E-News: June 2019

WSRCA Board of Directors Welcomes New Leadership

The staff of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) would like to congratulate the new leaders of our Board of Directors, Chair Frank Leonardis, of Hays County, and Vice Chair Alfonso Sifuentes, of Caldwell County. Frank is the owner/operator of Ember Industries, Inc. based in San Marcos, and Alfonso is the Director of Market Development and Community Relations with Green Group, which is based in Lockhart. Thank you for your continued service to our communities.

WSRCA is a non-profit community partnership led by a volunteer Board comprised of recognized community leaders across many areas of expertise including: business; community-based organizations; economic development; education; government; literacy; labor; and vocational rehabilitation.

Our Board of Directors contribute significant amounts of time, talent, and energy to further our organizational mission of empowering the workforce of our 9-county Rural Capital Area.

Margaret Lindsey Steps Down as Board Chair After Ushering in New Era of Workforce Innovation

The WSRCA staff would like to thank Margaret Lindsey, of Hays County, for serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for more than 15 years. Margaret has stepped down as Chair, but will continue to serve the Rural Capital Area as a Board Member and advocate for the businesses, employers and job seekers of our 9-county region. Margaret is the Membership Director for the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, and has volunteered countless hours with the Board, helping our communities and industries find the resources they need to enhance their operations and compete at a global-level. She has worked tirelessly to empower our Board to grow as recognized workforce innovators, decision makers and problem solvers. From the introduction of the Teacher Externship and Summer Earn & Learn (SEAL) Programs in central Texas, to many more initiatives and campaigns including the success of the Hiring Red, White & You! Veterans Job Fair, Margaret has paved the way for the Board to deliver on its vision and mission. We are grateful for her continued leadership and support as WSRCA ramps up its efforts to create opportunities where Business and Careers Meet.

WSRCA, Georgetown Chamber Host Hiring Fair to Support Williams Drive Businesses Impacted by Gas Leak Evacuations

Your WSRCA team partnered with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce to host a hiring fair in support of businesses, employers and workers impacted by the gas leak evacuations that began on Feb. 20, on Williams Drive in Georgetown.

The event was held in the meeting rooms at the Georgetown Health Foundation, and was promoted and covered by our media partners at CBS Austin, KXAN and Univision 62.

WSRCA has been working closely with the Georgetown Chamber to generate awareness of the operational and staffing challenges faced by the businesses affected by the evacuations, and working diligently to find the appropriate time to host the job fair—once it was safe for these businesses to restart operations.

“Helping our neighbors find workforce solutions is what we do; we’re people serving people,” said WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher. “We’re proud to partner with the Georgetown Chamber and all of our community leaders and organizations in Georgetown and Williamson County, to support those impacted by the gas leak evacuations, become self-sufficient and live a quality life. We are driven to empower and serve each of the communities throughout our nine-county workforce development region, and, most importantly, the businesses and workers who strengthen our workforce system. Our region’s strong community spirit is just another reason why the Rural Capital Area of Texas is the best place in the country to live, work and do business.”

Through its Workforce Solutions of Williamson County One-Stop Center, WSRCA’s Business Services Unit has also been working with these employers to post their open positions on WorkInTexas.com, and our Talent Development Team has helped displaced workers connect with available positions. 

Many thanks to our partners at the Chamber, the media, and everyone who rallied to support this wonderful community.

Forums Held in Burnet, Lee Counties to Enhance Workforce Development, Training Opportunities

Your WSRCA team held Workforce Forums in Burnet and Lee counties in June, bringing together community, business and education leaders for collaborative discussions on improving local workforce development efforts and training opportunities. WSRCA has been holding forums in each of the nine counties that it represents throughout the Rural Capital Area, with the goal of gaining greater insight into the current and future growth and development plans that each county is working towards. The information garnered from the discussions is added to WSRCA’s strategic plan, with the purpose of tailoring its workforce strategies and initiatives to support each county’s success.

Many thanks to Lee County Judge Paul Fischer, WSRCA Board Chair Frank Leonardis, and all of our workforce partners and Board members who took part in the forums. Together we Connect, Empower and Inspire our communities.

Review the WSRCA 2018 Annual Report WSRCA is proud to share our 2018 Annual Report, which outlines our Board’s collective vision, strategy, and achievements for the previous year, told primarily through spotlight testimonials from our customers throughout the 9-county Rural Capital Area region.  This publication goes beyond the data, to highlight how our teams are transforming lives every day by empowering our businesses, employers, and job seekers within our communities, by creating sustainable value to bolster their opportunities. View the report on our website.

