No matter where you are in your career, training can benefit you. Training can be the first step towards your dream career, it can be used to upskill you to higher-pay and more responsibility within the job you have, or it can be used to qualify you for one of the many middle skills positions that are in high demand with Texas employers across the state. These are jobs that require only very short-term training or education but can connect Texans to a lifetime of increased career potential and earnings.
For employers, training is a crucial element for staff development and retention as it allows you to upskill your workers to meet the needs of your company while simultaneously showing that you value the progress of their careers within your organization.
Whatever training you may want or need, TWC is here to help and your area Workforce Solutions Office is an excellent resource for finding local opportunities.
Innovation in Training
Training needs to be flexible and shift to meet the needs of not only the employer, but workers too. For example, with the widening middle skills gap, we need to encourage programs to explore creative, new approaches to training that can lead to faster credentials for workers. Providing targeted, short-term training in the most in-demand industries quickly provides employers with a talented pool of qualified workers.
The Texas Talent Connection Grant Program, funded by Wagner-Peyser 7(b) federal funds, is one tool Texas uses to encourage innovation in workforce development with an emphasis on training that leads to job placement, increased wages, and job retention; stresses efficiency and innovation in training; and is inclusive for those with special needs.
These grants encourage businesses to take advantage of skilled Texans in their area who are eager to learn in-demand skills for higher-paying jobs and career advancement.
The TWC is responsible for processes related to Texas Talent Connection grant award negotiation, funding, management, and monitoring.
“The right training can truly change someone’s life and put them on the road towards a rewarding career,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “The TWC remains committed to supporting programs that think outside the box to help Texas’ dedicated workers remain the most sought after in the world.”
(left to right): Eduardo Salgado, recruiter/training specialist for Keppal AmFELS; Tony Vega, welder instructor for Keppal AmFELS; Ruben Vega, human resources director for Steelcoast; Adela Garza, TSC Board of Trustee & past board chair; Julian Alvarez, Texas Workforce Commission Commissioner Representing Labor; Pat Hobbs, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Cameron; Henry Castillo, Regional Director for Workforce Solutions Cameron; Joanna Kile, Ph.D., TSC vice president of instruction; Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Ph.D., TSC president; and Joseph Fleishman, TSC associate vice president of Instruction and Workforce Development.
Training to Tackle the Middle Skills Gap
Recently, TWC earmarked up to $9 million in grant funding for job creation, job preparedness, and job progression activities to help put more Texas workers on a path to a career in a rewarding middle skills job. Eligible activities under the initiative include: a career pathways app for students and job seekers, one-on-one job coaching, training and certifications in high demand occupations, and a mobile credential tracker. Furthermore, the agency will leverage new and existing programs to optimize participation of foster youth and people with disabilities.
The initiative to end the middle skills gap builds on existing TWC programs and services, which are available to all Texans through https://www.twc.texas.gov/ or through 180 Workforce Solutions Centers around the state.
Different Paths for Job and Skills Training
There are many different ways to get job and skills training. Here are some more programs that promote training for workforce development:
Skills Development Fund – The Skills Development Fund grant program supports customized job skills training for incumbent and new employees in collaboration with Texas public community and technical colleges and local employers. Some of the Skills Development Funds are leveraged to support dual-credit high school and college career and technical education programs, and training for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Training provided advances the skills of existing workers and creates new job opportunities.
Apprenticeships – Apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Most registered apprenticeship training programs last from three to five years as determined by industry standards.
Jobs and Education for Texans – The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program exists to assist public community, state and technical colleges, and ISDs with purchasing and installing equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or postsecondary degree in a high-demand occupation.
High Demand Job Training – The High Demand Job Training (HDJT) program supports Boards’ partnership with local EDCs as a way to leverage local economic development sales taxes for high-demand job training. Boards collaborate with local EDCs and match their local economic development sales tax funds to jointly support the provision of such training.
Texas Industry Partnership Program – The Texas Industry Partnership program supports collaborations between local workforce development boards and industry partners through the leveraging of matching contributions of cash or qualifying expenditures for occupational job training.
Self Sufficiency Fund – The Self-Sufficiency Fund grant program provides training for adult recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance. The Self Sufficiency Fund provides training grants for industry recognized certificates and credentials that lead to permanent full-time employment.
