Gov. Perry: Continued Investment in Education is Essential to Texas' Competitiveness

Press Release

Gov. Rick Perry today reiterated the importance of providing young Texans with the skills and education necessary to thrive in the future. The governor presented PowerSet Workforce Industry Training (WIT) with a grant worth more than $175,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission for their nuclear power workforce development program for high school students in Bay City, Van Vleck, Sweeny, Palacios and Louise.

"Texas has more nuclear power plants under development than any other state, and this program will prepare our future workforce to carry out the state's all-of-the-above energy strategy," Gov. Perry said. "PowerSet WIT is designed to connect motivated, capable students with educational opportunities in the STEM fields, accelerate their learning in these key subjects and give them firsthand experience with careers in the growing field of nuclear power technology."

PowerSet WIT will work with local students who are interested in STEM careers or one- or two-year technical degrees. The program's goal is to meet the nuclear workforce challenge in Texas by cultivating student interest in STEM occupations outside of the traditional classroom environment. To accomplish this, the program will provide hands-on experiences, including opportunities for on-site visits to industry partners, mentorships and job shadowing.

PowerSet WIT's curriculum will be on the associate and baccalaureate degree level for nuclear power technology, radiation protection, and digital instrumentation and control. This will allow students to gain a background in the fundamental performance requirements of nuclear power plants and to move directly into accelerated utility training programs, leading to a high-paying job.

"To remain competitive in the global economy, Texas must continue to build a seamless system of opportunity and innovation for our students and job creators," Gov. Perry said.

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