STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2027
Austin’s Hire Local Plan
So that everyone in our region can build a career, and every employer can hire local.
Hire Local History
The Hire Local Plan broadens the aperture of the first Community Workforce Plan to achieve three big things for workforce development: 1) increase skilled local talent while better defining the region’s capacity for training, 2) improve income for local people by creating an affordability index; and 3) grow payrolls for local businesses.
March 2017
Launched Austin Metro Area Community Workforce Plan
Created a first-of-its-kind common agenda and framework for a more demand-driven, collaborative workforce system; evaluated training and wage outcomes from 2017-2021
November 2021
Conducted community engagement sessions to shape next plan
With the Community Workforce Plan’s evaluation window passed, Workforce Solutions Capital Area directly engaged community members and organizations in long-range planning and programming activities
April 2022
Launched Austin’s Hire Local Plan
The next Community Workforce Plan iteration broadened the aperture to better define the region’s capacity for training and create an affordability index
Nov 2022
Final year analysis for Community Workforce Plan completed
Evaluated training and wage outcomes for Oct 2020 – Sept 2021.
April 2023
Adopted Mobility + Infrastructure as Newest Target Industry
Based on Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s outlook on the future workforce needs and growth of this region
Sept 2023
First analysis of the Hire Local Plan completed
Evaluated Austin metro area training and wage outcomes from Oct 2021 through Sept 2022.
In the News
Stories of the progress, partnerships, and milestones driving economic opportunity for all.
Goals + Objectives
We focus on boosting access and eliminating barriers for careers in growth industries through education, employer collaboration, and comprehensive childcare support.
Focus Industries
Healthcare; Information Technology; Skilled Trades; Manufacturing; and Mobility and Infrastructure (includes industry-supporting business roles)
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Goal 1: Career Awareness + Enrollment
We cultivate interest in high-demand, quality entry- and mid-level careers
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Goal 2: Career Readiness + Training
We remove barriers and equip workers with the skills they need to succeed
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Goal 3: Employment
We connect employers with local talent to fill quality entry-level jobs and good-paying career pathways
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Goal 4: Upskilling
We assist frontline and mid-level workers in acquiring skills and higher-pay through employer-based partnerships
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Goal 5: Child Care
We support workers and employers by increasing access to affordable high-quality childcare, promoting early learning, and fostering long-term self-sufficiency for families
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Target Populations
We serve all Austin-Travis County residents but have identified three populations with greater need/opportunity based on local data.
Latest Outcomes
See insights and impact achieved through the Hire Local Plan.