Find a Job Now
Get support and connect with local employers.

Train for a New Career
Explore training for in-demand, stable careers.

Attend a Career Workshop
Build job-search skills through live workshops.

Attend Hiring Events
Meet employers hiring now.

Austin Infrastructure Academy
Careers in construction, transportation, and skilled trades.

Youth Services
Support for ages 14–24 to build skills, explore careers, and find work.

Veteran Services
Priority support and career services for veterans and their spouses.

Business Solutions
Hiring and training support tailored to your workforce goals.

Case Studies
See how local employers solve workforce challenges with us.

Host or Join Hiring Events
Connect directly with job seekers.

Major Events at a Glance
Explore upcoming workforce and industry events in the region.

Healthcare
Collaborating with industry leaders to grow the healthcare workforce.

Mobility & Infrastructure
Advancing talent pipelines for construction, transportation, and skilled trades.

Industry Reports & Insights
Labor market reports and insights to support workforce planning.

Labor Market Dashboard
Data on the regional labor force, employment, jobs, and wages.

Podcast
Conversations shaping Austin’s jobs, economy, and future.

For Parents
Access to affordable, high-quality child care and family support.

For Providers
Partnerships and resources to support quality child care programs.

Success Stories & Testimonials
Real stories from families and providers we support.

Category: Employers

  • ABC Copy Co Builds its Manufacturing Workforce with the Subsidized Employment Program

    ABC Copy Co Builds its Manufacturing Workforce with the Subsidized Employment Program

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area, through its dedicated Business Consultant in the Manufacturing Industry, has forged a strong partnership with ABC Copy Co, a well-established Travis County manufacturer. This collaboration has led to ABC Copy Co joining the Subsidized Employment (SE) program, which aims to connect employers with skilled job seekers while providing financial support to participating businesses. The initiative focuses on filling critical positions at ABC Copy Co, particularly in the customer service department.

    The Need

    ABC Copy Co, like many small local businesses, faced challenges in finding qualified candidates to fill three entry-level positions in their customer service department. As a company with a strong commitment to serving the Austin community, ABC Copy Co sought to hire individuals who shared their values of hard work, creativity, and dedication to customer satisfaction. However, the competitive job market and limited resources made it difficult for them to attract and retain the right talent. Recognizing the need for assistance, ABC Copy Co reached out to WFS Capital Area for support in finding suitable candidates.

    The Solution

    Our Business Consultant, specializing in the Manufacturing Industry, worked closely with ABC Copy Co to understand their specific hiring needs and requirements. Through a comprehensive screening and matching process, the consultant identified James R. as an ideal candidate for the General Production Helper position. James, a Travis County resident and job seeker, possessed the necessary skills, experience, and work ethic to excel in this role. To support both ABC Copy Co and James, Workforce Solutions Capital Area enrolled the company in the Subsidized Employment (SE) program. This program offers a 12-week internship, during which the employer receives financial subsidies to offset the costs of hiring and training new employees. James officially started his full-time (40 hours per week) SE Internship as a General Production Helper at ABC Copy Co on June 10, 2024, with an anticipated end date of August 30, 2024.

    Outcomes + Benefits

    The partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and ABC Copy Co has yielded significant benefits. ABC Copy Co gained a valuable team member in James, who quickly adapted to his role and contributed to the company’s productivity and customer satisfaction. The financial support provided through the SE program alleviated some of the financial burdens associated with hiring and training new employees, allowing ABC Copy Co to focus on growing their business and serving their customers. This successful collaboration demonstrates the positive impact that Workforce Solutions Capital Area can have on the local community. By connecting employers with skilled job seekers and providing financial support through programs like Subsidized Employment, Workforce Solutions Capital Area contributes to the economic growth and stability of Travis County. Small local businesses, such as ABC Copy Co, benefit from access to a pool of qualified candidates and financial assistance, while residents, like James, gain opportunities for employment and professional development. As the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and ABC Copy Co continues to thrive, it serves as a shining example of how targeted initiatives, collaborative efforts, and innovative programs can bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, fostering a stronger and more resilient workforce in Travis County.