Summer Teacher Externship Program Kickoff Events held in Leander, San Marcos to Connect the Classroom to Careers

Kickoff events for the 2019 Teacher Externship programs in Leander and San Marcos were held in June, and hosted by our partners at the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Leander ISD, as well as the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos CISD. Many thanks to WSRCA Board Member and Community Awareness Committee Chair, Camille Clay, and everyone who took part in the events. WSRCA is proud to help offer unique professional learning opportunities for educators throughout the Rural Capital Area, in collaboration with workforce partners in business and industry, to enrich the classroom to career connections made for students. Visit our website to learn more about how teacher externships improve student employability and supports employers.

Don't Miss the Texas Business Conference, July 11-12, at Horseshoe Bay Resort

WSRCA is partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to host the two-day Texas Business Conference at the Horseshoe Bay Resort on July 11-12, to help Rural Capital Area employers learn the relevant state and federal employment laws that are essential to efficiently managing their businesses and employees. TWC has assembled its best speakers to guide employers and to answer employment law questions regarding their operations. WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher will be kicking off the two-day conference with one of the keynotes, and our Business Services Unit will host a session to discuss workforce resources available to support local employers. Registrations are filling up fast—don't miss this great event. Visit TWC's website to review the two-day event schedule.

Staffing Challenges? Our Business Services Unit Can Help

We understand that the success of your business in a tight labor market 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 Candidates of All Abilities
✅Job Fairs
✅Job Postings on WorkInTexas.com
✅Customized Skills Training
✅Labor Market Information
✅Layoff Assistance
Visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com to learn more.

Pictured (bottom right): State Rep. James Talarico, WSRCA Board Member Marco Cruz, and Rep. Talarico's District Director, Rachel Bhalla, at the Round Rock Chamber's Power Lunch event.

WSRCA Takes Part in Round Rock Chamber's Power Lunch Featuring  86th Texas Legislative Session Update from Reps. Bucy, Israel, Talarico

Your WSRCA team took part in the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Power Lunch event, which featured a panel that included State Rep. John Bucy III, State Rep. Celia Israel, and State Rep. James Talarico, offering an update on the 86th Texas Legislative Session. The panel was moderated by former State Rep. Larry Gonzales. Thank you to the Chamber, our Board members, Marco Cruz, Rene Flores and Felix Munson, and everyone who participated in this fantastic event, which provides the general public with an opportunity to stay informed on issues relevant to the business community. The next Power Lunch event will be on August 20, and will feature a congressional update from U.S. Rep. John Carter. Visit the Chamber's website for more information.

Univision Showcases WSRCA Summer Earn and Learn Program

WSRCA partnered Univision 62’s Carola Guerrero De León to showcase the 2019 SEAL program in the Rural Capital Area, which is providing more than 200 Rural Capital Area students with disabilities, aged 16-22, work readiness training and paid work experience with local employers. Watch the story on Univision 62.

The program is a partnership between WSRCA, TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Last year, more than 2,400 students participated in SEAL throughout the state. Watch the story on Univision 62.

A diverse workforce is a more productive workforce. WSRCA can help your business benefit from different perspectives, by recruiting and retaining workers of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.

Luncheon Held to Bring Together Teams Ahead of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Co-Location in Williamson County 

Your WSRCA team held a Mix & Mingle luncheon to bring together our teams from Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Business Services, Veterans Services and Talent Development, ahead of our upcoming co-location at the Workforce Solutions of Williamson County One-Stop Center in Round Rock. A great time was had by all as we worked together to begin streamlining our services to better empower our Rural Capital Area workforce.

Co-location will benefit VR customers through the expanded network of employment connections and will benefit employment services staff through on-site expertise to assist job seekers with disabilities.

The movement of VR staff is occurring as required by Texas SB 208, which was passed in 2015 and required the transfer of several former DARS programs to TWC on September 1, 2016. The legislation mandated that VR staff be co-located with staff from Workforce Solutions who provide workforce services. These moves will occur as current field office leases expire or can be renegotiated, and as Workforce Solutions office space is available and ready to accommodate the relocated staff and services.

Looking for Help to Pay for Child Care Expenses?

Through federal, state and local funding, the WSRCA Child Care Services (CCS) team is able to provide financial aid for eligible families and provide professional development opportunities. The Texas Rising Star (TRS) 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 CCS program.

