Joint initiative to Amplify the Strength of the Central Texas Workforce Ecosystem
Opportunity Austin, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area partner to support regional industry growth
AUSTIN, Texas—This month, Opportunity Austin, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area formally announced the Workforce Industry Insights partnership, a joint initiative designed to amplify the strength of the Central Texas workforce ecosystem and support the region’s rapidly growing industries.
“The strength of our regional economy is directly tied to the strength of our workforce,” Edward Latson, chief executive officer of Opportunity Austin, said. “This partnership is a critical step toward showing the world how Central Texas is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the growing industries we have.”
Through white papers, case studies and data reports, the three organizations will provide data-driven insights tailored to current and prospective employers in Central Texas. The materials will highlight hiring trends, workforce needs and proven strategies, showcasing how regional collaboration between education, economic development and community organizations supports regional growth.
“Our region’s workforce development efforts have been recognized nationally for our collaborative approach to building talent pipelines,” Yael Lawson, interim chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “This partnership will enhance that work by providing meaningful workforce data to local employers from our high-demand industries, including skilled trades, manufacturing, healthcare, IT and mobility and infrastructure.”
In an ongoing effort to deliver impactful and evidence-based insights, the three organizations are aligning on data standards and refining their shared analysis to ensure consistent content that resonates with stakeholders and decision-makers. The white papers will focus on high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, information technology, mobility and infrastructure, healthcare, and the future workforce pipeline from K-12, early education and childcare.
The most recent Workforce Industry Insights white paper focuses on the information technology industry, revealing that IT related occupations in the Austin region grew by 46%, adding 30,000 jobs and bringing the total number of workers to nearly 95,000 over five years.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping employers thrive in a competitive talent market while fostering long-term economic vitality for Central Texas,” Paul Fletcher, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, said. “Helping more local residents get on career paths that lead to family-sustaining wages and helping businesses in our region prepare for workforce needs will benefit both the individuals and our region’s overall economy.”
The partnership comes at a critical time for the region with growth in key sectors that include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, life sciences and semiconductors. Over the past two decades, more than 2,500 companies have chosen Central Texas as their new home, more than 238,000 direct jobs have been created and a total of more than 700,000 new jobs have emerged, further underscoring the need for a collaborative regional workforce strategy.
To learn more about the Workforce Industry Insights partnership and access workforce data and materials, visit this link.
About Opportunity Austin
Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it. To learn more, visit opportunityaustin.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, X and YouTube.
About Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area is a nonprofit community partnership providing no-cost recruitment, employment services, and childcare assistance to businesses, employers, and job seekers in the Rural Capital Area of Central Texas. This nine-county region includes Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, and Williamson counties. For more details on WSRCA and the services it offers, visit www.workforcesolutionsrca.com.
