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WSRCA CEO Paul Fletcher Honored with 2022 Friend of Manufacturing Award by ARMA
The Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) announced that Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) Chief Executive Officer, Paul Fletcher, has been recognized with its Friend of Manufacturing Award for 2022.
Tapping Into America's Best-Kept Future Of Work Secret
Workforce boards, located in all regions across the United States, identify the labor needs of local communities and direct public funding to programs that connect workers to training, jobs, and other resources.
Lone Star College Receives $324,792 Workforce Training Grant
The grant benefits individuals participating in the Strategic Engagement for Student Career Planning project. Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast will provide workforce services for the project.
Most Texans support more school funding and teacher raises, new survey finds
As legislators begin to debate their public education priorities, the Charles Butt Foundation released a poll Tuesday showing Texans are mostly supportive of their public schools but are split on voucher-like programs.
Texas Outpaces the Nation, Adding the Most Jobs in 2022
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state not only had the largest absolute increase in jobs added, but also attained the highest percent of seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs added over the year at 5.0 percent. In comparison, United States’ job growth expanded by 3.0 percent.
Commentary: How workforce development can keep Texas strong
Current conditions are very positive, but what would support Texas growth and wealth creation far into the future? The answer is workforce development.
A GPS for your career
Workforce boards partner with a tech firm to use its algorithms to help job seekers find education programs that pay off.
Texas Unemployment Rate Drops in December, State Adds 29,500 Jobs
December marked the 14th consecutive record employment high in Texas, after the state first surpassed the pre-COVID level in November 2021.
Texas jobless rate drops below 4% for first time since pandemic shutdowns
The state has set a record for the number of employed people for 14 consecutive months, according to new data from the Texas Workforce Commission.
Texas adds 29,500 jobs in December as unemployment falls below 4% — a pandemic first
It also marked the Lone Star State’s 14th consecutive month of record employment.
Texas lawmakers unveil initial plan for $15 billion in property tax relief
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick renewed his call to raise the state homestead exemption for school property taxes from $40,000 to $70,000.
Governor Abbott Announces $1 Million In Texas Talent Connection Grants
Governor Greg Abbott today announced $1 million in Texas Talent Connection grants supporting a two-year pilot program connecting foster youth and victims of sex trafficking, age 16-25, to workforce education programs and services to help them in finding and maintaining employment leading to independence and self-sufficiency.
Texas higher ed leaders optimistic about funding, faculty uneasy about culture wars as new session starts
Community colleges want a funding overhaul this legislative session, and four-year universities are hoping for a boost in research funds. Meanwhile, faculty are bracing for a potential threat to tenure and limits to conversations about race.
Texas Tech University Receives $350,000 Workforce Training Grant
The grant benefits individuals participating in the Critical Infrastructure Security Training Programs for Industry Professionals and University Students project. Workforce Solutions South Plains will provide workforce services for the project.
As lawmakers begin a new session, Texas mayors want to maintain control of local issues
Mayors from the state’s most populous cities presented their legislative wish list, including economic development and workforce programs, broadband infrastructure and violence prevention.
TWC Welcomes Treviño as the New Commissioner Representing Labor
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Alberto “Albert” Treviño, III as the Texas Workforce Commission’s new Commissioner Representing Labor.
Texas universities propose two-year tuition freeze in exchange for nearly $1 billion in additional state funding
The leaders of the state’s six biggest university systems are seeking the money to fund instruction, university operations and employee health insurance and to cover a free tuition program for veterans and their children.
Three Job Skills Trends for Workforce Leaders to Follow in 2023
NAWBlog: Kevin Mills of Coursera writes about skills trends for workforce leaders to follow in the coming year, focusing on digital skills, leadership skills, and data literacy.
How many jobs are available in technology in the US?
In spite of layoffs, tech unemployment dropped yet again and IT hiring looks hot heading into 2023.
2022 Workforce Conference Recognizes Exemplary Texas Employers
Annual awards honor employers for excellence and innovation.
With Latest Employment Report, Texas Achieves More Than One Full Year of Employment Highs
In November 2022, Texas added a total of 33,600 jobs to reach 13,672,900, one year after first hitting an all-time high and surpassing the pre-pandemic jobs count in November 2021. The Texas economy added 657,600 positions annually while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.0 percent in November.
Companies say they’re being denied Texas tax breaks as a state agency is overwhelmed with applications
Hundreds of businesses have sought tax savings from the state before the Chapter 313 program expires. Two companies say they are missing out despite being eligible.
Rio Grande Valley Receives $350,000 Workforce Training Grant
Workforce Solutions Cameron and Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley will partner with the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement to provide workforce services for the project.
Don’t Sleep on Middle Skills: Sub-BA Qualifications Are Winning in Tight Labor Markets
A bachelor’s degree is a reliable route to a well-paying job, but it is not the only pathway. In fact, as concerns grow about the affordability of a college degree and the labor market remains tight, middle skills credentials represent good alternatives that often pay off for workers.
Oil field services industry adds more than 2,300 U.S. jobs in November, according to trade group
Texas is consistently the largest employer in the country for oil field services workers.
Fewer jobs require a college degree, and that’s a good thing
Let’s help more young people skip Cost U.
