E-News: July 2019

From the CEO's Desk: Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth We have been having a fantastic, but busy summer here at Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA). We have elected new officers for the Board and they have been transitioning into their new roles. Something we have been working on for several months is the integration of 16 Vocational Rehabilitation Services staff into our Round Rock Workforce Center. That work is complete and they are moving in today. We were also privileged to be visited by U.S. Rep. Roger Williams and his staff. We had a great turnout from Board members and the community to talk about workforce issues. We have finished our Summer Earn and Learn program for the year and served about twice as many young people this year. We have also held the last of our nine county workforce forums to establish or join a workforce group in each of our counties. This will help us establish priorities in each area and better plan where and how to use our resources. In summary, it is exciting to begin to see some of our work start to bear fruit. Our progress makes me optimistic about where we can go from here. Thanks for your support. -WSRCA Chief Executive Officer Paul Fletcher

Join the Discussion on Workforce Services in Your Community

Our next Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 21, at 12:30 p.m. at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center. View the agenda on www.workforcesolutionsrca.com. We hope to see you there! 

WSRCA Board of Directors Welcomes New Treasurer

The staff of WSRCA would like to congratulate our new Board Treasurer, City of Round Rock Councilman, Rene Flores. Rene is the Vice President and Commercial Lender with Extraco Banks. Thank you for your continued service to our communities.

WSRCA is a nonprofit 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.

WSRCA COO Al Lopez Announces His Retirement After Serving the Rural Capital Area for 21 Years

WSRCA Chief Operating Officer Al Lopez, announced his plans to retire after serving more than 21 years with the nine-county workforce development board. Al will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the CEO through the end of September 2019.

“WSRCA appreciates the hard work, dedication, and service Al has contributed to the board and to our communities,” said WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher. “He has played a transformational role in growing our partnerships, helped develop the Socrates strategic planning tool as a member of TWC's Labor Market and Career Information team, and launched key programs and initiatives in Central Texas, such as Rural Capital Headlight, teacher externships, and Summer Earn and Learn. We are grateful for his leadership during this important time in our organization's history, and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Please join us in congratulating Al on his retirement, and thanking him for his many years of service, working to empower our Rural Capital Area businesses, employers and job seekers, to compete at a global level.

Diane Tackett to Succeed Retiring Al Lopez as COO of WSRCA

WSRCA announced that Contracts Specialist Diane Tackett was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, succeeding Al Lopez, who announced his retirement.

As COO, Diane will report to WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher, and oversee agency-wide program and policy development; oversee agency-wide research and evaluation; manage and coordinate annual planning process, including development of Requests for Proposals, performance standards and evaluation methods; lead resource and grant development, manage department staff and serve as CEO in the event of Fletcher’s absence.

“I have had the privilege of working with Diane in the past and I know she will be a big asset to our organization in this new position as we move forward,” said Fletcher. “Diane is a dynamic leader and a passionate advocate for our regional businesses, communities, and service providers. She is an important part of our success and our future.”

“I am honored to have been chosen as the next COO and will continue the momentum that Al Lopez has created in this role,” said Tackett. “I would like to thank Paul Fletcher, Board Chair Frank Leonardis, and the Rural Capital Area team for the support and encouragement they have provided. I know that, together, We Are Rural Capital Area! Maya Angelou once shared, ‘When you know better, you do better. When you get, give. When you learn, teach.’ My goal is to help our organization strive to always ‘do better.’”

Learn more about Diane on the WSRCA website.

WSRCA Welcomes Congressman Roger Williams to Round Rock Career Center for Discussion with Local Employers, Board Members, Community Leaders on Value of Workforce Solutions Services

WSRCA would like to thank U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, of the 25th Congressional District of Texas, for visiting our career center in Round Rock and meeting with Central Texas employers, workforce stakeholders, and job seekers. We're humbled by our mission to empower the workforce of our wonderful communities, and so grateful for the support of our amazing partnerships—at home and in the halls of Congress. 

WorkInTexas.com, the State’s Premiere Job Site, Has Been Upgraded to Offer New Tools for Job Seekers, Employers

We’re excited for you to experience the new WorkInTexas.com.

With a Virtual Recruiter and candidate scoring and ranking, employers can expect improved talent matching and more efficient screening. And, the site offers Texas-specific labor market data to support informed business decisions in planning your job positions and wages.

Job seekers have access to tools designed to help your resume stand out and match your skills to the jobs looking for you. Plus, there’s resume versioning, a cover letter builder and career planning resources. 

Use your existing login information to access the site. Review and verify or update your information and job history. Set up the Virtual Recruiter and let the website start working for you.

