Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Roundup Newsletter: August/September 2019
Texas Workforce Commission sent this bulletin at 10/15/2019 05:22 PM CDT
E-News: August/September 2019
From the CEO's Desk: Collaborating to Build, Empower the Workforce of the Future
What a fun time to be engaged in workforce in Central Texas. We just completed an integration with our partners at Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services to bring 16 VR Services professionals into the new co-located Workforce Solutions of Williamson County career center in Round Rock. We are also in the construction phase for a new career center in San Marcos for our Workforce Solutions of Hays County team, which should be completed around mid-December. In addition, we are close to unveiling a new web-based career progression ladder that will help anyone better understand the current labor market and how their skills translate into a career today, and for the future. I thank you for your involvement in workforce and look forward to what we all do together next.
Co-location helps VR customers through the expanded network of employment connections, benefits the employment services staff through on-site expertise to assist job seekers with disabilities, and empowers local employers looking to recruit and accommodate workers with disabilities.
A special thank you goes out to Texas Workforce Commission Chairman, Bryan Daniel; Labor Commissioner, Julian Alvarez; Employer Commissioner, Aaron Demerson; VR Director Cheryl Fuller; Ascension Texas Chief Advocacy Officer Geronimo Rodriguez; as well as VR Customer Rachel Yedanapalli and her family, and all of our Board Members who took part, including Round Rock Councilman/Extraco Banks VP, Rene Flores and Goodwill Central Texas COO Mark Hiemstra, for sharing remarks during the celebration.
WSRCA is also grateful for the support of Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, and all of our amazing community partners who took part in this great event.
You helped make this grand opening a big success for this wonderful community and we greatly appreciate your support.
For those who were not able to make it, you can watch video of the full event on our WSRCA YouTube channel.
WSRCA would like to thank state Rep. Erin Zwiener, of Texas House District 45, for visiting our career center in San Marcos 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 at the Texas Capitol.
WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher, will help lead an in-depth discussion on the workforce challenges and opportunities that face the San Marcos healthcare systems, and their effects on the business community, during the 2019 State of Health and Workforce Luncheon at the San Marcos Convention Center on Oct. 17. The event is hosted by our partners at the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit the Chamber's website to see the full event info and register to attend.
WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area CEO, Tamara Atkinson, will share the results of recent industry assessments to highlight high-need and high-demand careers fields in the region, during the Central Texas Expanding Opportunity Summit on Oct. 25, at the Embassy Suites San Marcos. The Summit is hosted by Community Advancement Network, and looks to explore "how we can do a better job of improving access to economic opportunity for individuals and families in the region." CFAN, a Hays County-based manufacturer of composite fan blades for Boeing airplanes and a leader in advanced composite technology, will offer a private sector perspective. School-based career programs will also be highlighted, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs WSRCA partners with, including Leander ISD and San Marcos ISD. Click to register for the Summit.
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. The Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services team can help you get started: workforcesolutionsrca.com
VR Services and WSRCA are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October by holding free weekly seminars for employers at the Workforce Solutions of Williamson County career center in Round Rock. The NDEAM seminars are being held on Mondays throughout October from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., to help employers explore opportunities to hire, retain and promote people with disabilities. Click to register for the next employer seminars: Accessibility in the Workplace and Physical Disabilities in the Workplace.
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.
"It was an honor to help celebrate with these graduates and their families as they accomplished this milestone in their personal and professional lives," said WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher. "We believed in them, and they leveraged this opportunity to up skill to enhance their opportunities. This manufacturing certification program came as a result of listening to the workforce needs our industry partners, and then tapping into our strong community partnerships to deliver training solutions. We’re proud of its success, and that of these dedicated graduates."
WSRCA would like to recognize our Board Member, ACC Continuing Ed. Executive Dean, Hector Aguilar, and ACC Continuing Ed. Director, Don Tracy, who did an amazing job working with Senior Warden Jennifer Brown and her team, to make this training a reality.
We would also like to thank ACC for presenting WSRCA with a Certificate of Appreciation for our role in facilitating this training.
