Wharton County Junior College's HVAC and Electrical Technology programs have received a Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant, which will provide cutting-edge training equipment for students like Lucien Dann of Richmond, left, and Joseph Barron of El Campo.
WHARTON, TEXAS — Students enrolled in Wharton County Junior College’s HVAC and Electrical Technology programs will have the opportunity to work on the latest and greatest training equipment thanks to a statewide career training grant. Through the 2026 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program, WCJC will receive $329,091 in grant funds aimed at helping 35 students learn the skills needed to be competitive in the workforce.
“This updated equipment will provide students with hands-on experience using modern industrial and commercial electrical technologies while introducing them to renewable energy and energy storage systems,” said WCJC’s Instructor of Electrical Technology Philip Hamlin.
The grant will support the addition of new A2L refrigerant training equipment for the air conditioning portion of WCJC’s program. Hamlin said the trainers will give students hands-on experience with systems that use newer refrigerants, preparing them to work safely and effectively with the evolving technologies and refrigerant requirements used in today’s HVAC industry.
The JET grants are awarded through the Texas Workforce Commission and geared toward helping schools buy equipment to start or improve career and technical education training programs that lead to high-demand careers. WCJC is among 84 recipients of more than $20 million in JET grants. Junior, technical and state colleges – along with school districts and charter schools – qualified for the grants.
“Students deserve a clear and affordable path to high-paying careers,” said Governor Gregg Abbott. “By investing in our students today, we are building a stronger Texas for generations to come.”
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