after area of manufacturing,” said Dr. John E. Hurtado, interim vice chancellor for engineering and interim agency director of TEES. “By providing training to the people of the Rio Grande Valley – at no cost thanks to the Texas Legislature – we have the opportunity to help people improve not only their employment options but also their lives.”

Courses will begin in October. Visit trainestufuturo.org to register for training and to learn more.

From Left to Right: Texas A&M University Regent Mike Hernandez III; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr; Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp; Rep. Eddie Lucio, III; Rep. Alex Dominguez; Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez; Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez III, at the Port of Brownsville on Sept. 23.