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Our mission:
Providing resources for good jobs, strong employers, and a healthy regional economy
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Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas celebrated numerous accomplishments in 2022 to further our mission of providing resources for good jobs, strong employers, and a healthy regional economy. Over 2,000 employers received support to address workforce challenges, 800+ Texans were connected to career opportunities through job fairs and hiring events, the families of over 1,500 children daily received help with the cost of child care in order to work or go to school, and thousands of students preparing to enter the labor force learned about careers, gained experience through work-based learning, or received career advising. We are proud to support businesses, individuals, and families on the path to success.
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Amber Gamarra
Business Services Outreach Specialist
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Ruthann Campbell
Youth Success Advisor
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Texas Workforce Commission Updates
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TWC Approves Additional Funding
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is investing nearly $173 million for several child care initiatives to support Texas families and expand the child care industry. The initiatives include free business coaching for providers, additional funding for financial aid for lower income families in child care services, and assistance for launching employer-supported child care. Employers, child care and early learning providers, and families are encouraged to utilize the latest resources made available by TWC, including:
- Dedicated $12 million for TWC to procure technical assistance to employers exploring child care programs on-site or nearby. This funding will aid businesses in conducting a needs analysis and developing a business plan.
- Added $84 million in funding to expand capacity in child care deserts, infant care, and employer partnerships. Applications for employer-supported child care accepted through Nov. 30, 2023.
- Continued business coaching to benefit Texas child care providers. Coaching services will be provided through 2024 with an additional $18 million.
- Additional funding for child care services will allow TWC to continue to support 140,000 children receiving daily child care services across Texas.
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There's still time to register for our Summer Externship Program, a unique professional development opportunity for educators to work side-by-side with industry peers connecting workplace skills to classroom teaching. Participation builds lasting partnerships between industry and education and supports businesses, schools, and the future workforce in our 19-county region. These are just some of the benefits to business participants:
- Ensure workforce challenges are recognized
- Increase opportunities for additional career-based activities
- Contribute to sustaining a more highly-skilled workforce
Externship opportunities are customizable to meet individual business needs and can be offered over the course of two or three days for a total of 15 hours. Check out the Planning Guide for activity recommendations, sample schedules, and more. Educator registration will open Monday, April 3.
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Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas is offering The Director’s Toolbox – A Management Series For Early Childhood Administrators. This leadership training series for directors and assistant directors will meet one Saturday a month from April-September to enhance skills to help with staff retention and work culture. Topics will include: cultivating a positive work environment. holding effective meetings with staff, hiring the right person for the job, becoming an effective leader, and pausing for self-reflection.
The management series is $150 per participant which includes lunch at each session, door prize giveaways, 36 credit hours in Business Management, and The Director’s Toolbox Management Series seven book set as a resource to keep. Priority will be given to providers participating in the Child Care Services and Texas Rising Star programs. The deadline to register is Friday, April 7. For more information, contact our Early Childhood team.
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What's Next? Event for High School Seniors
The What’s Next Senior Event will be held on Wednesday, March 29 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cisco College in Abilene to equip graduating high school seniors with information about industries and occupations, employability skills, financial aid, and college/career readiness. The event features workshops, success coaching, resources on training and employment opportunities, and campus tours.
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Workforce Solutions Board Meeting
The Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board will meet on Wednesday, April 19 at 12 p.m. in the Lonestar Room on the 12th floor of the Enterprise building. Agenda items and Zoom meeting instructions for virtual participation coming soon.
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Workforce Forum
The 2023 Workforce Forum will be held on May 1-2 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Austin. The Forum serves as an information exchange and opportunity for workforce staff, education and business partners, and workforce stakeholders to collaborate, innovate and streamline services to improve Texas Workforce Solutions service delivery. Register Now.
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