Workforce

Pearland’s strategic location within the Houston MSA provides our employers access to over 3.2 million talented and seasoned workers in industries such as life science, energy, manufacturing and allied healthcare—including over 7,500 Texas Medical Center employees that live within the Pearland city limits.

LABOR FORCE

Since 2005, Pearland’s estimated labor force has grown from just over 31,302 to over 67,000 in 2023.

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Pearland has educational attainment levels well above the national average.

High school diploma

• Pearland: 95.1%
• National average: 88.9%

Some college

• Pearland: 79.7%
• National average: 62.4%

Bachelor’s degree or higher

• Pearland: 48.7%
• National average: 33.7%

Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2021

Visit our Education page for more information on local universities and community colleges.

WORKFORCE  AND TRAINING

Companies need great talent to compete and survive in a global economy. PEDC supports Pearland employers by supplying the resources necessary to help employees grow and retain the key knowledge you need in your business. Whatever the training need is, PEDC can bring a suitable business training partner to the situation and help create solutions. For example, training assistance is available in such areas as:

• Computer skills
• Manufacturing
• Team and management development
• Safety and quality

RESOURCE PROVIDERS AND PROGRAMS

Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency that oversees workforce development services for employers and job seekers in Texas. PEDC works directly with TWC, local workforce offices—Workforce Solutions—and nearby community colleges to leverage State of Texas training grants and create customized training programs for your business. Workforce Solutions can also identify and recruit key employees for your company.

Skills Development Fund 
The Skills Development Fund is an innovative program created to assist Texas public community and technical colleges in financing customized job training for their local businesses.  The fund is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. Grants are provided to help companies and labor unions form partnerships with local community colleges and technical schools to provide custom job training.  Average training benefits are $1,000 per trainee. However, the benefit may vary depending on the proposal.  The maximum award amount is $500,000. Click here for more information on the Skills Development Fund.

PEDC staff will work with your company to draft the application for these training funds, and with State of Texas officials overseeing the evaluation and awarding of the funds. PEDC will also assist in maximizing existing training programs present in our region’s three primary community colleges: Alvin Community College, Houston Community College and San Jacinto Community College.

Local Community Colleges
Pearland’s community colleges provide customized training and continuing education either on campus or on-site. Each college partners with businesses to identify specific employee or team development needs and creates a targeted plan.

Using Skills Development Fund grants, businesses can target specific training programs that are necessary either for new employee training or to elevate the skills of existing employees. Community college staff works closely with PEDC and your company to identify your training needs, apply for grants and complete the training.

Community college partners include:
Alvin Community College
Houston Community College
San Jacinto  College

Visit our Workforce Talent and Development page for more information on talent attraction and retention resources.