BlackRock announced a $30 million philanthropic investment in Texas through BlackRock Future Builders, a national initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation focused on strengthening skilled trades workforce pipelines across the United States.
The company said the Texas initiative is part of The BlackRock Foundation’s broader $100 million Future Builders program and is designed to help train more than 12,000 Texans for electrical careers over the next three years.
BlackRock said the investment responds to rising infrastructure, energy, and workforce demands in Texas, driven by rapid population growth, increasing electricity consumption, and the expansion of AI-related industries. According to the company, Texas currently accounts for the largest share of U.S. electricity generation and is experiencing the fastest nationwide growth in power demand.
The Future Builders initiative will partner with union and independent workforce training organizations, including the Electrical Training Alliance, Independent Electrical Contractors of Dallas, Texas State Technical College, and Dallas College.
Funding provided to the electrical training ALLIANCE will support creation of the ProTech Skills Institute BlackRock Foundation Electrical College, a statewide pre-apprenticeship program featuring immersive training bootcamps and industry-recognized safety credential programs intended to increase participation in union apprenticeship pathways.
Independent Electrical Contractors of Dallas will use grant funding to expand workforce training capacity in North Texas through a new BlackRock SafeSTART pre-apprenticeship program that includes safety training, hands-on lab experience, and direct pathways into registered apprenticeship programs.
Texas State Technical College will use BlackRock funding to establish a new Associate of Applied Science degree program in Electrical Technology and expand simulation labs, instructor capacity, and financial support for students pursuing journeyman licensure.
BlackRock also announced funding for Dallas College to develop financial education programs tailored specifically for electricians and apprenticeships in order to support long-term economic mobility and financial security for skilled trades workers.
KEY QUOTES:
“The scale of growth underway in Texas demands a workforce ready to build it. By working alongside trusted Texas training institutions and workforce leaders, Future Builders is expanding access to skilled trades jobs that are essential to the state’s economy—helping more Texans access good-paying careers and build long-term security.”
Larry Fink, Chairman And CEO, BlackRock
“We’re thrilled to partner with BlackRock through Future Builders to meet Texas’ surging demand for skilled electrical workers, opening doors to long-term, family-sustaining careers in one of the nation’s most essential trades.”
Todd Stafford, Executive Director, Electrical Training ALLIANCE
“IEC Dallas is excited to partner with BlackRock through the Future Builders program to strengthen Texas’ electrical workforce. The results are showing successful outcomes. These programs are increasing licensed Journeyman electricians while our SafeSTART Pre-Apprenticeship Program is training and equipping individuals with industry recognized safety certifications. We are delivering job-ready apprentice electricians, resulting in a real impact for contractors and the future of our industry.”
Erin Stewart, Executive Director And CEO, Independent Electrical Contractors Of Dallas
“TSTC is proud to join forces with BlackRock to address the critical skilled trades workforce gap in Texas. This partnership will enable us to expand hands-on training and provide more Texans with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in high-demand careers. Together, we are investing in the future of our students, our communities, and the economic vitality of our state.”
Mike Reeser, Chancellor And CEO, Texas State Technical College
“Dallas College and Dallas College Foundation are proud to partner with BlackRock through Future Builders to ensure Texans entering the skilled trades are prepared not only for great careers, but for long-term financial success. By embedding financial education directly into apprenticeship pathways for electricians, we are helping workers turn increased earning power into lasting economic mobility, strengthening families, communities, and the future of Texas’ workforce.”
Dr. Justin Lonon, Chancellor, Dallas College
