Blinn College partners with Axis Pipe and Tube on a $469,880 safety and skills training grant
Texas Workforce Commission grant will provide training for 197 Axis Pipe and Tube employees
February 15, 2018
The Texas Workforce Commission presented Blinn College and Axis Pipe and Tube, Inc. a $469,880 grant today to provide safety and skills training for 197 Axis Pipe and Tube employees.
Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs made the announcement at the Axis Pipe and Tube facility in Bryan alongside Blinn College Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley, Blinn College Dean of Technical and Community Programs Jay Anderson, and Axis Pipe and Tube Director of Human Resources Cesar Flores.
The grant provides training for 60 new jobs and 137 upgraded positions in aerial work platform; arc flash renewal; computer numerical control (CNC) fundamentals; hydraulics and pneumatics; hydrotesting; non-destructive testing (NDT) – magnetic particle testing Level 1; NDT – ultrasonic testing Level 1; NDT – ultrasonic testing Level 2; overhead crane operations; powered industrial truck operation; precision measurement/thread gauging; programmable logic control (PLC) system control; rigging; tools and equipment; welding; confined space entrant; CPR, AED, first aid, and bloodborne pathogens; lockout/tagout; manufacturing safety; technical/business math; Microsoft Office for business; the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour General Safety Certification; the OSHA 30-Hour General Safety Certification; and supervisory/leadership skills.
Located in Bryan, Axis Pipe and Tube’s leading-edge manufacturing facility can produce more than 300,000 tons of electric resistance welded oil country tubular goods and line pipe each year. Axis uses the latest technology and manufacturing techniques to ensure that every product delivers the maximum return on investment while meeting or exceeding the highest safety standards.
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 Blue Bell, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Igloo, Kaemark, Kent Moore Cabinets, NOV Grant Prideco, 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, ensuring that these talented individuals remain at the forefront of their industry.”
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.
Blinn strengthens the economy by helping job-seekers obtain the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the workplace, and by partnering with local businesses to offer training opportunities for incumbent and new employees. For more information on Blinn’s technical and community education programs, including class schedules and registration information, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce.
