Category: Mobility, Infrastructure & Skilled Trades

The Other Ones Foundation, or TOOF, cut the ribbon on a vocational skills center that will serve the homeless population in Austin.

The John Paul DeJoria Vocational Skills Center opened Friday at the Esperanza Community. Its goal is to “host a new approach to homelessness services” by offering vocational training and services, according to a joint release from TOOF and JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation.

According to TOOF, the services offered at the vocational center are some of the fastest-growing and high-paying trades, as identified by the Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFSCA).

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City Council on Thursday approved a $5 million contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to start and manage the Austin Infrastructure Academy for 12 months. In addition to job training, the contract with Workforce Solutions includes the provision of child care services and job placement assistance for mobility and infrastructure related positions. Council approved the contract unanimously with Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison absent.

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Austin City Council held a meeting Thursday to go over multiple items focused on various aspects of city improvements.

The City Council also approved an interlocal contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area to create the Austin Infrastructure Academy. The Academy will provide workforce training, and childcare services, plus job placement assistance for Austinites in construction, skilled trades, and operations.

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The yet-to-open Austin Infrastructure Academy just received a $5 million boost from the city.

The funding — which will be overseen by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and go towards workforce training, childcare services and job placement assistance — was approved by the City Council during its Oct. 10 meeting.

In March, the council directed city staff to lay groundwork for a program to bolster workforce development in the city, which resulted in the Austin Infrastructure Academy.

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