Skills for Small Businesses – The Skills for Small Business program supports collaborations between Workforce Solutions partners and small businesses. This initiative provides state-funded training to businesses to meet their needs, with an emphasis on training new workers or upgrading skills of incumbent workers.
Employers and job seekers alike can leverage the benefits of these programs. To find out about training opportunities in your area contact your local Workforce Solutions Office!
Team Effort
From the Governor’s Office and the Texas Legislature to TWC working with local Workforce Solutions Offices, educators, and Economic Development Corporations, we are committed to training the workforce of Texas to not only meet the needs of our world class employers, but also putting Texans on the path to life-changing careers. Careers aren’t one-size fits all, so why should training be? TWC and our partners strive to make sure training is not only useful, but flexible, nimble, and open to innovation.
When preparing for high-paying, in-demand careers, the greatest advantage we can give our students is the ability train on the most advanced equipment available. The Rio Grande Valley, thanks to nearly $2.7 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, has been able to provide this kind of opportunity for their students while giving them the self-assurance to say, “yes, I can do this,” as they confidently pursue life-changing careers.
In a ceremony attended by TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez, eleven JET grants were awarded to local ISDs. The event, which took place at the McAllen convention center, was a celebration of how the JET grant program has provided high school students in the Rio Grande Valley access to the resources they need for career exploration and training. The equipment, purchased through the JET grant funding, has been used to give students a head start on pursuing professions that are eager for their skills, talent, and drive.
“What an event and what a way to celebrate local schools by developing programs that help their students get an early start toward rewarding careers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.
Laredo ISD was awarded $266,906 to train students in welding.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD was awarded $269,624 to train students in the automotive service industry.
Rio Hondo ISD was awarded $227,269 for training for careers in health sciences.
Rio Grande City CISD was awarded $285,049 to train students in welding.
Raymondville ISD was awarded $171,855 for training for careers in nursing.
Point Isabel ISD was awarded $280,954 for training for careers in nursing.
La Joya ISD was awarded $247,126 to train students in welding.
Weslaco ISD was awarded $235,570 for training for careers in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
La Feria ISD was awarded $238,545 to train students to become Patient Care Technicians.
Mercedes ISD was awarded $192,833 to provide students with dual credit welding courses.
San Benito CISD was awarded $218,491 to train students in welding.
The eleven JET grants have been used to help these districts purchase and install top-of-the-line equipment and provide training to over 1,000 local students for careers in high-demand professions. Read the press release for more information on the grants.
What are JET Grants?
JET grants make sure our workforce is trained to be ready and competitive in the Texas job market. The JET program exists to assist public community, state and technical colleges, and ISDs with purchasing and installing equipment necessary for the development of career and technical education courses or programs that lead to a license, certificate or postsecondary degree in a high-demand occupation.
How can someone apply for a JET grant?
Eligible educational institutions can apply for the next phase of JET funding through a competitive grant process. The Request for Applications solicitation provides information and instruction on how to submit a proposal packet. Go to the JET Grant Program webpage to access any active or open Request for Applications solicitation. Active and previous JET RFAs can be found on the Texas state comptroller’s Electronic State Business Daily Search http://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbd.
How can my student take advantage of these grants?
JET grants are distributed to ISDs and public community, state and technical colleges across the state. If this type of training interests you or your student, you should contact your school counselors to see if there are any local opportunities.
Information is the key to great careers
There is no wrong turn or incorrect path to success. We need to remind students that good jobs don’t only come to you by way of a 4-year college degree. Instead, we need to think outside the box and encourage young Texans to find the right fit for them because ALL degrees have merit. For some, perhaps it does make sense to pursue a classic, 4-year option, but for others maybe their goals are better accomplished through a certification or technical degree. Informing students of their options is what’s important. When people know the paths they can take, the routes available to them, life-changing careers are a decision away. JET grants are a key tool TWC uses to make sure all possibilities for future careers are available to students and Texans.
“I don’t know how to two-step, but what I do know how to do is work together, and you know when you two step you have a partner. And so, it’s no good for me to just be the left leg if I don’t include the right leg. And so, what we are doing here, when we do the two step, we’re in unison, we’re working together.”
