Texas has been leading in population growth and business relocations since 2012. But without more innovation in its workforce training programs, business growth is slower than it could be, and individuals lack a full spectrum of opportunities to prosper.

Key points:

  • The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is the largest federally sponsored work-based learning program.
  • The largest portion of RAPs are in industries like construction and health science, which usually require some postsecondary training but not a bachelor’s degree. Professions in these industries are sometimes described as “middle-skill” jobs.
  • Middle-skill occupations are expected to grow by more than 900,000 by 2030.
  • Despite the high demand for individuals with these skills, there were less than 31,000 active Registered Apprenticeships in 2023.
  • Giving the Texas Workforce Commission the authority to designate apprenticeable occupations will empower employers to create new work-based learning opportunities.