WorkInTexas.com is supported by 180 Workforce Solutions offices around the state. If you need assistance with the new site, use the directory to find your nearest WSRCA office.

Llano 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 at the beautiful Llano County Courthouse, bringing together Llano County community, business and education leaders for a collaborative discussion on improving local workforce development efforts and career training opportunities. Many thanks to our hosts, Judge Ron Cunningham and Llano Mayor Gail Lang, and all of our workforce partners and Board members who took part.

Create a Workforce Pipeline for Your Business With Talented Team Members of All Abilities

If you're not hiring employees with disabilities, you're limiting your reach! Recruiting talented workers of all abilities and experiences can have a positive impact on your bottom line. Our Vocational Rehabilitation Services team can help you get started: workforcesolutionsrca.com

WSRCA Welcomes Over 500 Attendees to Texas Business Conference at Horseshoe Bay Resort 

Your WSRCA team partnered with the TWC Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers to host the Texas Business Conference at the beautiful Horseshoe Bay Resort. WSRCA CEO, Paul Fletcher, provided the keynote address to attendees, Business Services Consultant, Craig Henry, provided insights on programs and support available for employers, and Veterans Resource Coordinator, Casey Wade, offered more information on services available to empower veteran-owned businesses, and employers looking to hire veterans and their spouses.  

Many thanks to all our staff and community partners who rallied to support this amazing event.

WSRCA ResCare Team Among Rural Capital Area Organizations Recognized as 'We Hire Vets' Employers at Texas Business Conference

Your WSRCA ResCare Workforce Services team was among five Rural Capital Area employers recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Veterans Commission during the Texas Business Conference at Horseshoe Bay, as a "We Hire Vets" employer for 2019, for maintaining a workforce comprised of at  least 10 percent military veterans. Contigo Technology and CyberDefenses were recognized for maintaining a workforce of 31 percent military veterans, the Texas General Land Office has maintained a workforce of 12 percent veterans, and Recruit Veterans had built a workforce comprised of 82 percent veterans.

Thank you to all of these employers who have made a commitment to empower veterans throughout the Rural Capital Area. Please nominate a deserving veteran-focused employer today: texasoperationwelcomehome.com

WSRCA Partners with City of Marble Falls, Marble Falls Public Library to Host Hiring Fair

Didn't attend the Marble Falls Career Fair? Then you missed out on the opportunity to connect with these amazing local employers ready to hire you:

• ACI Pest & Lawn Solutions 
• Baylor Scott & White Health
• City of Marble Falls, Texas
• Dairy Queen TX
• Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company
• The Home Depot
• Horseshoe Bay Resort
• Imagine Solutions
• Johnson Sewell Ford Lincoln
• Lowe's Home Improvement
• Marble Falls ISD
• Optimal Wireless
• Outreach Health Services
• Subway
• Vulcan Materials Company

Many thanks to the Marble Falls Public Library the City of Marble Falls, and everyone who helped connect our workforce to new career opportunities. Look for more upcoming hiring events near you on our website: www.workforcesolutionsca.com

Pictured (left to right): WSRCA's Retiring COO Al Lopez, WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher, Mayor Troy Hill, and Leander Chamber President & CEO Bridget Brandt.

WSRCA Meets with Leander Mayor, Chamber Leaders at Community Luncheon 

You WSRCA team took part in a luncheon hosted by Leander Mayor Troy Hill, and the Leander Chamber of Commerce, which included members of the community from across industries and services.The City of Leander is a wonderful Rural Capital Area community with a strong vision for the future, and we couldn't be more proud to support and empower their workforce needs. Learn more about the Mayor's vision on their website.

Team at Workforce Solutions of Williamson County Honored by American Legion for Outstanding Employment Services for Veterans

Please join us in congratulating our team at Workforce Solutions of Williamson County for being recognized by the American Legion Department of Texas as the Outstanding Employment Service Office of the Year, for their work to empower Rural Capital Area veterans. We're proud of your efforts to deliver world-class services to our nation's heroes.

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.

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 Top (left to right): CyberDefenses Director of Marketing Keri LeBlanc, CyberDefenses Certified Security Analyst Christion Woodley, KLRU Multimedia Producer Funmi Ogunro, and WSRCA Communications Director Brian Hernandez. 

WSRCA Partners with CyberDefenses, KLRU's American Graduate to Spotlight High-Demand Cybersecurity Careers

What's it like to train for a career in Cybersecurity? WSRCA partnered with CyberDefenses and KLRU's "American Graduate: Getting to Work" initiative, to showcase this high-demand career track. Christion Woodley, a Certified Security Analyst with CyberDefenses, based in Round Rock, shared his experiences which will be featured in an upcoming profile on KLRU PBS.

