SNYDER—The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded $331,429 to Western Texas College (WTC) from the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant. The funds support Texans by helping the school purchase and install equipment to train students for high-demand occupations.

In September, TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza presented a check for the funds at a ceremony at WTC. Attendees included representatives from TWC West Central Texas, TWC San Angelo, the City of Snyder, the Development Corporation of Snyder, Big Country Electric Cooperative, WTC Administrative staff, and WTC employees.

 “The JET Grant enhances our Electrical Lineworker Program through the purchase of a Bucket Truck and Pole Trailer,” said Dr. Barb Beebe, College President, in her opening remarks at the event. “This allows WTC to increase enrollment in the Lineworker Program to 30 students, a 66% increase, thus contributing to the job growth for the Lineworker Occupation in the West Central Texas Region and beyond.”

Mark McClain, Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) CEO, spoke at the presentation about the company’s collaboration with WTC, which began with the Electrical Lineworker program over a decade ago.

 “One of the greatest things to have is a good partnership in the community,” said McClain. “And that’s what we have with Big Country Electric Cooperative and WTC.”

McClain mentioned the invaluable skills learned in the Lineworker program that set WTC’s graduates apart: they can climb a pole, they know the fundamental concepts of electricity, and each student graduates with a Commercial Driver's License.

“It is a great partnership and one we have definitely benefitted from,” he added. “We have a lot of linemen that have gone through your [WTC’s] program. The greatest thing we can do is prepare the next generation for success; that’s exactly what this program does. Twenty-one percent of our employees have gone through the program. Five of our six foremen are WTC graduates.”

“We greatly appreciate Big Country Electric Coop and Mark McClain for their partnership,” said TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza. “You all [WTC and Big Country Electric Coop] obviously have a great relationship and partnership. The exchange of talent and individuals only helps growth in the area because you know how each other operates, and that’s why this is such a useful relationship and partnership.

“What we’re doing here is providing economic prosperity to folks that may not have had it if they didn’t have the skills. In 2026, the entire state of Texas electrical production and maintenance is going to account for 40,000 jobs, all over the state, statewide.”

“The generous support from the Texas Workforce Commission through the JET Grant program marks a pivotal moment for Western Texas College and for the students we serve,” noted Beebe during her closing remarks. “This grant is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing workforce readiness and advancing educational opportunities.

“Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our students and our community.”

For more information about WTC’s Lineworker program, navigate to wtc.edu/lineworker.