When a state agency and its program officers from Austin take the time to travel to rural areas across South Texas and listen to locals, communities, employers, individuals and stakeholders, the agency benefits with greater understanding, deeper insights and more valuable perspectives about the people it serves.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is more accessible than most people may realize. Through more than 200 Workforce Centers and satellite offices across the state of Texas, and 130 Vocational Rehabilitation field offices, TWC connects job seekers and employers with workforce development services and training — but TWC wanted to hear directly from multiple stakeholders: Local workforce boards, employers, economic development corporations, independent school districts superintendents, trainers, counselors, non-profits, chambers, elected officials and constituents. That’s why TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and TWC staff representing several TWC programs embarked on a South Texas listening tour, April 9-13, 2018.
Where Did We Go?
The group visited six specific Workforce Board regions: Lower Rio, South Texas, Cameron County,Coastal Bend, Alamo and Capital Area Workforce Development Areas taking along staff from TWC’s Skills Development Fund; Vocational Rehabilitation program; Apprenticeship program; and Adult Education and Literacy program. City stops included Brownsville, Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Diego, San Antonio/Hondo and Austin.
Why Did We Go?
Listen and learn from rural communities. Allow stakeholders to tell their stories, share their struggles and their successes.
Build strong relationships with rural communities and determine how to work together as a team with workforce development and training services in mind.
Educate on our workforce and training program staff, generate new interest from individuals we might not normally hear from, and bring better services.
Exit with takeaways to use as next action items.
“The primary goal of our tour was to help people feel heard, educate them on our workforce and training programs, generate new interest from individuals we wouldn’t normally hear from, bringing better services to local communities,” Commissioner Alvarez stated. “Having a transparent and informative conversation is one of the best exercises you can do to improve your program.”
Commissioner Alvarez explained that many Texans cannot afford to make it to Austin to discuss their workforce development experience and needs, and that others may simply be unaware of what TWC services are available.
Which Programs Went on Tour?
Photo: TWC Program Managers kicked off the Texas Two Step Boot Tour from Austin and headed to Brownsville for the first listening tour stop.
Since TWC staff fielded so many questions about essential programs, we asked the staff to offer an overview of major TWC programs:
1. The Skills Development Fund is Texas’ premier job-training program providing local customized training opportunities for Texas businesses and workers to increase skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. The Texas Workforce Commission administers funding for the program. Success is achieved through collaboration among businesses, public community and technical colleges, Workforce Development Boards and economic development partners.
2. Adult Education and Literacy providers are organizations with instructors delivering English language, math, reading, writing and workforce training instruction to help adult students acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency, and enter and succeed in college or workforce training. TWC contracts with a wide variety of organizations to provide AEL instruction and promote an increased opportunity for adult learners to transition to post-secondary education, training or employment.
3. The Vocational Rehabilitation program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find or retain employment and helps youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities. The program also helps businesses and employers recruit, retain and accommodate employees with disabilities. The program serves adults with disabilities; youth and students with disabilities and businesses and employers.
4. Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction. Most registered apprenticeship training programs last from three to five years as determined by industry standards.
While there were multiple questions asked at the Texas Southmost College, one major realization realized from the overall discussion is the severity of the skilled trades “skills gap” in the area and the need to continue the development of technical and skilled trades programs at both the high school and college levels to close those gaps as soon as possible.
Photo: Attendees of the Labor Boot Tour learned about customized training through Skills Development and Apprenticeship.
This conversation was followed by attendees of the Labor Boot Tour learning directly about customized training through our Skills Development and Apprenticeship teams discussing TWC programs.
Photo: TWC Director of Employer Initiatives Aaron Demerson discusses the Skills Development Fund to stakeholders in Brownsville.
Commissioner Alvarez noted that worker training is the key as the Rio Grande Valley transforms from an agricultural economy to an advance manufacturing, aerospace, maritime and LNG economy.
Invited stakeholders included Career & Technical educators, college tech-ed officials, Economic Development Corporaitons, and the Port of Brownsville–all of whom gave brief presentations of what they are working on, and the need for continued TWC funding assistance to be successful–particularly increased JET funding for the next biennium.
An overall realization demonstrated was the severity of the skilled trades “skills gap” in the area and the need to continue the development of technical and skilled trades programs at both the high school and college levels to close those gaps as soon as possible.
“All-in-all, [today] was enlightening to a large and varied audience, and the resulting sense of urgency to continue building CTE capacity in our schools and colleges was an overriding outcome. We sincerely thank Commissioner Alvarez and his staff for their dedication and availability, and appreciate their passion for what they do for the great State of Texas.”
