E-News: April 2019

Pictured (left to right): Bastrop EDC Workforce Development and Project Manager Jean Riemenschneider; Bastrop Mayor Connie Schroeder; Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez III; and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area CEO Paul Fletcher.

WSRCA, Partners, Employers Inspire Students at Youth Career Day Event in Bastrop

Your WSRCA team took part in the 6th annual Bastrop Youth Career Day event held at the beautiful Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts. It was an honor to help connect juniors and seniors from Bastrop and Cedar Creek high schools, as well as students from Colorado River Collegiate Academy, with local businesses and employers, to discuss career opportunities to bolster our Rural Capital Area workforce.

We are inspired by the enthusiasm of our talented Rural Capital Area students and employers. Thank you TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez, Bastrop Mayor Connie Schroeder, Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, Bastrop Independent School District, and the fantastic group of volunteers that all coordinated to make this outstanding event possible.

Our wonderful community partnerships are just another reason why the Rural Capital Area of Texas is the best place in the country to live, work, and do business. 

More photos from the event may be viewed and downloaded at: bit.ly/BastropYouthCareerDay2019

Pictured (From left to right): Talent Engagement Specialist Juanita Reyes, SNAP/Talent Development Specialist Michelle Watson, Talent Development Facilitator Jessica Olmos, Talent Engagement Specialist Margie Luera, Talent Development Specialist (Adult) Maggie Vazquez, Talent Development Specialist Melissa Gutierrez (Adult), Talent Development Specialist (Youth) Yvonne Moreno, Talent Engagement Specialist Esther Montana, Talent Engagement Specialist Jimmy Bond, Talent Engagement Specialist Leslie Stearns, Business Services Consultant Ted Groholske, Front Desk Associate Melissa Moreno, Area Manager Kristi Schwartz, Choices/Talent Development Specialist Paulethia Henry.

Workforce Solutions of Hays County Team Recognized by San Marcos Daily Record's Readers Choice Awards

Congratulations to our One-Stop team at Workforce Solutions of Hays County for being recognized as one of the Best Employment Agencies in the San Marcos Daily Record's Best of Hays 2018, reader's choice awards. We're proud of your efforts to deliver world-class service to the businesses, employers, and job seekers of the wonderful Hays County community.

WSRCA Team Attends 2019 TWC Workforce Forum in Austin to Collaborate, Innovate, Streamline Services Your WSRCA team took part in the 2019 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Workforce Forum in Austin, which fostered a knowledge and information exchange between workforce staff, education and business partners, as well as workforce stakeholders throughout the state. Forum presenters shared best practices and offered information to enhance workforce services to better serve customers, employers, and participants. Sessions included an insightful keynote by Josh Davies, on "2030: The Workplace Revolution," a powerful personal story about the challenges that veterans face during military transition, by U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Jacob Schick, of 22Kill, and an early look at the new WorkInTexas.com improvements that are scheduled to be rolled out this summer.

Rural Capital Area Summer Earn and Learn Program Kicks Off for 2019

WSRCA announced the kickoff of its 2019 Summer Earn and Learn program which provides Rural Capital Area students with disabilities, aged 14-22, work readiness training and paid work experience with local employers. The program is a partnership between WSRCA, TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

“The Summer Earn and Learn program provides employers with direct access to their local workforce, which includes students with disabilities who are eager to learn and work,” said TWC Chair and Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Employers who are committed to the professional development of workers in their industries and developing potentially long-term employees will find value in this program.”

Last year, more than 2,400 students participated in the Summer Earn and Learn program throughout the state.

If you are a student or business looking to take part, contact WSRCA Career Development Coordinator Janice Martin Young at 512-244-2207 ext. 1027, or janice.young@ruralcapital.net

WSRCA Team Hosts Bastrop County Workforce Forum with Community Leaders to Bolster Awareness of Regional Services Your WSRCA team held a Bastrop County Workforce Forum with leaders from Bastrop, Elgin, McDade and Smithville at the B.E.S.T Breakfast Meeting, to collaborate on workforce solutions for this fast growing community. Many thanks to the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation and the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center for hosting the breakfast, as well as everyone who took part.

