The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers some of the most practical and accessible programs for Texas employers. In 2026, TWC continues to operate training grants, hiring incentives, recruitment services, and workforce development programs that help businesses reduce labor costs and build skilled teams. This guide covers the key TWC programs available to Texas employers in 2026.
Skills Development Fund
The Skills Development Fund provides grants for customized job training delivered through partnerships between employers and public community or technical colleges. TWC funds the training costs while employers contribute matching resources. The program is open to all industries and accepts applications on a rolling basis. Complete Skills Development Fund guide.
Self-Sufficiency Fund
The Self-Sufficiency Fund provides training grants specifically for projects that train and place welfare recipients, veterans, and other targeted populations into employment. Employers partnering with community colleges or Workforce Solutions offices can access these funds to cover training costs for hiring individuals from eligible populations. The program helps employers find workers while supporting workforce development goals.
Apprenticeship Programs
TWC supports registered apprenticeship programs through funding, technical assistance, and coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, allowing employers to train workers in industry-specific skills while paying a training wage. TWC can provide financial support for the classroom instruction component. Apprenticeship grants guide.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
TWC administers the Texas component of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. Employers who hire individuals from targeted groups — including veterans, SNAP recipients, ex-felons, and long-term unemployed individuals — can claim tax credits of up to $9,600 per qualified employee. TWC certifies worker eligibility and issues the certification forms needed to claim the credit on federal tax returns. WOTC guide for Texas employers.
Workforce Solutions Services
TWC operates through 28 local Workforce Solutions offices across Texas. These offices provide free services to employers including:
- Job posting on WorkInTexas.com, the state’s job matching system
- Candidate screening and referral
- Labor market information and wage data
- Job fairs and recruitment events
- On-the-job training subsidies in some areas
- Rapid response assistance for layoffs and closures
Workforce Solutions employer services guide.
Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Fund
The JET Fund provides grants to public community and technical colleges and independent school districts to purchase and install equipment needed to train students for high-demand occupations. While this program funds equipment at schools rather than at businesses, employers benefit from a better-trained pipeline of workers in their industry.
2026 Program Highlights
- Skills Fund availability: The program continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. Contact TWC or your local community college workforce division for current funding levels.
- WOTC processing: TWC continues to process WOTC certifications. Employers should submit Form 8850 within 28 days of the new hire’s start date.
- Apprenticeship expansion: TWC is supporting growth in registered apprenticeships across multiple industries beyond traditional building trades.
- Digital services: TWC continues to expand online tools for employers through its employer portal and WorkInTexas.com platform.
How to Get Started
- Register on WorkInTexas.com: Create an employer account to access job posting, candidate search, and labor market data.
- Contact your local Workforce Solutions office: Each region has a Workforce Solutions board that can help identify applicable programs.
- Explore WOTC: Start screening new hires for WOTC eligibility using the pre-screening notice (IRS Form 8850).
- Discuss Skills Fund: If you have training needs, contact a local community college about a Skills Development Fund partnership.
Find Your Workforce Program Match
TWC programs can significantly reduce workforce costs. Our screening report identifies which training grants, tax credits, and hiring incentives match your business. Start your free screening →