Annual Early Childhood Education Conference Held in Round Rock to Connect Providers with Special Networking, Training Opportunities 

The WSRCA CCS team hosted their annual Early Childhood Education Conference in Round Rock, drawing in hundreds of Rural Capital Area child care directors and teachers throughout our 9-county region, for special networking and training. The theme this year was "Planting the Seeds of Change: Building Resilient Children and Schools," and offered participants the opportunity to explore approaches to help children and families learn coping skills, recover from hardships, and be better prepared to face future challenges. The conference also provided sessions on best practices to help build confidence, independence and self-esteem, each a crucial skill that children and families need to be successful in today’s workforce. Review the conference guide to explore some of the keynote topics, speakers and breakout sessions that were available.

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.

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. 

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.

WSRCA Talent Development Team Celebrates with HVAC Students as They Complete Portion of Training, Continue Work Towards Certification

Congratulations to the Austin Community College Continuing Education (ACC) students who completed the Basic Electricity portion of their Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. We're proud to help fund this training to empower our Rural Capital Area workforce to forge sustainable careers that meet the needs of local industries. Many of the students already have jobs waiting for them. 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. New training opportunities are opening up in many areas. Get started by exploring our resources and contacting our team: www.workforcesolutionsrca.com

WSRCA Team Tours ACC's State-of-the-Art Public Safety Training Center in Hays County

Your WSRCA team toured ACC's new Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Kyle, where our amazing Rural Capital Area First Responders hone their skills in force-on-force tactical operations, drone piloting, emergency medical response, homeland security, and disaster preparedness/ response.

Completed in fall of 2018, the PSTC incorporates the latest advances in public safety training technology and sustainable design. In addition to serving ACC students, the center is open to local, regional, state, national, and international public agencies for training.

Features of the facility include:

• A 50-yard tactical indoor firing range for weapons training.
• A modular, fully configurable force-on-force training room
• A 19-acre emergency vehicle operation training track that can accommodate speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
• Outdoor areas for emergency medical training and practice including vehicular extrication and mass casualty response
• Technology tiered classrooms for group presentations

Thank you to Board Member Hector Aguilar and his team at ACC, the staff of the PSTC, and the Greater San Marcos Partnership, for hosting our group and providing a closer look at the world-class training offered to support our workforce, and to help keep our communities safe. For more on the PSTC, visit the center's website.

New WSRCA Website Enhances Usability, Accessibility, Resources for Customers

Have you seen our revamped website? The redesigned www.workforcesolutionsrca.com is more user-friendly, works on any mobile device, and showcases the world-class services and programs that empower Rural Capital Area employers and job seekers. Experience a wide variety of accessible resources in English and Spanish, aimed at enhancing your workforce opportunities. Check it out, it's where Business and Careers Meet!

28,000 People Moved into the Rural Capital Area in 2018; Growth Led by 35-49 Year-Olds In 2018, population growth in the Rural Capital Area continued to be led by in-migration, with 26,300 net new persons moving in from other parts of the United States and 1,600 from abroad. Births reached an all-time high of 12,200 in 2018. For more information on economic, demographic and workforce data on the Rural Capital Area, visit the Rural Capital Headlight portal, and subscribe to the Rural Capital Headlight newsletter.

Steer Clear of Student Debt; High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs Sit Empty 

Still think you need an advanced degree and a mountain of student debt to lock into a high-demand occupation? There’s no better time to pursue a hands-on career in the skilled trades to enhance your opportunities in a short amount of time. Our Talent Development Team has immediate solutions for you with our training partners throughout the Rural Capital Area: workforcesolutionsrca.com

Rural Capital Area Unemployment Steady at 2.4% in May

The unemployment rate in the Rural Capital Area of Texas remained steady at 2.4 percent in May, the same low rate recorded in April, with 892 jobs added, according to figures released by TWC. The 2.4 percent unemployment rate for the nine-county workforce development area, represented 12,867 residents seeking employment. The region’s unemployment rate remained below both the Texas (2.9 percent)* and national (3.4 percent)* rates.

Within the Rural Capital Area counties, Blanco recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 2.1 percent in May, Burnet, Fayette, Hays, and Lee were at 2.3 percent, Bastrop and Williamson were at 2.4 percent, while Caldwell and Llano counties were at 2.8 percent.

The Rural Capital Area’s 1.87 percent annual employment growth rate represented the addition of 8,817 jobs since May 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.

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