Tesla announced on July 22 that the company will build a $1.1 billion assembly plant—or Gigafactory—in Travis County, according to a news release from Gov. Greg Abbott

The factory – to be built on 2,100 acres off Texas 130 and Harold Green Road in southeastern Travis County – will employ 5,000 people with wages starting at $35,000 annually. Workforce Solutions Capital Area was proud to be asked to testify in favor of Tesla’s decision before our partners at the Travis County Commissioners Court two times, and once with the Del Valle Independent School District Board of Trustees. 

After a strong month of job recovery in June, we look forward to new opportunities to help connect Travis County’s 55,000 unemployed workers to agile, rapid job training and supports — such as childcare, transportation, and employment services — in preparation for these roughly 5,000 job opportunities.

Here’s what our leadership is saying about Tesla:

Melanie Flowers, Board Chair, Workforce Solutions Capital Area: “On behalf of Workforce Solutions Capital Area Board of Directors, we heartily welcome Tesla into the regional employment ecosystem in Central Texas. We are currently experiencing significant unemployment due to the global pandemic, with more than 80,000 Central Texans out of work. Tesla will diversify the regional economic base and provide strong career opportunities and ladders for residents in a growing industry. Workforce Solutions Capital Area is excited to partner with Tesla to support and connect local people for local jobs.”

Tamara Atkinson, CEO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area: “For generations, hard-working, hard dreaming Central Texans have made this a great place to create a career, raise a family and support one another. In these tough economic times, Central Texans are excited to be able to welcome an iconic American business success story to our community to work with us to write its next, successful chapter.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email