Hays County Workforce Forum Held to Strengthen Regional Partnerships, Enhance Area Services for Businesses, Employers, Job-Seekers Members of the WSRCA Board of Directors and Board leadership staff, hosted a Workforce Forum in Hays County to bring together community leaders for a discussion on improving local workforce development efforts. Many thanks to all of our workforce partners and Board members who took part, as well as the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel Conference Center & Spa for helping us host the event.

Caldwell County Workforce Forum Brings Together Business, Community, Education Leaders to Explore High-Demand Job Training Opportunities    A Workforce Forum was held in Caldwell County to help connect community, business, and education leaders to workforce resources, and for a discussion on improving local workforce development efforts, including high-demand job training through Austin Community College's Continuing Education program. Many thanks to all of our workforce partners and Board members who participated.

Pictured (left to right): WSRCA Project Director Mike Crane, CSO Cara DiMattina-Ryan, COO Al Lopez, Tim Wauson, Outgoing Board Chair Margaret Lindsey, Incoming Board Chair Frank Leonardis, and CEO Paul Fletcher.

Your WSRCA team would like to wish our Board Member, Tim Wauson, a Happy Retirement. Thank you, Tim, for your many years of service, working to empower our Rural Capital Area communities.

Please join us in congratulating WSRCA Board Member, and former Chair, Margaret Lindsey, on being recognized as the "Woman of the Year" by the San Marcos Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International. Margaret was celebrated for her accomplishments, chief among them, her "dedication and commitment to education and making our community a better place." Read more about her career and extensive community involvement, in the San Marcos Daily Record: www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news-news-mobile/lindsey-honored-woman-year

Staffing Challenges? Our Business Services Unit Can Help

We understand that the success of your business is largely dependent on the ability to find qualified candidates to fill your staffing needs. Yet, the task of finding and maintaining employees with the right skills, training and education can be daunting. That's where we come in. Our WSRCA Business Services Unit (BSU) team assists employers like you at every stage of your workforce needs:  
✅Recruiting, Interviewing & Hiring
✅Job Fairs
✅Job Postings on WorkInTexas.com
✅Customized Skills Training
✅Labor Market Information
✅Layoff Assistance
Visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com to learn more.

Pictured (from right): WSRCA Business Solutions Consultant Ted Groholske.

WSRCA BSU Team Empowers Employers at Wimberley Business Expo

We're proud to have taken part in the Wimberley Business Expo, supporting a wonderful community and more than 50 amazing local businesses. These Rural Capital Area employers and entrepreneurs are making great things happen in Wimberley.

Looking for Help to Pay for Child Care Expenses?

Through federal, state and local funding, WSRCA Child Care Services is able to provide financial aid for eligible families and provide professional development opportunities. The Texas Rising Star child care providers that partner with us, voluntarily meet requirements that exceed the state’s minimum Child Care Licensing (CCL) standards. Your child deserves the best. Visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com to learn more about the program.

Child Care Services Provider Spotlight: Little Acorn Academy

WSRCA Child Care Services would like to congratulate Little Acorn Academy of Cedar Park on earning their certification as a Four-Star Texas Rising Star Provider. 

"It was the most amazing feeling to be awarded and recognized as a four-star school," said Stacy Ham, owner and operator of Little Acorn Academy. "We strive to make everyone who enters our school feel like family. It has always been about the families and the children for me and I have staff that share that same outlook. This is what I wanted, a place where family values were important, children were loved and families were part of a community."

Texas Rising Star Providers such as Little Acorn Academy, who share a commitment to exceed CCL standards for director and staff qualifications, caregiver-child interactions, age-appropriate curricula and activities, nutrition and indoor/outdoor activities, and parent involvement and education, are in a better position to contribute to the early development of children. As providers progress through the levels of TRS provider certification, they contribute progressively more to the development of the children they serve on a daily basis.

