Amarillo College Receives $500,000 State Grant to Expand Welding Workforce Training

Amarillo College will expand welding training, create new workforce credentials and strengthen industry partnerships thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The two-year Texas Invests in Meaningful Employment (TIME) grant will support the College's Industry and Skilled Trades programs at East Campus, with a focus on stainless steel and aluminum welding, curriculum enhancements, faculty development and student support.

"This grant allows us to build on the outstanding workforce training already taking place at East Campus," said Jacqui Jones, Amarillo College's executive director of Grant Administration and Compliance. "It provides additional resources to strengthen our programs while giving students more opportunities to earn industry credentials and prepare for successful careers."

The grant will support curriculum redesign, faculty development and the creation of new continuing education (CE) welding credentials, providing shorter-term training options that can help students quickly gain workforce skills and enter high-demand careers.

"The addition of these CE credentials expands access to welding training for a different group of students," said David Hall, AC dean of Industry and Skilled Trades. "Students will have shorter pathways to industry-recognized certifications while developing specialized stainless steel and aluminum welding skills that regional employers are actively seeking. This grant allows us to strengthen our programs while preparing more graduates for high-demand careers."

The grant also builds on Amarillo College's partnerships with regional employers.

The project will also strengthen Amarillo College's partnership with Albers Aerospace, formerly Garrett Containers, whose letter of support helped secure the grant. The collaboration will help ensure training aligns with current workforce needs and prepares graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing and related industries.

In addition to supporting instruction, the grant may provide financial assistance for students pursuing continuing education welding certifications, helping reduce barriers to earning industry-recognized credentials.

The two-year grant will support the project through 2028, allowing the College to expand specialized welding instruction while developing new credential pathways for current and future students.

For more information about AC’s industry/technical education programs, contact Ask AC at 806/371-5000 or use the Ask AC chat at actx.edu.