Weslaco opens new pathway to healthcare careers for 25 residents

Local leaders gathered in Weslaco to kickstart a new workforce training program that will fund 25 city residents to complete a short-term workforce training program through Texas Southmost College inside of Knapp Medical Center to upskill residents looking for a career in healthcare.

Students are expected to train on-site inside of Knapp Medical Center, Texas Southmost College instructors are anticipated to bring equipment to the city, and the certificate can be used towards a future education in nursing. Classes include nurses aide training, phlebotomy, and electrocardiography and are expected to begin in January 2027.

The Weslaco Economic Development Corp. is matching a Texas Workforce Commission high demand job training grant through Workforce Solutions of Lower Rio Grande Valley totaling $117,000 in grant funding. It’s an inaugural partnership between the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation and the Texas Southmost College Workforce Training and Continuing Education division, but the local economic development arm already works closely with South Texas College, among other institutions.

“Our residents can live in Weslaco, receive their education and training in Weslaco, potentially begin their health care careers at Knapp Medical Center and ultimately spend and invest their earnings right here in our community,” Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said. “We want Weslaco to be a community where people don’t have to leave home to find opportunities, but instead can build rewarding careers and better lives right here.”