    Partnerships and Enabling Public Policies

    The success story of ABC Copy Co and James R. highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and enabling public policies in creating a thriving workforce ecosystem in Travis County. Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s collaboration with local businesses, such as ABC Copy Co, demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in addressing the unique challenges faced by employers and job seekers. Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s Business Consultant played a crucial role in facilitating this partnership by understanding ABC Copy Co’s specific needs and matching them with a qualified candidate. This personalized approach showcases the importance of having dedicated professionals who can bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship. Furthermore, the Subsidized Employment (SE) program, which provided financial support to ABC Copy Co for hiring James R., is a testament to the effectiveness of enabling public policies. This program recognizes the financial challenges that small local businesses often face when hiring and training new employees. By offering subsidies, the SE program encourages employers to take on new hires, creating opportunities for job seekers who might otherwise struggle to find employment. The success of the SE program in this case underscores the need for continued investment in similar initiatives. Our partnership with ABC Copy Co highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between workforce boards and private businesses. By working together, these entities can identify and address the specific challenges faced by different industries and communities. This collaboration can lead to the development of targeted solutions, such as customized training programs, job fairs, and mentorship opportunities, which can help bridge the skills gap and prepare job seekers for the demands of the modern workforce.

    Our tailored solutions at various levels of support can assist your business with awareness-raising, training, placement, and upskilling. Learn more and contact us to begin.

  • Rethink Hiring to Sustain Global Tech Competitiveness | Tech Industry Snapshot (June 2024)

    Rethink Hiring to Sustain Global Tech Competitiveness | Tech Industry Snapshot (June 2024)

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) regularly analyzes the regional labor market to identify the most in-demand industries and occupations.

    Our new white paper gives a snapshot of Austin area tech workforce so that local companies and organizations can prepare for their hiring needs. This report offers data and innovative solutions to meet talent demand through Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s business solutions.

    Read the white paper for more on the tech talent pipeline and where to look for strategies to attract and retain that talent.

    Grow your business through talent: Workforce Solutions is uniquely positioned to help employers of all industries directly connect with local job seekers and talent. We’re collaborative and can tailor services based on your company’s needs. Get started.

     

  • How WFS Capital Area Assists MoboTrex in Hiring Their Manufacturing Workforce

    How WFS Capital Area Assists MoboTrex in Hiring Their Manufacturing Workforce

     

     

    MoboTrex is a partner company that found success at two of our recent industry-focused job fairs. These events are an important service that Workforce Solutions Capital Area provides on a frequent basis. Last year, our Business Solutions Unit managed 71 job fairs, attended by 4,421 job seekers. These job seekers are provided with the opportunity to find potential jobs with local employers hiring for immediate openings. In addition to the benefits to job seekers, these fairs can also serve as a place where employers can network with one another to build new relationships.

    The Need
    When MoboTrex tabled at a manufacturing-focused job fair in winter 2023, their organization had a process technician opening that had been vacant for more than 2 months, since finding a qualified candidate for this role can be difficult in a competitive labor market. Process technicians require specific skills to help with implementing corrective actions on production lines, and they are also tasked with improving overall manufacturing processes.

    The Solution
    For all Targeted Industry job fairs, WFS Capital Area’s Business Solutions Team conducts targeted outreach. In addition to inviting the general public, the BSU identifies (through WIT, the UI Claimant List, LinkedIn) and invites individuals with experience in the selected industry, knowing they possess the skills necessary for attending employers.

    Targeted Industry events are highly desirable to these customers, since they will find multiple employers in that customer’s field of interest, unlike a general job fair, which could have 30 employers, only one of which represents the targeted industry. During a quarterly manufacturing focused job fair at WFS Capital Area, MoboTrex identified a candidate who had extensive experience in similar manufacturing settings. After speaking to the candidate, MoboTrex quickly acted on scheduling an interview and hired them soon after.

