The Hire Local evaluation helps Central Texas understand how well workforce education and training programs are supporting people and employers across the region. By tracking enrollment, completion, employment, and earnings, the evaluation offers insight into whether training leads to real opportunity in a region with a high cost of living.
Year Two findings show continued momentum, with growth in participation, strong employment outcomes, and sustained gains in earnings.
Key takeaways within the evaluation period (Oct 2022 – Sept 2023) include:
1. The Regional Workforce Pipeline Continued to Grow
- 16,092 residents enrolled in Hire Local focus industry training programs — up more than 1,200 from Year One.
- Enrollment growth was strongest in business programs and skilled trades & manufacturing.
- The region is building capacity without oversaturating the labor market — completers continue to align with available job openings.
2. More Residents Completed Training, and Most Found Jobs
- 4,681 residents completed training, an increase from Year One.
- 70% of completers found employment in the first quarter after completion.
- Employment rates were strongest in healthcare and skilled trades & manufacturing programs (77% and 74%, respectively).
3. Earnings Gains Were Substantial and Widespread
- 84% of employed completers experienced an increase in income after completing training.
- Median quarterly earnings rose to $9,795 in the first quarter post-completion.
- This represents a $7,029 increase per quarter compared to pre-enrollment earnings.
4. Measuring Success Beyond Poverty Tells a Clearer Story
Rather than relying on a single income benchmark, Hire Local examines multiple earnings thresholds tied to affordability:
- The share of completers earning above 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines doubled (23% → 48%).
- The share able to afford a one-bedroom apartment independently more than tripled (4% → 13%).
- The share earning above the City of Austin living wage doubled.
5. Income Gains Continued Beyond the First Quarter
- One year after completion, 79% of Year One participants were employed.
- Median annual earnings reached $44,824, exceeding projections based on first-quarter wages by 15%.
Read the full report to explore how Hire Local data and Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s performance demonstrate the role of training and wraparound services in supporting long-term economic mobility across Central Texas.