Celebration was in the air Monday as representatives from Fisher Controls and Kwikset met at Grayson County College's Center for Workplace Learning to receive the news that $429,769 in training funds were awarded for employee training.        

The Texoma area workforce will benefit from the job-training grant from the Skills Development Fund that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers. Fisher Controls International LLC and Kwikset Corp. have formed a manufacturing training project to partner with GCC for the grant.            

The grant will be used to upgrade the skills of 409 welder, machine operator, industrial engineer, die cast operator, furnace room operator and inspector positions, among others. Upon completion of training, workers will earn an average hourly wage of $18.53.            

"I am very pleased with the decision by TWC to award the Skills grant to Grayson County College to help provide the skilled workers required by local businesses," said state Sen. Craig Estes. "This grant demonstrates the important role our community colleges play in providing the educated workforce we need in our local and state economy."

"The efforts put forth by TWC, Grayson County College, Fisher Controls International and Kwikset create a remarkable impact on the Texas workforce and economy," state Rep. Larry Phillips said. "Congratulations go out to all participants of this grant for a job well done!"           

"Responding to the workforce needs of Texas' employers is one of our top priorities, and the Skills fund is one of the best methods we have for doing that," said TWC Chair Diane Rath. "With this grant, area employers gain a custom-trained workforce, workers learn valuable skills, and the community benefits through added jobs and economic development."

Throughout Texas in Fiscal Year 2007, Skills Development Fund grants created or upgraded 20,831 jobs, which paid an average hourly wage of $19.04. These grants assisted 281 Texas employers with their customized training needs. The Legislature has appropriated $50 million to the Skills Development Fund for the 2008-09 biennium. Local employers seeking more information about the Skills Development Fund may contact the Center for Workplace Learning at GCC.

TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing the Public Diane Rath (far right) presents a Skills Development Fund grant check for $429,769 to (from left to right) Grayson County College Center for Workplace Learning Executive Director Dr. Patricia Pool, Grayson County College President Dr. Alan Scheibmeir, Grayson County College Center for Workplace Learning Advisory Board Chair Stephen Davidson, Kwikset Corp. Plant Manager Marty Doyle, Fisher Controls International Human Resource Manager Dusty Payne and Grayson County College Vice President for Instruction Dr. Jeanie Hardin.