    Outcomes + Benefits
    According to MoboTrex, the individual first started as a temporary employee and soon after transitioned into a permanent position after displaying excellent performance. The company advised that training the individual was simple because of the foundational knowledge they brought with them. Additionally, MoboTrex mentioned that the individual’s Spanish speaking ability helped numerous coworkers who were not fluent in English.

    “We always look forward to attending the job fairs organized by WFS Capital Area,” said Josie Mancilla, Senior Human Resources Generalist.

    During a more recent manufacturing job fair in February, MoboTrex once again found success in hiring a job seeker for an assembly position. MoboTrex noted that meeting with potential candidates in-person has been beneficial to having customers gain employment faster. Putting a face to the resume and building an initial rapport moves a candidate higher up on the candidate list.

    Another exciting benefit of these industry events is the networking opportunities available to employers. At the same event at which they found their process technician, MoboTrex initiated conversations with other vendors and says that it is a great place to meet new companies.

    “We get a chance to meet qualified candidates, understand what skills are out there and gives us a chance to mingle with other companies as well. We enjoy sharing with the participants information about our organization as well as trying to encourage them to continue seeking that job that is out there for them. To never give up. Also, it is a great opportunity to step out of the office for a few hours to see as well as feel a different perspective of what is going on in the job market,” Josie said.

    Partnerships and Enabling Public Policies
    Since our partnership in early 2021, MoboTrex has continuously participated in multiple job fairs and has utilized multiple recruiting services we offer such as posting 25 jobs on WorkinTexas.com that ended up receiving a total of 72 staff-created referrals. MoboTrex is also in the process of potentially creating a subsidized employment opportunity for Workforce Solutions customers.

    MoboTrex is building a skilled workforce with assistance from WFS Capital Area. We can help grow your business through talent. Our tailored solutions can assist your organization with awareness-raising, training, placement, and upskilling. Learn more about how we can assist your business.

  • Austin’s Workforce Solutions Capital Area receives 2024 ‘Trailblazer’ Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards

    Austin’s Workforce Solutions Capital Area receives 2024 ‘Trailblazer’ Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards

    Austin/Travis County workforce board recognized for role in establishing Central Texas’ first-ever Mobility Industry Sector Partnership


    AUSTIN, Texas–Workforce Solutions Capital Area, the non-profit organization that serves as the leadership and governing body for the Austin/Travis County area workforce system, has received national honors in the highly competitive National Association of Workforce Boards 2024 Awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives by workforce organizations and their partners.

    Winner of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Trailblazer Award for efforts put into projects, strategic planning, and unique labor and demand forecast, WFSCA received merit for its role in establishing the first-ever Mobility Industry Sector Partnership with local transit authority CapMetro and Austin Transit Partnership in 2023.

    “I’m incredibly proud of our team and our partners for supporting us in creating and implementing comprehensive workforce solutions to connect thousands more local people to jobs and careers in the burgeoning mobility and infrastructure sector,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “I also want to thank Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown for co-chairing the Mobility and Infrastructure Leadership Group and their efforts to provide local people with life-long career opportunities.”

    Since the Mobility Industry Sector Partnership was initiated last year, WFSCA and partners have established a policy leadership group and a working industry group, which have engaged stakeholders and led focus groups, analysis and a comprehensive research study. The study, ‘Building a Robust Labor Force to Deliver Generational Infrastructure,’ provided crucial insights into the sector by examining the existing capacity of Austin’s mobility and infrastructure workforce, forecasting its growth trajectory until 2040, and presenting solutions that exist both nationally and within the region to fortify the workforce development ecosystem.

    The WIOA Trailblazer Award will be presented this month at The Forum 2024 in Washington, D.C., a conference specifically for workforce development leaders, businesses and educators.

    “I’m thankful for the training providers, community-based organizations, and job creators who have come together in our Mobility Industry Sector Partnership to innovate, inspire, and impact workforce development in ways that truly make a difference,” Mark Sherry, board chair at Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “It truly feels like we are setting the pace with this work and blazing a trail forward.”

