Blinn College and NOV Grant Prideco receive grant for workforce training

The Texas Workforce Commission presented Blinn College and NOV Grant Prideco an $820,365 grant Thursday.

The grant will provide safety and skills training for NOV Grant Prideco employees and train 395 workers.

The Texas Workforce Commission estimates it will make a $4.3 million economic impact on the local community.

Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez made the announcement at the NOV Grant Prideco facility in Navasota.

The grant provides training for 34 new jobs and 361 upgraded positions.

NOV Grant Prideco is the world's largest supplier of premium drill pipe and drill stem accessories.

“NOV Grant Prideco is honored to partner with Blinn College and the Texas Workforce Commission, and is thankful for their support through the Skills Development Fund,” Chandler said. “Our greatest advantage within our market is our people, and this partnership has enabled us to invest in our employees and significantly broaden their skill sets during an extremely challenging time in the oil and gas industry.”

The Skills Development Fund provides local customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and workers to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce.

Blinn has secured $2.7 million in Skills Development Fund grants since August 2014, helping local employers such as Axis Pipe & Tube, Blue Bell, Igloo, Kaemark, Stanpac, and Tempur Sealy develop and implement employee safety and skills training programs.

“Skills Development Fund grants deliver customized training solutions that help Texas businesses and their employees thrive in today’s competitive business environment,” Anderson said. “This investment from the Texas Workforce Commission builds the skills of local employees, benefitting both the business and our community.”

Businesses, consortiums and trade unions with more than 100 employees are encouraged to contact the College at 979-209-7205 to explore partnering with Blinn for Skills Development Fund training opportunities.

Businesses with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for Skills for Small Business grants, and also are encouraged to contact Blinn for more information.