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Today, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) celebrated a major investment in the future of advanced manufacturing at the Skills Development Fund Grant Award Ceremony for Tekscend Photomask in Round Rock.

In partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), a $163,388 Skills Development Fund grant will support job related training for 66 incumbent workers at Tekscend Photomask, strengthening advanced manufacturing skills and reinforcing the semiconductor talent pipeline in Central Texas.

This investment is more than a grant award. It's a clear example of how empowering employers to upskill their local workforce drives productivity, innovation, and long term competitiveness.

What Is the Skills Development Fund

The Skills Development Fund, administered by TWC, is Texas’ premier workforce training program. It provides grant funding to help businesses train new and incumbent workers in high-demand occupations.

Through partnerships with local workforce boards like WSRCA, employers can access funding to design customized training programs that align directly with their operational goals.

What This Means for Tekscend Photomask

For Tekscend Photomask, this investment delivers measurable business value.

The grant supports advanced manufacturing training that will:

• Strengthen technical skills in semiconductor production and microfabrication
• Increase productivity and operational efficiency
• Support the adoption of new technologies and processes
• Improve employee retention and engagement
• Create stronger internal career pathways for advancement

By investing in its incumbent workforce, Tekscend is reinforcing its position as a leader in advanced manufacturing while building long term stability within its Round Rock operations.

Upskilling current employees not only improves day to day performance, it reduces turnover costs, enhances quality control, and ensures the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global semiconductor market.

The award builds on Tekscend Photomask’s continued recognition as a leader in advanced manufacturing. The company was named the 2025 Local Employer of Excellence by TWC and has also been recognized by the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association as the 2023 Manufacturing Award Winner for Manufacturer of the Year and recipient of its 2024 Community Impact Award.

What This Means for Employers Across the Rural Capital Area

The benefits of the Skills Development Fund extend far beyond a single company.

For employers across Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties, the SDF offers an opportunity to:

• Offset the cost of customized workforce training
• Respond quickly to industry changes and technological advancements
• Close skill gaps within existing teams
• Develop leadership pipelines from within
• Increase wages and career mobility for employees
• Strengthen overall business competitiveness

Workforce development is economic development. When employers invest in their people, they build stronger teams, increase resilience, and position their companies for sustainable growth.

A Celebration of Partnership

Today’s ceremony at the Round Rock Chamber reflected the strength of collaboration across state leaders, regional partners, and industry stakeholders.

We extend our sincere thanks to:

• Kelly Moreno, Chief Solutions Officer, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
• Frank Leonardis, Board Chair, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
• The Honorable Craig Morgan, Mayor, City of Round Rock
• Zach Scott, Senior Director of Workforce and Industry Development, Round Rock Chamber
• Alexis Flores, Director of Workforce Development, Austin Regional Manufacturers Association
• John Nykaza, President, Tekscend Photomask Round Rock
• Kyle Swartz, Senior U.S. Human Resources Manager, Tekscend Photomask Round Rock
• Chairman Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers, Texas Workforce Commission

Your leadership demonstrates what's possible when public, private, and community partners align around a shared goal.

Ready to Upskill Your Workforce

WSRCA is committed to helping employers identify upskilling opportunities, design customized training plans, and build stronger talent pipelines.

If you're looking to enhance training opportunities for your workforce, connect with our Business Services team to get started.

Together, we can empower employers, upskill local talent, and ensure the Rural Capital Area remains competitive, resilient, and ready for growth.