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Workforce Solutions Capital Area

2021 Impact Report

From our CEO

Highlights
What they’re saying

From Our CEO

Two long years after the pandemic first struck our region, it looks like we’re finally coming out on the other side. Today, the local economy is booming and many employers are hiring. Still, not everyone is benefiting from the growth and opportunity that has blessed our great city. Equity and skills gaps have become even more exacerbated.

Our community has a growing affordability crisis and yet there are more good, high-paying jobs available than skilled workers. But there is a bright spot: individuals who complete training through Workforce Solutions Capital Area increase their annual wages by an average of $30,000.

In many cases, scholarship funds are available for workers who want to obtain training that can increase their earning potential and help them compete in the current and future job market.

Here’s the bottom line: We haven’t stopped pushing forward our mission to connect local people to local jobs, and we’re only scaling up. I’m thankful for the 37 WFS team members and many community partners — both new and longstanding — working with us to respond to the needs of now.

Tamara Atkinson

Highlights

5-YEAR IMPACTS (2016-2020)

Austinites are better off after receiving our services

▲$118M

Total increased earnings for our customers post-program exit

$456M

Total earned by our customers post-program exit

Who We Served FY21

15,810

Adult workers served

12,595

K-12 students reached

5,063

Children received child care scholarships

2,817

Employers served

We have more training scholarships available than ever in the history of our agency.

$12.3M

Provided to WFS Capital Area through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Austin and Travis County for the continuation of RE:WorkNOW

RE:WorkNOW is a rapid response workforce development program administered by WFS Capital Area.
OUR TRAINING IMPACTS

70%

Of adult clients found employment in their field of training

5% increase from FY20

224%

ROI for every dollar invested in training

$1.2M

Invested in upskilling local businesses’ current workforce

What They’re Saying

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is a critical part of the Central Texas employment ecosystem.

Senator Sarah Eckhardt

State of Texas

It is exciting to see the board and staff at Workforce Solutions Capital Area pushing the envelope…

Chairman Bryan Daniel

Texas Workforce Commission

Workforce Solutions’ Hire Local Plan and the ideas and strategies that come out of it are so critical to our community.

Judge Andy Brown

Travis County

Workforce Solutions is all about equipping workers with those skills that open doors for the higher-paying jobs.

Mayor Steve Adler

City of Austin

Workforce Solutions is Austin-Travis County’s go-to resource for connection to higher-paying opportunities, such as the many transit and construction jobs tied to Project Connect.

Commissioner Jeff Travillion

Travis County Precinct One

During the pandemic, healthcare needs changed in our region, as well as throughout the country…  Employers began investing in training that will enhance the future workforce with support from Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

Mark Sherry

Regional HR Director, Baylor Scott & White Health

Tech businesses and workers can rely on Workforce Solutions Capital Area to help build connections and opportunities to be more productive.

Dave Parks

CEO, enChoice, Inc.

I’m grateful to work with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to address employers’ critical hiring needs and skills gaps to create a steady and diverse pipeline of talent.

Laura Huffman

President & CEO, Austin Chamber

To address the longstanding shortage of skilled trade workers, Workforce Solutions Capital Area joined the City of Austin and Travis County to provide no-cost, fast-track training for eligible residents to enter an in-demand career. Community efforts like these positively impact the Austin metro by providing good-paying jobs and keeping our community safe.

Joe Cooper

Training Director, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 286

Manufacturing in central Texas is booming, led by semiconductors and electric vehicles. A highly skilled workforce is vital to their success. Workforce Solutions Capital Area has been an essential partner to grow and strengthen the talent pool.

Ed Latson

CEO, Austin Reginal Manufacturers Association

See More

Read the full report for more on our work, partnerships, and labor market in 2021.

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