Pearland is at the forefront of workforce development and has the talent, resources and vision to equip local businesses to succeed.
Just a short drive south of Houston, Pearland offers the perfect balance of a thriving local talent pool and the connectivity of a major metropolitan region. Pearland is home to a highly educated and diverse workforce, with strong representation in industries such as biotechnology, healthcare and manufacturing. Companies that choose Pearland gain access to a labor force that not only possesses technical skills but also brings adaptability, innovation and problem-solving to the workplace.
Customized Workforce Support
Recognizing that every business has unique needs, Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) offers customized workforce assistance designed to help companies attract, train and retain talent. This hands-on approach may include coordinating with local educational institutions to create specialized training programs, facilitating partnerships, providing guidance with grant and funding assistance, or assisting with business development.
Grant and Funding Assistance
In Pearland, PEDC plays a hands-on role in helping local companies access state resources to strengthen their workforce. One of the most impactful tools is the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills Development Fund (SDF), which provides financial support to public community and technical colleges to deliver customized, site-specific job training in partnership with employers.
PEDC staff work directly with companies to navigate the application process, coordinate with TWC officials during evaluation and award stages, and design training strategies that leverage existing programs or create customized solutions.
Third Coast, a custom chemical manufacturing company based in Pearland, received close to $180,000 to provide custom process technology training and Excel and customer service training through their chosen online vendor. Third Coast initiated the SDF grant as a strategy to address turnover. By developing a robust training program utilizing SDF funds, Third Coast sought to attack some of the fundamental reasons people leave organizations-lack of growth and learning opportunities. The grant was a direct benefit from the connections and resources provided by the Pearland EDC.
“As of May 2025, since starting our SDF Grant in August 2024, we have had 212 individuals complete grant-funded training and 125 operators complete our internal operations training programs,” said John Henderson, training manager at Third Coast. “As we approach the end of our first SDF Grant, we are now planning our future grant with the aim of expanding our training reach”
Training and Education Opportunities
Pearland is strategically located within the service territory of three leading community colleges that are central to workforce development in the region, including Alvin Community College, Houston City College and San Jacinto College.
Together, these institutions provide a wide range of training options—from technical skills to advanced certifications—that can be customized to meet the needs of Pearland businesses across industries such as biotechnology, healthcare and manufacturing. These institutions offer programs designed to equip students with in-demand skills that align with the needs of local industries.
Recently, PEDC partnered with Alvin Community College (ACC) and local employer Lonza, one of the world's most extensive dedicated cell and gene therapy manufacturing facilities, to launch a two-level Biotechnology Certificate Course.
As local employers faced a need for entry-level talent, the goal of the program was to create a fast-track pathway to prepare individuals for careers in biotechnology. The course was designed to offer two programs, six-week or twelve-week, that would deliver job-ready training in a fraction of the time required by traditional degree programs.
The program is offered through ACC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) department, which specializes in industry-focused training. CEWD provides technical courses, business and industry partnerships, and skill development opportunities that help individuals upskill, reskill or prepare for new career opportunities—all while supporting the talent pipeline local employers depend on.
Providing the Tools for Success
WorkInPearland serves as the centralized hub linking Pearland employers with the city’s young, educated, and highly skilled workforce. Launched in 2023 through a partnership between PEDC and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, the initiative connects talent and opportunity through both digital and in-person channels.
Its online platform has facilitated connections between more than 100 employers and 4,600 job seekers, providing round-the-clock access to opportunities and resources. In parallel, signature events such as the annual job fair have drawn more than 1,500 participants, creating direct pathways for businesses to meet qualified candidates. The 2025 job fair, held in September, continued that momentum.
For employers, WorkInPearland provides a direct line to the talent needed to innovate, expand, and stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.
A Committed Partner in Business
Beyond providing access to talent and training, Pearland is committed to being a true partner in business success. The community fosters an environment of collaboration, bringing together industry leaders, educators and stakeholders to strengthen the connection between workforce development and business needs. These partnerships ensure that companies in Pearland have the support of a business community dedicated to helping them thrive both today and well into the future.