In Mission, Texas, the Two Step Tour participants were hosted by Workforce Solutions-Lower Rio Grande, and began with an in-depth tour of Royal Technologies, an advanced engineering and manufacturing company that services diverse industries.
Photo: Royal Technologies takes TWC Program Staff on a tour of their manufacturing facility.
Photo: Tour of the Royal Technologies work space.
Highlights of the tour included viewing how automation and robotics are used by companies such as Royal Technologies, to create labor costs efficiencies, and how a manufacturing company serves both automobile and technology markets in North America and Mexico.
The tour was followed by a stakeholder meeting at South Texas College Technology Campus in McAllen, for the larger group Q&A discussion where Commissioner Alvarez, and TWC key staff from Austin, provided stakeholders pertinent information about programs and services available to the region.
Photo: TWC Program Directors field questions from the listening forum attendees in Mission.
TWC staff engaged in one-on-one discussions with stakeholders representing economic development corporations, business, education and community based organizations.
Mission’s Key Economic Development Drivers:
Maximizing and leveraging partnerships and information to better serve individuals with disabilities.
Development of innovative partnerships and programs through apprenticeship programs: TWC’s Desi Holmes answered various questions regarding apprenticeship programs and shared best practices (as seen across the state) in efforts to create programs that enables individuals to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and skills.
Overall, creating responsive programs to meet the needs of business.
Photo: TWC Staff, Workforce Solutions – Lower Rio Grande Valley Staff, and area stakeholders join for a photo at the Mission listening forum.
“The Texas Workforce Commission Texas Two Step Listening Tour hosted by Workforce Solutions-Lower Rio was an enormous success and beneficial to our community stakeholders. Perhaps the most notable experience for the attendees was that TWC key staff and subject matter experts were so readily available to respond immediately to stakeholder questions and offer additional resources and information to pursue programs, services and grant awards available through TWC. The real-time technical assistance was invaluable for those in attendance. TWCs responsiveness and availability equips our stakeholders to develop responsive solutions.”
— Arcelia Sanchez, Business Representative, WFS Lower Rio
Photo: Rogelio Trevino ED WFS South Texas takes TWC Program staffers on a tour of LBJ High School in Laredo, to see JET and Dual Credit funding at work.
Photo: Students at LBJ High School work on life-sized computer simulated cadavers made possible through dual credit funding.
Commissioner Alvarez and the Boot Tour team kicked-off day three at San Diego High School with Superintendent Dr. Samuel Bueno and Principal Claudette Garcia.
Photo: San Diego Early College High School students show off their classroom hospital room lab stations to TWC staff.
The group toured the Certified Nursing Assistant and Welding programs funded by the JET and Dual Credit grants provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Photo: Welding students at San Diego High School talk about the benefits of their CTE education with TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez.
The Two Step Tour group then moved on to Corpus Christi to meet with staff at the Workforce Solutions – Coastal Bend, as well as area stakeholders.
Superintendents of the Calallen and Flour Bluff Independent School Districts briefed the group on their Career and Technology Programs.
Photo: TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez returns to the classroom to chat with superintendents from Calallen and Flour Bluff Independent School Districts.
Photo: Iain Vasey, president of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, provided an overview of the Coastal Bend economy and $50 billion in current regional projects.
Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor, Alamo Colleges – provided an overview of Alamo INSTITUTES which consist of six categories: Creative & Communication Arts; Business & Entrepreneurship; Health & Biosciences; Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics; Public Service; and Science & Technology.
Pooja Tripathi, Project Coordinator – Workforce Services, Bexar County Economic Development Department and Mary Batch, Assistant Manager, Human Resource Development (HRD), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. – provided an overview of TXFAME.
David J. Zammiello, Executive Director Project Quest – provided an organizational overview. The mission of Project QUEST is to strengthen the economy by providing expert support and resources to develop a pipeline of highly qualified employees for in-demand occupations that offer a living wage, benefits and a career path.
Ryan Lugalia-Hollan, Executive Director P16 Plus – Mission statement is to ensure that all young people in Bexar County are ready for the future. Programs designed to help youth understand and master the concepts and challenges of basic personal finance investments in programs to build a pipeline of STEM-capable students.