Learn More About Your WSRCA Team in New Spotlight Campaign

At WSRCA we have a unique and collaborative team comprised of some of the best and brightest in the workforce services industry. These talented professionals work tirelessly to support our 9-county Rural Capital Area businesses, employers, and job-seekers as they enhance their communities. We are grateful for their intention and fortunate to call them our colleagues, and are honored to unveil a new awareness campaign to highlight their unique drive to serve others. The "We Are Rural Capital Area" Team Spotlight aims to celebrate our amazing team and help our partners and customers learn a little more about the people dedicated to creating opportunities where Business and Careers Meet. Please help by sharing the social media posts to spread the word, and letting our teammates know how much you appreciate them. 

Connect with Veterans Services to Enhance Your Opportunities

Veterans, you've served your country – now let Texas serve you! Whether you want to know more about transitioning into a civilian career, job search assistance, educational resources such as the College Credit for Heroes program, or other veterans' training benefits, our Veterans Services Coordinators are here to help. Visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com for more on the program.

TWC, TVC Recognize WSRCA as 'We Hire Vets' Employer WSRCA is proud to be recognized as a "We Hire Vets" employer by TWC and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), for maintaining a workforce comprised of more than 10 percent military veterans. It's an honor to serve the 77,000+ veterans in the Rural Capital Area, especially our talented team members, who remind us daily of their commitment to honor their fellow warriors. We know that veterans are hardworking, motivated, and disciplined team members that will bolster any employer’s business, and we encourage you to recruit our nation's heroes for your team. To connect with veterans seeking employment contact our Veterans Services Team at 512-244-2207, or visit the WSRCA website. To nominate a deserving Texas employer for We Hire Vets recognition, visit www.TexasOperationWelcomeHome.com

Attend a Career Development Workshop to Boost Job Search Success

UpSkill your career! Attend a WSRCA workshop to create new workforce opportunities. Here are just some of the workshops that are available each month: 
✅Effective Job Search Strategies
✅How to Have an A+ Interview
✅How to Create an Effective Resume
✅Find Your Path: Career Exploration
✅Managing Money While Unemployed
✅Networking for Job Search Success
✅Overcoming Background Check Concerns
✅So What if You’re Over 40!
Visit the events calendar on www.workforcesolutionsrca.com to find a training workshop near you.

Pictured (left to right): Cassandra Navarro, WSRCA Talent Development Specialist (Youth) Amanda Perez and Rashida Rosalez.

Congratulations to Rural Capital Area students Cassandra Navarro and Rashida Rosalez, for completing their Medication Aide training and entering the high-demand health care industry. We're honored to serve and support talented young professionals throughout our 9-county region, and eager to help you upskill your career and connect with new opportunities. Get started by exploring our resources and contacting our Talent Development Team: www.workforcesolutionsrca.com

Pictured (left to right): Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Talent Development Specialists (Youth) Yvonne Moreno and Amanda Perez. 

WSRCA Youth Talent Development Team Connects Students to Career Opportunities, Training in High-Demand Industries

The WSRCA Youth Services Program is proud to have taken part in the College and Career Day for Eighth Graders at Owen Goodnight Middle School and Miller Middle School in San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, to help connect students with Rural Capital Area businesses and employers for career exploration. Youth program specialists assist motivated young adults up to age 24, who have barriers and challenges to workforce success. The program provides support in setting and achieving goals to eligible participants to complete their General Educational Development (GED), post-secondary education, vocational training and or job search help. Visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com for more on the program.

Rural Capital Area Adds 1,095 Jobs in March;

Unemployment Drops to 2.9%

The economy of the Rural Capital Area of Texas saw positive employment growth in March 2019, with 1,095 jobs added, according to figures released by TWC. The unemployment rate in the nine-county workforce development area dropped from 3.2 percent in February, down to 2.9 percent in March. The 2.9 percent unemployment rate represented 15,698 residents seeking employment. The region’s unemployment rate remained below both the Texas (3.5 percent)* and national (3.9 percent)* rates.

The Rural Capital Area’s 2.1 percent annual growth rate represented the addition of 10,863 jobs since March 2018.

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit texaslmi.com.

*Unemployment rates listed are not seasonally adjusted.