Christion launched his career through CyberDefenses' amazing cohort apprenticeship program, the "fast track to becoming a Tier 1 Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst." It's a program we're proud to support. Learn more about the training on their CyberDefenses website.

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.

WSRCA Helps Recognize Educators, Employers Who Took Part in the 2019 Summer Teacher Externship Program

Your WSRCA team took part in celebration events, honoring teachers and employers who participated in the 2019 Teacher Externship Program throughout the Rural Capital Area. The Teacher Externship Program is a collaboration between Rural Capital Area employers, Chambers of Commerce and Independent School Districts (ISDs) within the region, to provide middle and high school educators’ professional development opportunities to enrich the classroom to career connections made for students. Educators spend time with employers in various industries, to learn through direct experiences about how classroom content and learning strategies are applied in the workplace, to bring relevance to student learning. 

This year, WSRCA collaborated with 7 ISD’s and 7 Chambers to create externships for teachers to shadow area businesses. Those areas included:

• Dripping Springs ISD and Chamber
• Georgetown ISD and Chamber
• Hays CISD and Kyle Chamber
• Hutto ISD and Chamber
• Leander ISD and Chamber
• Round Rock ISD and Chamber
• San Marcos CISD and Chamber

Across the region, 212 educators participated in 2019, representing more than 50 subject areas, which will impact more than 31,800 students. Over the last 4 years of the program, more than 75,000 students have been impacted across the Rural Capital Area region, and the number of educators participating has grown by 960 percent. 

Thanks to the teachers participating in these externships, incorporating real-world employment skills in their classrooms, our students will be better prepared to meet industry standards, and forge careers that will strengthen their community.

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.

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.

Employers Visit HVAC Training Program Funded by WSRCA to Recruit Students for High-Demand Roles Ahead of Graduation  

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 retool your skills with local customized training to increase your career opportunities. Your WSRCA team recently joined a visit by hiring managers from Longhorn Village Retirement Community, who spoke with Austin Community College Continuing Education (ACC) students who are completing their Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program, about the wonderful career opportunities currently available at their Austin senior living community. There's a worker shortage in the HVAC Industry, which means these students will be in a position to choose from employers who are eager to hire their skill sets.

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 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

Pictured: Youth Talent Development Specialists Stephanie Mora and John Garcia at the Head Start Orientation hosted by Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties.

WSRCA, Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties, Team Up to Connect Head Start Participants to Workforce Services

Your WSRCA team worked with our wonderful partners at Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties, as they host orientation sessions for participants in their Head Start Programs. It's an honor to help Rural Capital Area parents and youth learn more about the workforce services we have available for them—we're grateful for the opportunity to serve. To learn more about OWBC and it's mission, visit their 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!

Profile on Workforce Trends Shows the Unemployment Rate in the Rural Capital Area Fell to a Multi-decade Low of 3.9% in 2018 In the early 2000s, unemployment in the Rural Capital Area matched national unemployment rates, but since 2006 and through the recession, unemployment in the RCA has remained significantly lower than the U.S. 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.

Rural Capital Area Unemployment Inches Higher in July

The unemployment rate in the Rural Capital Area of Central Texas was slightly higher in July compared to the month prior. According to figures released by TWC, the unemployment rate in July for the nine-county workforce development area was 3.0 percent*, up from 2.9 percent in June, but below 3.3 percent in July 2018. The 3.0 percent unemployment rate represented 16,580 residents seeking employment. The region’s unemployment rate remained below both the Texas (3.7 percent)* and national (4.0 percent)* rates, which both saw increases in July.

Within the Rural Capital Area counties, Blanco recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 2.8 percent in July, Burnet and Fayette were at 2.9 percent, Hays and Williamson counties were at 3.0 percent, Lee came in at 3.1 percent, Bastrop was at 3.5 percent, and Llano was at 3.6 percent, while Caldwell County was at 3.8 percent.

Key Points by Industry for the Rural Capital Area, according to the most recent labor market data:

• The Information Services Industry has experienced the greatest quarterly employment growth with an increase of 10.3 percent.
• Job gains were also experienced in the Professional and Business Services Industry (2.9 percent), and the Manufacturing Industry (2.5 percent).
• The Professional and Business Services Industry in the Rural Capital Area also experienced the greatest positive annual job growth with an increase of 10.8 percent.
• Significant positive annual job growth was also experienced in the Natural Resources and Mining Industry (9.5 percent), the Manufacturing Industry (8.5 percent), and the Information Services Industry (6.8 percent).

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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