Steve Hussain, Chief Mission Officer, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio – Good Careers Academy – Goodwill San Antonio’s goal is to provide an educated workforce empowered to reach their career and life goals and achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Particularly focus on empowering individuals who face barriers in gaining employment by providing education, training, career services and robust service coordination.
Juan Antonio Flores, Executive Vice President, Governmental Relations, Port San Antonio –provided an overview. Home to over 70 tenant customers who directly employ about 12,000 fellow citizens.
David Meadows, City of San Antonio Economic Development Department (EDD) – provided an overview. Development of Workforce Development Division. EDD has funded workforce agencies for many years but only started developing policy around workforce development over the last couple of years.
The second portion of the tour took place at Accenture Federal Services (AFS). Ali Bokhari, AFS Delivery Network Director, Accenture Federal Services, provided an overview and tour of the facility. Romanita Mata-Barrera, SA Works, was able to join the group and partake in the discussion.
Photo: Accenture Tour showcasing their varied services and jobs to the Texas Two Step Boot Tour.
Accenture’s Important Topics:
Vocational Rehabilitation – discussion regarding the partnership Accenture Federal Services has developed with Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation San Antonio location regarding the employment of people with disabilities. This is an ongoing partnership with not only TWC Vocational Rehabilitation staff but also WSA staff.
On-the-Job-Training – discussion regarding how AFS and WSA are collaborating in providing OJT noting obstacles that have been encountered.
Apprenticeship – AFS provided a review of their in-house apprenticeship program.
Photo: Texas Two Step Tour members pose for a group photo inside the Accenture Federal Services headquarters in San Antonio.
This portion of the tour brought the team back to the Board Office.
Carolyn King, Director Grants and Clinical Education Operations, Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio provided an overview of the various initiatives Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio has utilized focusing on TWC grant funding. Mark Milton, Senior Director of Workforce Operations, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio – Good Careers Academy was also in attendance.
Some of the Items Discussed:
Retention opportunities utilizing Goodwill, Project Quest as well as Alamo Colleges.
Interview Skills, helping students determine the best fit. Interviewing with numerous departments at the same time. This has been successful for not only the students but the respective supervisors.
Utilization of Skills Development Funds.
Photo: Tour of the Goodwill Good Careers Academy in San Antonio.
The final leg of the visit to San Antonio was a guided tour of the Goodwill – Good Careers Academy, located at 406 West Commerce St., San Antonio, 78207.
Mark Milton, Senior Director of Workforce Operations, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio – Good Careers Academy provided the tour. Steve Hussain, Chief Mission Officer welcomed the team to Good Careers Academy.
Some of the items highlighted were the classroom, as that particular Good Careers Academy hosts students from Fox Tech High School.
Photo: A view of the stakeholder listening forum in Hondo.
Hondo Mayor James Danner, and Jesse M. Perez, of the City of Hondo, Economic Development Department, provided an overview of workforce initiatives in Hondo/Medina County.
Hondo Key Economic Development Drivers:
In 2013 the City of Hondo initiated discussions with Goodwill Good Careers Academy to bring CNA course and other technical courses to the STRTC. And agreement with Hondo High School and Goodwill was created to offer CNA to Hondo High School Seniors.
In 2014 Concordia University began offering a Master’s Degree for teachers and BS Degree for Teachers’ Aides seeking to become teachers.
Photo: Commissioner Julian Alvarez presents a TWC Challenge Coin to Hondo Director of Economic Development Jesse M. Perez.
In 2016 the City of Hondo Economic Development Corporation (COHEDC) approved $285,000 to renovate 5,000 sq. ft. of vacant space into an allied health training suite and create two additional multi-purpose classrooms.
In 2016, the City of Hondo and COHEDC submitted a request to the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a $960,000 grant with a $240,000 local match to build an annex for vocational/technical courses. EDA approved the grant request and are in the process of making arrangements to build the annex.
In January 2016 WSA leased space to provide workforce development services in Medina County at STRTC.
In 2017, together with WSA and Southern Career Institute (SCI) CNA courses were offered to adults. SCI provides the instruction. WSA provides funding for qualified adults.
Photo: A group photo from the stakeholder listening forum in Hondo.
Photo: Members of the Two Step Boot Tour visit a maternity delivery room at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center which features training tools to simulate a mother and newborn child.
