The holy grail of economic development is workforce development, and no one understands that better than Jerry W. Jones Jr., executive director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC).
Category: Manufacturing
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June 2025 Manufacturing Industry Snapshot, Austin Metro
From robotics classrooms to registered apprenticeships, the journey to a thriving manufacturing workforce begins early and grows with every opportunity to learn, train, and upskill. In Central Texas, that journey is backed by strong regional partnerships linking K12 systems, higher education, and employers.
In-demand roles like CNC programmers and industrial engineers have grown by over 40% since 2019.
Students and veterans alike are engaging with hands-on training through programs like Semiconductor Technician Advance Rapid Start (STARS) and the Make It Center.
Employers are retaining top talent through zero-cost apprenticeship models, supported by local workforce boards and training providers.
Explore how Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Opportunity Austin, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, and the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association are aligning efforts to grow and sustain our regional talent pipelines.
Read the white paper for workforce trends and industry partnership highlights.
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Job fair seeks Austin workers for infrastructure, manufacturing openings
Austin-area job seekers interested in manufacturing careers will have the opportunity to meet with local employers at the 2025 Manufacturing Job Fair.
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‘Center of the universe’: ACC announces plan to extend semiconductor training nationally
Austin Community College ― a semiconductor workforce training leader in Central Texas that has been recognized with federal grants secured by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and gifts from major manufacturers NXP and Samsung ― is partnering with other companies to share its semiconductor training curriculum nationally, officials announced Wednesday.
Central Texas has attracted significant manufacturing industry growth, but a Workforce Solutions report last year showed there are “significant shortages” in manufacturing technicians — a job that requires more than a high school degree but less than a four-year college degree — in the Austin metro area due to its rapid growth.
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Preparing Our Future Workforce to Support Manufacturing Growth | Manufacturing Industry Snapshot (Oct 2024)
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to material shortages and logistics disruptions that have impacted Austin’s growing manufacturing sector.
As regional and industry growth continue (24% industry growth over the next 10 years), local manufacturers must address labor shortages and invest in developing their workforce to build a more resilient and adaptable supply chain infrastructure.
Read the white paper for more labor market insights and see how Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA), and Opportunity Austin are preparing our future workforce to support industry growth.
Looking to connect with future talent and strengthen your workforce in manufacturing and other industries? Become a Talent Ambassador for Opportunity Austin to get better access to local talent! Get started.
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Job fairs seeking workers with disabilities, manufacturing experience
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is helping to promote a pair of career fairs to help connect local workers with prospective employers, including those looking to fill thousands of manufacturing and skilled trades jobs needed locally in the coming decade.
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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.
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Central Texas employers eye new talent pool — laid-off Tesla workers
Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said in a statement that the Austin metro’s advanced manufacturing and transportation sectors have added about 5,000 jobs over the past 12 months.
“We have seen a steady increase in job openings in the Austin metro, especially in advanced manufacturing,” said Atkinson, whose organization provides job training and assistance. “Manufacturers across Central Texas are eager to hire people with these skills.”
Still, that doesn’t mean all of the laid-off Tesla employees will quickly find new jobs or have the skills that are viewed as in high demand in the metro. For them, job training and assistance agencies, such as Workforce Solutions and Skillpoint Alliance, say they stand at the ready.
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National Institute for Innovation and Technology Hosts Austin Semiconductor Panel, Awards GlobalFoundries & Applied Materials, Inc. for Pioneering Semiconductor Registered Apprenticeships
Today the National Institute for Innovation and Technology™ —the nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development and U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) national Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) throughout semiconductor and nanotechnology-related industry supply chains—awarded two semiconductor industry giants, GlobalFoundries® and Applied Materials, Inc. for their work in establishing semiconductor manufacturing RAs.
Representatives from both companies were presented with the awards during “Texas Transistors: Building a Stronger Semiconductor Talent Pipeline,” a live-panel event held in Austin, TX, with stakeholders in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. GlobalFoundries was awarded for instituting the nation’s first semiconductor Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which graduated its first apprentices last year at the company’s manufacturing facility in Malta, New York. The company also has a successful RAP at its Essex Junction, Vermont, manufacturing facility.
The awardees participated in the panels alongside other experts from NXP Semiconductors® and ManpowerGroup®, and leaders at the Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area boards.
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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.