Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and Tekscend Photomask Celebrate Skills Development Fund Grant Award to Boost Advanced Manufacturing Workforce
Feb 09, 2026
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded a $163,388 Skills Development Fund grant to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), in close collaboration with Tekscend Photomask, to expand advanced manufacturing training and strengthen workforce opportunities across Central Texas.
The grant will support job related training for 66 incumbent workers at Tekscend Photomask in Round Rock, building critical advanced manufacturing skills, improving productivity, and reinforcing the company’s competitiveness in the semiconductor sector. This investment creates high quality career pathways for workers while strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing talent pipeline.
WSRCA will host a Skills Development Fund Grant Award Ceremony on February 13 at the Round Rock Chamber to formally recognize the award and celebrate the partnership between TWC, WSRCA, and Tekscend Photomask. The event will feature Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers, alongside regional workforce and manufacturing leaders.
“We’re proud to join with our community partners and stakeholders to recognize Tekscend Photomask for its leadership in workforce development,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of WSRCA. “Through this close partnership, the Skills Development Fund grant expands local training opportunities in advanced manufacturing and strengthens career pathways for workers. This partnership aligns training, industry needs, and local talent to create long term opportunity across our communities.”
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 the Texas Workforce Commission 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.
“This investment reflects our commitment to our employees and to the future of advanced manufacturing in Central Texas,” said John Nykaza, President of Tekscend Photomask Round Rock. “By partnering with WSRCA and the Texas Workforce Commission, we can expand training opportunities that strengthen our workforce, improve operations, and create long term career growth for our team members right here in our community.”
Together, the Skills Development Fund award and these recognitions underscore the power of partnerships between state leaders, workforce boards, and employers working collaboratively to expand career pathways and support sustainable economic growth across Central Texas.
Event Details:
Skills Development Fund Grant Award Ceremony for Tekscend Photomask
Hosted by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CST
Location: Round Rock Chamber, 216 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
RSVP: https://bit.ly/tekscendphotomasksdf
For more information about Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and its mission, visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com.
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About Tekscend Photomask
Tekscend Photomask is a global leader in semiconductor microfabrication, operating eight manufacturing facilities worldwide and delivering advanced photomask and microfabrication solutions that support next generation chip production. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company combines industry leading research and development with a robust global service network to drive innovation, strengthen productivity, and advance sustainable growth across the semiconductor ecosystem. In addition to its core photomask capabilities, Tekscend is expanding into emerging microfabrication products such as nanoimprint molds, further broadening its impact on critical technology markets. Learn more at www.photomask.com/en.
About Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital (WSRCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community partnership and the certified workforce authority for the nine-county Rural Capital Area of Central Texas, which includes Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties. WSRCA strengthens regional prosperity by connecting people, employers, and opportunities through no-cost services such as career coaching, training in high-demand fields, child care tuition scholarships, hiring events, and labor market insights. By equipping residents with skills for career success and providing employers with tailored workforce solutions, WSRCA helps ensure the region remains competitive, resilient, and ready for growth.
About the Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is a state agency dedicated to helping Texans prosper through workforce development and economic opportunities. TWC oversees employment services, job training, and unemployment benefits, and works in partnership with 28 local Workforce Solutions boards across the state, including WSRCA. Together, they connect job seekers with employers and provide Texans with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy. Learn more at twc.texas.gov.