Photo: ACC ACCelerator displayed a greeting for the Texas Two Step Boot Tour team.
Photo: ACC ACCelerator’s vast training and work space.
The final day of the Boot Tour culminated in a listening session with Workforce Solutions Capital Area staff and local stakeholders.
Photo: A view of the listening forum with Workforce Solutions Capital area staffers and stakeholders.
Learnings & Takeaways
“Commissioner Alvarez: Having traveled through several regions and multiple cities on tour, what did you learn? What seemed significant? Were there any major takeaways for you?”
“Those are good questions. TWC went on tour to listen and learn from rural communities. This was an opportunity to allow stakeholders to tell their stories, share their struggles and their successes. I think what really stood out about the tour for me is how much our services here at TWC have had such an impact on so many lives, communities and the economy. For example, I knew TWC makes a difference and that TWC-TWS workforce and development training programs and services have the ability to change lives, but it’s different seeing that in person. I knew our grants really trained people but it’s different seeing it up close and personal. That really hit home for me having had the opportunity to tour and witness first-hand a high school with 400 students on the receiving end of a JET grant. It was very powerful. And the students were equally as enthusiastic about sharing how it has changed their lives.
These students are experiencing the newest and latest welding methods due to one grant with the end result being that industry are hiring many of them right out of high school. And that’s success, right there. That’s a significant takeaway. And sometimes the results speak for themselves.
A secondary purpose for the tour was to build strong relationships with rural communities and determine how to work together going forward as a team with workforce development and training services in mind. On that note, I feel the tour was successful in that we successfully brought Austin to communities that can’t afford to travel to Austin to meet with our agency directly. Many who attended these stakeholder meetings and discussions were employees of non-profits while others ran agencies with limited resources.
Finally, I’m glad to be part of such a great agency and work alongside individuals who truly care about what they do and the people they serve. Another purpose for the tour was for us to educate on our workforce and training programs, generate new interest from individuals we might not normally hear from, and bring better services. This tour allowed me a second opportunity to to experience how professional and knowledgeable our TWC staff actually are, how passionate they are about their programs and educating others, and how much they want to help others which is the essence of bringing better services.
I’m glad for some actions items and takeaways. And finally, I’m glad to be part of such a great agency.”
Photo: Each member of the Texas Two Step Boot Tour placed one of their shoes in the form of a circle to symbolize unity.
Additional Takeaways and Future Action Items:
Takeaway 1 – Target “Skills Gap”: The severity of the skilled trades “skills gap” demonstrates a strong need to continue the development of technical and skilled trades programs at both the high school and college levels to close gaps as soon as possible. Several communities spoke of the sense of urgency to continue building Career Technical Education (CTE) capacity in schools and colleges. TWC should also address how to help colleges work better with one another to build capacity and provide training for each other.
Takeaway 2 – More TWC Outreach: Multiple individuals and communities are unfamiliar with TWC programs and there exists a strong need for greater awareness. TWC needs to better educate what TWC programs can offer. This tour demonstrated the fact that certain folks do not know what an Adult Education Literacy program entails, or how Skills Fund works, or who the Vocational Rehabilitation program touches or affects — or how apprenticeship programs can change young lives. (If people were truly surprised to learn that we provide workforce training in addition to basic education and English, TWC realizes there are many other services delivered that individuals are not aware of or familiar with so greater education and more awareness is needed.)
Takeaway 3 – Expand VR Awareness: There is a need for greater discussion regarding the partnerships developed with Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation regarding the employment of people with disabilities. This is an ongoing partnership with not only TWC Vocational Rehabilitation staff but also WSA staff in certain regions. Maximizing and leveraging partnerships and information to better serve individuals with disabilities is essential.
Takeaway 4 – Share Apprenticeship Best Practices:TWC heard of a greater need for development of innovative partnerships and programs through apprenticeship programs. There is a need for further discussion on shared best practices (as seen across the state) in efforts to create programs that enables individuals to obtain workplace-relevant knowledge and skills.
Takeaway 5 – Be Responsive to Local Business Needs: TWC heard throughout the tour of the need to continuously create responsive programs to meet the needs of business areas visited – there is a realization that each region and city have their successes and their own needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. TWC needs to take time to determine local needs.
