We read the Workforce Potential Project Labor Market Analysis, recently released by the Austin Area Research Organization and the Ray Marshall Center and just knew we had to share. There are many Austinites who are unaware that workforce development is one of the most pressing issues that our community faces. The statistics are out there about how well-educated our community is, but this does not always translate to a well-developed workforce. Austin has jobs and Austin has the unemployed.
What would the ideal situation be? Our community filling those jobs with the unemployed members of our community. This recent study highlights why Austin needs to train those workers to do this and to start today. Here are some key findings from the report:
- Not having a four-year degree does not have to mean a lower-paying job. There are many jobs available, paying $18.00 per hour, in Austin that require less than a bachelor’s degree.
- Soft skills matter. “Employability skills,” such as good work habits, are needed to secure nearly any job in Austin.
- Our Adult Workforce programs are right on target. The Workforce Potential Project highlighted 17 occupations who are expected to have 2,720 minimum expected openings through 2018. On the list? Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVAC Mechanics, HVAC Technicians, Electricians, Executive Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Healthcare positions a.k.a. all of the positions that our Adult Workforce programs train adults to fill.
Read more about our Adult Workforce Council, Gateway Trainings, Empower Computer Literacy Program and soon-to-launch NEXT program. If you’d like to get involved with our programs, contact Casey Smith at csmith@skillpointalliance.org.
Recent Comments