    For more information about Workforce Solutions Capital Area, please visit www.wfscapitalarea.com.

    ###

    About Workforce Solutions Capital Area

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves as the leadership and governing body for the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. They are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Learn more at WFSCapitalArea.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

  • Austin Manufacturing Labor Market Overview (Nov 2023)

    Austin Manufacturing Labor Market Overview (Nov 2023)

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) regularly analyzes the regional labor market to identify the most in-demand industries and occupations.

    So that Austin area businesses and organizations can better understand the local business climate, WFS published a new report offering offers local manufacturing employer perspectives, data, and innovative solutions to meet talent demand through our region’s industry sector partnership (the Central Texas Manufacturing Partnership, convened by WFS and Austin Regional Manufacturers Association).

    What they’re saying:

    • Rick Loofs, chief operating officer at Cangshan Cutlery: “The lack of qualified skilled talent in the area is a significant regional issue. Any one employer may be able to lure a candidate or two away from another company, but the problem is still going to exist for all of us. We have to work together across industries and in collaboration with education, government, and organizations like ARMA and Workforce Solutions to do just that – find solutions!”

    Read the full report for more on the competition for talent in Austin’s fast-growing manufacturing industry and where to look for strategies to attract and retain that talent.

    Grow your business through talent: Workforce Solutions is uniquely positioned to help employers of all industries directly connect with local job seekers and talent. We’re collaborative and can tailor services based on your company’s needs. Get started.

  • Building a Robust Labor Force to Deliver Generational Infrastructure

    Building a Robust Labor Force to Deliver Generational Infrastructure

    Considering the imminent arrival of several large-scale projects, Austin must prepare itself for the heightened demand for M+I workers. Building A Robust Labor Force to Deliver Generational Infrastructure is Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure (M+I) sector, initiated to inform the region’s action plan for connecting local people to the thousands of jobs and careers created by the M+I industries.

    Why it matters: With the investment in transformational regional infrastructure, we can address Austin’s affordability challenges by creating family-supporting jobs and sustainable career pathways, while improving regional mobility.

    • Austin can cultivate a strong and skilled labor force capable of undertaking these large-scale mobility and infrastructure projects, thereby redefining economic development prospects to foster prosperity for all.

    Big picture: Austin, now the ninth-largest city in the nation, has grown by 14% in the past five years, sparking increased demand for new housing, improved roads, and other infrastructure enhancements.

    • This rapid expansion underscores the critical need for a robust M+I workforce, equipped to manage, supervise, and construct infrastructure projects.
    • Currently, Austin’s M+I sector employs over 222,000 workers, positioning it as the region’s second-largest sector, surpassing both healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

    Zoom out: The M+I industry has gained significant national attention, with the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, resulting in a historic investment of $2.5T.

    • A significant portion of this funding, approximately $500 billion, is allocated to infrastructure projects and is closely linked to workforce development.[1] Consequently, the M+I industry urgently requires a forward-looking workforce development system.
    • Approximately 1.7M workers leave their positions annually, highlighting the substantial efforts needed to fill these vacancies. The recent federal legislation is anticipated to generate an additional 1.5M jobs annually.[2]
    • Of note: The industry has been criticized for its lack of inclusivity towards younger workers, women, and people of color. Therefore, inclusive training programs targeting non-traditional populations and providing access to well-paying jobs are imperative to meet the escalating demand for projects.

    Bottom line: Our research provides crucial insights into the M+I sector by examining the existing capacity of Austin’s M+I workforce, forecasting its growth trajectory until 2040, and presenting solutions that exist both nationally and within the region to fortify the workforce development ecosystem. 