Hinojosa: Commissioner Alvarez did an outstanding job at TWC
His passion for workforce training, education, apprenticeships, and building partnerships will be missed at the Texas Workforce Commission but his accomplishments and successes will have a lasting impact in the lives of many Texans.
Help wanted: Texas has over 1 million job openings, the most ever
With wages rising 7.6% for job-switchers, ‘You can be pretty commanding when it comes to salary.’
Experts see the Texas economic outlook being stronger in 2023 than other states
The Perryman Group released its predictions on jobs, employment, real gross product and more.
What Texas lawmakers can do to get kids ready for kindergarten
A new dashboard lays out challenges and 50 policy recommendations for legislators to consider.
North Texas apprenticeship programs address child care shortages
Programs that let educators earn while they learn develop a stronger “pipeline” of qualified teachers, officials say.
Texans want a better way to measure schools
Legislature has an opportunity to improve accountability system.
U.S. Department of Education Launches New Initiative to Support Career-Connected Learning and Increase Job Pathways for Young Americans
Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success Initiative is a joint-effort supported by the Departments of Commerce and Labor to increase high-quality pathways that lead to in-demand jobs.
A 'catastrophe' is coming for the economy, but it's not recession or inflation, says Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh
Amid one of the tightest labor markets in history, Walsh said the political parties' approach to immigration — "getting immigration all tied up" — is among the most consequential mistakes the nation can make in labor policy.
‘Appalling and unacceptable’: Texas students struggle, test results reveal widespread loss
The nation’s report card outlines steep drops in math, smaller dips in reading.
Texas Employment Numbers Continue to Set Records in September, Unemployment Ticks Down
State doubles the previous month’s job gains.
ACT Scores Fall to Lowest Level In 30 Years
Exam-takers averaged 19.8 out of a possible 36 points on the college admissions test, the first time since 1991 nationwide results dipped below 20
Texas commission recommends tying community colleges’ state funding to their performance
State higher education leaders are pushing for the changes as community colleges face greater workforce demands and financial pressures. The commission’s report now goes to lawmakers, who are expected to file legislation on the matter next session.
The application for Biden's student loan relief is open. Here's what to know about it.
A beta version of President Biden's student loan forgiveness application is now open — the first time borrowers have been able to apply for up to $20,000 in debt cancellation.
Can the Department of Labor Strengthen the Nation's Workforce Development Infrastructure? Yes, WIOA Can!
Unprecedented federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing and technology are poised to improve life for individuals and families across America. Many have asked, will we have a trained workforce available to do all of this?
TWC Continues Support for Expansion of Quality Child Care Providers in Texas
Additional funds will provide opportunities to increase the number of child care providers and support participation in Texas Rising Star.
Here’s what Texas voters agree on
To ensure students are prepared for the future workforce, 90% of Texas voters said it was important to increase the number of credentials earned while students are still in high school. And 81% supported policies that would improve our community college finance system by better aligning funding to in-demand career fields and post-graduation wages.
1 in 5 new Texas teachers were hired without certification last year
Schools are leaning on uncertified educators as they grapple with vacancies.
Colleges would be required to be more transparent about transfer rules under new bill from U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro
The Transparency for Transfer Students Act would require all U.S. colleges and universities to post on their websites more details about their transfer policies to help more students complete degrees.
ApprenticeshipTexas Conference Connects Employers with Apprenticeship Resources to Strengthen Economy
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) conducted the sixth annual ApprenticeshipTexas Conference to connect employers, workforce development professionals, and educational institutions with the latest information and resources available to build and grow apprenticeship programs that strengthen the Texas workforce.
If We’re Serious About Apprenticeship, We Should Start Funding It
What is an apprenticeship intermediary? According to Urban Institute, they’re “nonprofit or for-profit organizations, including government agencies, community colleges or high schools, and small and large businesses that play a critical connecting role between other organizations and systems to advance the design, registration, and implementation of apprenticeship programs.”
Texas Continues Streak of Record-Setting Employment, Adds 16,400 Jobs in August
State added 726,900 jobs since August 2021.
“Texas Rising Star” Quality Rating Program Participation Becomes Requirement for TWC Child Care Providers
Texas Workforce Commission announces timeline for providers that provide state-funded Child Care Services.
Texas needs to revamp community colleges. Here’s what may be needed.
A commission recommends lawmakers completely overhaul Texas’ funding system for community colleges.
Texas is among worst states in U.S. for workers, study finds
The Lone Star State fared poorly in all three categories: wages, worker protections and organizing rights.
Teacher shortages are real, but not for the reason you heard
Certainly, many schools have struggled to find enough educators. But the challenges are related more to hiring, especially for non-teaching staff positions.
Politics and pandemic are driving Texas teachers to consider quitting, survey finds
An online survey of 1,291 teachers by the Charles Butt Foundation shows more teacher dissatisfaction as Texas school districts scramble to attract talent.
High-poverty schools struggle to earn Texas’ highest rating. Some in the Rio Grande Valley break that trend.
The Texas Education Agency has dismissed the notion that the accountability ratings are a poverty rating. As evidence, they point to districts like those in the Rio Grande Valley, which have achieved high marks while serving a high number of economically disadvantaged students.
San Antonio’s Ready to Work jobs training program gets the national attention leaders have sought
The hype around the $200 million program aiming to put thousands of low-income residents into better-paying jobs was on display Monday as U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh toured training facilities at St. Philip’s College.
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