FHS Receives Funding for Growth In Automotive Technology Program

The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA), Workforce Solutions South Plains and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced their plans to leverage funds for the second time and grant seven area school districts a total of $165,000 to assist in enhancing and maximizing the capacity of various Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This effort is known as the South Plains High Demand Job Training Project.

The South Plains High Demand Job Training Project will facilitate occupational training at the secondary level during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 school year to prepare high school students for high demand occupations. Training will take place at seven area school districts and is anticipated to educate a total of 228 students to prepare them for employment in the high-demand occupations of automotive technician, computer programmer, food service manager, welder, nursing assistant, machinist and general maintenance and repair technician. Listed below are the school districts and their programs that will be funded:

Frenship ISD – Automotive Technology
Idalou ISD – Small Engine Repair and Construction Trades
Lubbock ISD – Precision Metal Working
Lubbock Cooper ISD – Computer Programming/Robotics
Ralls ISD – Welding
Slaton ISD – Culinary Arts
Shallowater ISD – Automotive Technology and Health Sciences

Frenship ISD’s Automotive Technology program is the proud recipient of $18,400 from the South Plains High Demand Job Training Project. FISD students who successfully complete the training program provided by the Automotive Technology Department will have the opportunity to earn a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) student certificate. This certificate will assist entry for students into a career as an automotive professional.

“LEDA is very appreciative for the opportunity to partner once again with the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions South Plains and area school districts on this project,” John Osborne, president and CEO of LEDA, said. “Our future is in our workforce, and we’re excited to be part of an initiative to further educate Lubbock’s and the surrounding area’s students for these high-demand occupations.”