The petrochemical industry on the Gulf Coast, now bolstered by massive new investments due to shale gas, faces a challenge in securing well-qualified staff for high-demand skilled trades. This opens up opportunities for military veterans, believes the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Austin. It has launched a “Veteran and Industry Partnership” (VIP) initiative to train veterans in the skills needed for such jobs.

The TWC has allocated $4.3 million for the initiative, which includes specific efforts related to three industries — petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing and information technology — and involves 17 colleges. The program offers veterans an expedited path to achieving industry-recognized credentials. In addition, it covers tuition, fees and books for most of the courses, so there’s no cost to qualified veterans taking them, explains Lisa Givens of the TWC.

To learn more about industry employment, read “Veterans Get Employment Boost” from Chemical Processing.