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For Your CareerTraining Resources
Getting training is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. While you can learn the skills you need on-the-job for many occupations, training for other skills may be required for higher paying jobs.
WARNING: Before you move ahead with training, you may want to consider taking some self-assessments to find out if your interests, personality, and skills match what is needed for the type of work you're training for! We've included several under
Career Exploration.
Whether you are preparing for, applying to, or wondering how to pay for or get through college, an excellent source of information is
College for Texans.com.
Another good resource is a
Student Guide
If you're looking for schools in Texas, you can find them at
Community Colleges, or
Universities
Financial Aid
If you're interested in going to school, don't let a lack of funds stop you! Check out some of the financial aid available.
Scholarships
Scholarship funds may come from a variety of sources, including local civic clubs, alumni groups, local and national businesses, and individuals. Most high schools and colleges have information on eligibility criteria and how to apply for local scholarship awards. Two internet sites are
FinAid or
College for Texans.com.
Pell Grants
Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as medicine, law, or dentistry.) For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. For more information
Pell Grants. To apply on-line, go to
Application
State Education Grants
Texas also awards grants based on need. Students must have completed a
free financial aid Application
Student Loans
Various federal student loan programs are available. See
Student Loans,
Loan Forgiveness and
Loan Repayment
Military/Veterans Benefits
General information -
Military, or
Veterans
To find approved training providers for veterans' programs, see
Training Providers
Workforce Investment Act
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) may provide training assistance and supportive services to eligible individuals for training that is in targeted occupations (see below). Eligibility rules apply; see your
local workforce center.
WIA restricts most training activities to providers that are on the Statewide Eligible Training Provider List. This
statewide list of certified training providers includes all training programs that are currently approved by one or more Workforce Boards and certified by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Trade Adjustment Act
The Trade Adjustment Act provides reemployment services for individuals who lost their jobs due to foreign competition, and may provide training assistance and trade adjustment allowances for eligible individuals. Eligibility rules apply, see your
local workforce center.
Tax Credits
Tuition and Loans - Tax Credits
Tuition Exemptions
Texas residents Tuition Exemptions
For Non-residents
Work Study
Jobs (usually on campus) that are offered by the college to help students pay for tuition or other college costs.
Work Study jobs are awarded based on financial need.
Other U.S. Department of Education web sites that provide valuable financial aid information:
Additional general information about training can be found at
Training Providers and Programs , or at
Proprietary Schools
Cost of attendance information for Texas schools is available
here
Deep East Texas Priority Occupation List
We've done a labor market analysis, and determined a list of
Priority Occupations. These show a demand in the Deep East Texas area; pay starting wages of at least $8.50 per hour, or show a very high demand and pay over $6.00 per hour; and require some training.
(See
Career Exploration for a list of
Work and Wages in Deep East Texas)
On-the-Job Training
The Workforce Investment Act allows on-the-job training as a possible activity for eligible individuals. The activity allows businesses to hire individuals and train them for an occupation. See your
local workforce center for more information.
Work Experience
Work Experience is an opportunity to learn basic work skills. It is a short-term placement and can be paid or unpaid. Paid work-experience candidates must qualify for WIA (see above.)