Takeaway 6 – Reduce Confusion Over VR Services: Because of the vast array of services offered by TWC (with each of these individual programs taken on tour), TWC is a full-service program for job seekers and employers. Certain questions asked to full audiences came from local Work Force Solutions staff wanting to understand the services provided by the boards and how to access them for VR customers. It demonstrates a need to educate at all levels on the full reach of TWC, boards, and their contractors. More education and awareness for VR programs is also needed. The other TWC programs are provided through grants to boards, schools, training centers etc. VR services are provided directly to the individual with a disability. There is sometimes confusion over how VR services differentiate from other TWC services.
Takeaway 7 – Continue Visits with Local Stakeholders:Having traveled through six regions with TWC’s programs, TWC now has a better understanding that the true worth of the work TWC does and the programs managed that can only be fully appreciated when one is able to see the results and the impact our services our work has on the lives of people and businesses across the state. TWC program managers must engage in field trips in the future to better understand the impact of the programs TWC manages across the state.
Takeaway 8 – Expand Outreach about Skills Development Fund: Each day of the tour TWC was asked about the Skills Fund Program. All areas and regions indicated a strong interest in the Skills Development Fund. TWC was able to discuss how it feels it has made a commitment to developing strong relationships at the local level by locating a Regional Staff person in the area. Unfortunately, TWC learned that many businesses and other partners often do not know that this person is there and that the person is a member of the state office team assigned to assist them in benefiting specifically from the programs and services TWC provides.
Photo: A Boot Tour staff member’s “Texas is Wide Open for Business” boots.
More Photos from the Tour
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Relocation can be challenging for most companies, but when you are one of the largest telecommunications firms in the world, moving to a new city can present a host of bigger challenges and opportunities.
Fortunately, AT&T was able to partner with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas (WFSDallas) and its various services to meet their recruitment, training and hiring needs.
AT&T has a long history of bringing innovation and jobs to Texas, and in 2008, made the decision to relocate its corporate office from San Antonio to Dallas. The move created the opportunity for new partnerships and an investment in the DFW community.
“AT&T’s commitment to the communities we serve, live and work is well known,” said AT&T’s Vice President of Talent Management Julie Bugala. “Our $350 million education-focused giving through AT&T Aspire is making a difference – and we’ll continue to support local partnerships and programs that show results.”
Within a few short years after relocation, AT&T announced plans for business expansion through Project Velocity IP (VIP) and once again WFSDallas and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) were there to help. With the expansion of services through VIP, came the need for a custom-trained workforce. In 2012, AT&T expressed a need to fill hundreds of newly created jobs and reached out to the Dallas County Community College District El Centro College to partner on a Skills Development Fund grant program application through TWC.
Through the Skills Development Fund, businesses are able to partner with local community colleges to apply for state-funded customized job-training for new and incumbent employees.
During this first phase of funding, El Centro was awarded $1,919,856 to provide instruction to 800 new AT&T employees. Workers hired for the training were able to enter into a Telecommunications Career Pathway, which would lead to higher wages and career advancement within AT&T and would be transferable to other careers in the telecommunications industry.
In 2016, in response to growing demand in the telecommunications and information technology sector, AT&T initiated another phase of training through an additional $999,704 Skills Development Fund grant to train 400 more employees.
“The economic growth of the telecommunications and information technology sector has allowed the Dallas area to benefit from a skilled workforce,” said WFSDallas President Laurie Bouillion Larrea. “We are proud to partner with AT&T as it continues to expand products and services worldwide, while bringing career opportunities to local jobseekers.”
AT&T continues to partner with WFSDallas to hire workers and provide technical skills that prepare its workforce for new career opportunities. Through WorkInTexas.com, hiring events and skills grants, AT&T has improved the ease of recruitment and has developed a reputation for providing customized and comprehensive training plans for new workers.
WFSDallas connects employers like AT&T to collaborative opportunities in our communities to help skill up the future workforce,” said Bugala.
With 28 local workforce development boards across the state offering direct consultation and customized workforce services, in FY2015, approximately 88,811 employers received human resource assistance and other outreach services to address their business needs.
Bugala touts AT&T’s ongoing support in the DFW community through programs that will help the telecommunications industry maintain a ready and skilled workforce. “…Like our new initiative with Seagoville High school, where we are the corporate collaborator for the newly forming PTECH (Pathways in Technology) program and our partnership with Eastfield College, where AT&T will provide student mentoring and curriculum consultation.”
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