    The 10 most relevant trends for defining the current gaps and future opportunities in the M+I sector are:

    1. 10,000 M+I jobs created annually through 2040.
    2. The region’s existing skill shortages could hamper project success.
    3. Even the deepest wells of talent will be spread thin.
    4. A 4,000 annual training gap could exacerbate skill shortages.
    5. 6 in 10 M+I workers earn a prevailing wage.
    6. Women account for only 14% of the M+I workforce.
    7. Automation is set to impact M+I jobs more significantly than most other sectors.
    8. Employers seem to be disconnected from the skilled trade talent pool within the region.
    9. There is no consistent standard training period for the region’s M+I training initiatives.
    10. Present-day recruiting methods in the M+I sector are limited.

    If you are a job creator who recruits for roles or coordinates contracts or training for jobs in the M+I landscape — everything from transit operators to mechanics and engineers — your voice is needed. Sign up to learn more about the industry sector partnership and to join us for future work sessions.

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area is on point to gauge how our community meets the moment and fills the roles this burgeoning economic sector will require, alongside Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and their appointed Mobility & Infrastructure Leadership Group. An action plan is in development by the Leadership Group to bring thousands more residents into M+I jobs in our region. One of the first action items from this partnership was to deliver this research study.


    [1] Ross, Martha, Joseph Kane, Felix Laniyan, and Annelies Goger. “How State and Local Leaders Can Harness New Infrastructure Funding to Build a Stronger, More Inclusive Workforce.” Brookings, March 24, 2023. https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-state-and-local-leaders-can-harness-new-infrastructure-funding-to-build-a-stronger-more-inclusive-workforce/.
    [2] Kane, Joseph. “Seizing the U.S. Infrastructure Opportunity: Investing in Current and Future Workers

  • What’s the plan for Austin’s economy-growers now?

    What’s the plan for Austin’s economy-growers now?

     

    When it comes to labor, the biggest challenge is having the skilled labor to fill available positions, said Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area. From 2021 to 2026, job growth in the region is forecasted to grow 12.5%, which is nearly three times more than what’s projected for the U.S.

    It’s on regional partners to make sure companies in industries that are expanding can fill those jobs with training, upskilling or apprenticeships. She called economic and workforce development “two sides of the same coin.”

    Go deeper.

     

  • Experts Weigh In On Educating, Training Workforce

    Experts Weigh In On Educating, Training Workforce

     

    The annual State of Workforce & Education Summit was hosted by the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater San Marcos Partnership, bringing both local and statewide leaders together to discuss the current conditions of education and employment.

    Paul Fletcher, CEO of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Adrian Lopez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Alamo, came before the audience in a panel discussion designed to shed light on how to bolster the workforce ecosystem across their organizations and the region generally.

    Go deeper.

     

  • Healthcare Workforce Development: Vital Signs & Preventative Care (June 2023)

    Healthcare Workforce Development: Vital Signs & Preventative Care (June 2023)

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) regularly analyzes the regional labor market to identify the most in-demand industries and occupations.

    So that Austin area businesses and organizations can better understand the local business climate, WFS published a new report offering offers local healthcare employer perspectives, data, and innovative solutions to meet talent demand through our region’s industry sector partnership (the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership or CTHP, convened by WFS).

    What they’re saying:

    • Jay Huckabee, market chief HR executive at Ascension Seton and active member of the CTHP: “We’re all competitors, but at the end of the day, we’re here for the community and making sure we’re taking care of our patients… We have to solve the challenges of healthcare in this community as a team. We’re not going to do it individually.”

    Read the full report for more on the competition for talent in Austin’s fast-growing healthcare industry and where to look for strategies to attract and retain that talent.

    Grow your business through talent: Workforce Solutions is uniquely positioned to help employers of all industries directly connect with local job seekers and talent. We’re collaborative and can tailor services based on your company’s needs. Get started.

  • Samsung hosts two Taylor High teachers

    Samsung hosts two Taylor High teachers

     

    Samsung Austin Semiconductor and the Taylor Independent School District have partnered once again.

    Two Taylor High School teachers visited the semiconductor factory in Austin for three days last week, July 11-13, as part of the Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s Educator Externship Program.

    Go deeper.