Learn more about the program and the training in our WSRCA Blog.
Pictured (left to right): Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles, WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher, Round Rock Chamber President & CEO Jason Ball, and WSRCA Board Member and Anchor-Ventana Owner & President, Felix Munson.
You WSRCA team took part in the Round Rock Chamber's Power Lunch, featuring Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles, and new Chamber President and CEO, Jason Ball. Commissioner Boles discussed the upcoming Williamson County Road Bond Election, and Ball outlined his vision for his new role, including recruiting new employers and bringing jobs to Round Rock. We couldn't be more proud to support and empower the workforce needs of this wonderful community. Learn more about upcoming Chamber events by visiting their website: roundrockchamber.org
Your WSRCA Team took part in the 3rd Annual Apprenticeship Texas Conference in San Antonio, hosted by TWC Labor Commissioner, Julian Alvarez.
The conference offered an in-depth opportunity to explore new innovations in apprenticeship training programs from leading practitioners including industry associations and employers, labor partnerships, community colleges, high schools, and fellow workforce Boards.
Apprenticeships are a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of business for a highly-skilled workforce.
"Apprenticeship programs are not Game Changers. They’re Life Changers!” Commissioner Alvarez shared during his welcome address to the conference attendees.
It's an employer-driven, “learn-while-you-earn” model that combines 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, provided by the employer that hires the apprentice, with 144 hours of job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of national skills standards.
Ready to explore how hosting apprenticeships can boost your business? Connect with our WSRCA Business Services Team.
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.
Your WSRCA team is proud to have taken part in the 34th Annual San Marcos Chamber Business EXPO, which was held at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Resort and Convention Center. Thanks to the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, our Board members, and the more than 120 employers and over 1,500 attendees who helped make this year's event even more special.
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.
The Texas Veterans Commission recognized our RESEA Talent Development Specialist, Rachel White, and Business Services Consultant, Jesus Guerra, for their dedication to empower veterans throughout the Rural Capital Area. Please join us in congratulating them. We're proud of their efforts to deliver world-class services to our nation's heroes.
The statewide Hiring Red, White & You! hiring event connects Texas veterans and their spouses with Texas employers that value the experience, discipline, and other exceptional qualities inherent in a military background. This free event is open to all job seekers. Learn more: bit.ly/WSRCA2019HRWY
More than 55 local employers took part in the free hiring event, which helped connect businesses to veterans, current service members and their spouses. The last hour of the hiring fair was open to all job seekers.
We're so honored to have participated in this wonderful event.
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.
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.
UpSkill your career! Attend a free 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.
Join the staff and physicians at Ascension Seton Hays for their Community Health Fair and help celebrate their 10th anniversary. The event is being held on October 26, from 9 a.m. to Noon, at Ascension Seton Hays, located at 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, TX 78640. For more information on the services available, click to visit the event page.
The total payroll of employers located in the Rural Capital Area surpassed $15 billion in 2018, a 7.4% increase over 2017. Over $1 billion in new payroll was created in 2018. By industry, most new payroll was created in Professional and Business Services ($201M), Trade, Transportation and Utilities ($192M), and Construction ($155M). 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.
The unemployment rate in the Rural Capital Area of Central Texas saw improvement in August. According to figures released by TWC, the unadjusted unemployment rate in August for the nine-county workforce development area was 2.9 percent, down from 3.0 percent in July, and below the 3.2 percent experienced a year earlier in August 2018. The 2.9 percent unemployment rate represented 15,960 residents seeking employment. The region’s unemployment rate remained lower than both the Texas (3.6 percent)* and national (3.8 percent)* rates, which saw drops in August.
The Rural Capital Area’s 1.95 percent annual employment growth rate represented the addition of 10,043 jobs since August 2018.
Within the Rural Capital Area counties, Blanco recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 2.5 percent in August. Fayette County’s unemployment rate was at 2.7 percent, Burnet, Hays, Lee and Williamson counties were at 2.9 percent, Bastrop was at 3.1 percent, and Caldwell County was at 3.4 percent, while Llano County was at 3.5 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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