SOLUTIONS Winter 2010 Vol. 7, No. 1

Making the Transition Opportunities opening up for workers seeking to make a change to skills-oriented careers Inside Up Front

Tom Pauken 3 | Job seekers transition to emerging TWC Chairman skilled trade occupations As we begin this new decade, 4 |  Workforce Commission America finds itself in the midst of the most serious national recession facing presents 13th annual conference our nation since the time of the Great Depression. Nationally, unemployment has risen to double-digit levels, while 6 | Workforce system expands services businesses have been forced to cut costs as they seek to navigate through in response to economic recession these troubled economic waters. While Texas remains the number one 8 | Work Opportunity Tax Credit program place in America to do business, we are not immune from these negative trends. expands eligibility I do believe, however, that Texas is best positioned to lead the rest of the nation | toward economic recovery. 9 Experience Works program aids older Let me just cite a couple of workers in job searches, training reasons: First, our Texas state government remained fiscally responsible when the 10 | Workforce News Around the State economy was booming. While other large states, like and New York, went on spending sprees during the economic good times thanks to Gov. and our legislative leaders Texas kept state spending at On the cover: Anwar Ali sits in the cab of an 18-wheeler truck. Ali launched sensible levels. Texas balanced its his own trucking company with help from Workforce Investment Act-funded budget in the last legislative session and training he received. Photo by James A. Johnson even set aside money in a “rainy day fund” in case the economy got worse – which it has. Meanwhile, states like California and New York are insolvent. Texas Workforce Commission It will take years for those states, and other taxing entities that overspent to Tom Pauken dig their way out of the financial mess Chairman they find themselves in today. Ronny Congleton Secondly, our Texas community Commissioner Representing Labor college system is an underappreciated asset for Texas. Even in difficult Andres Alcantar economic times, the demand for Commissioner Representing the Public skilled workers remains strong. The community colleges in our state do a fine job in working closely with local Editor Kate Hourin Submissions, suggestions and economic development officials and the Texas Workforce Commission to Designer & Writer Shannon Thomas address changes should be sent to: Writer & Photographer Joe Anna Haydon provide students with the necessary Solutions Editor Writer & Photographer James A. Johnson career training for the demands of the Writer Ann Hatchitt Texas Workforce Commission workplace at a reasonable cost. Writer Lisa Givens Communications We Texans can’t control what Writer Debbie Pitts 101 E. 15th St., Room 665 Washington policymakers do to help E-mail Solutions staff at [email protected] Austin, TX 78778-0001 The state of Texas complies with all state and get Americans back to work. But, we federal laws relating to the Americans with Dis- (512) 463-0221, phone can continue to follow the course abilities Act. Call (512) 463-2400 to obtain this (512) 463-2710, fax that is working successfully in Texas publication in an alternative format. Solutions and be prepared to lead America also is available via the Internet at www.texas- back as national economic prospects workforce.org under Publications. This publica- tion is recyclable. improve. ■

2 Solutions Winter 2010 Workforce Focus

Change Can Work: Workers find that career transition can be smart a move By James A. Johnson Transitioning from a salaried or degree-required position into a hands-on or skilled trade can turn out to be a positive move, said Debby Kratky, director of Capacity Building and Training for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. Job seekers who limit their employment search could be missing opportunities found in jobs better suited for them, she said. Job hunters seeking flexible schedules, outdoor or independent work, or opportunities to explore life beyond an office setting may choose among emerging skilled Anwar Ali examines the tire of an 18-wheeler truck. Ali completed a four-week WIA- trade occupations such as welders, funded training program at a Fort Worth trucking school, obtained his Commercial truck drivers, and in the renewable Driver’s License, and launched his own trucking company. Photo by James Johnson energy field, Kratky said. $50,000-plus a year. “I can now adjust my schedule “Job seekers should see this After eight years in restaurant around family commitments and in economic downturn as a time to management, Jeffrey Sanderson of an environment that is less stressful go after a position in a completely Austin was searching for a career for me personally,” he said. “That different area,” Kratky said. “Tools with more earning potential. By also means bringing less pressure are available at workforce centers, taking advantage of a scholarship home.” and they can look within themselves administered by Workforce The economic downturn caused to ponder what they would like to do, Solutions Capital Area, Sanderson 37-year-old Anwar Ali of Fort not necessarily what they used to do.” is close to earning his Associate Worth to lose his lucrative 12- Shifting from a management of Applied Science in Renewable year airline pilot job. A frequent job has meant less stress and Energy degree at Austin Community Workforce Solutions for Tarrant responsibility for 49-year-old Steve College. County customer for eight weeks, Michalsky. He’s already landed a job Ali realized retraining could be the When a company he managed monitoring residential and answer to his job search. closed, Michalsky recognized it as commercial utility usage for Austin Ali found success after an opportunity to pursue a new Energy. completing a four-week Workforce career. After earning his structural “I’ve gained electronics skills Investment Act-funded training welding mastery certificate through I’ve always wanted and I’m more program at a Fort Worth trucking Skills Development Fund training financially secure,” Sanderson said. school, obtained his Commercial at Texas State Technical College, Fifty-four-year-old Frank Stuart of Driver’s License, and launched his Michalsky enjoys working full-time Waco spent 23 years teaching, which own trucking company. as a welder at Capitol Aggregates in lacked the flexibility he sought. He “In this economy, I had to look Marble Falls. now works in the restaurant industry at all career options,” said Ali, who “I’ve expanded skills in in which he prepares food, maintains now owns three trucks that generate something I enjoy, and I’m happier inventory, and benefits from the about $30,000 monthly. “I learned being part of a team again,” said record-keeping and organizational the importance of being solution- Michalsky, who anticipates earning skills he honed in teaching. oriented and positive.” ■

Winter 2010 Solutions 3 Agency Focus

13th annual conference held in Grapevine Education sessions, board and employer awards highlight event

By Shannon Thomas Positioning the Texas workforce for further growth and prosperity even in challenging economic times was a big theme at the 13th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held in Grapevine in December. During the conference, ‘Texas Workforce Solutions: Leading Texas Forward,’ numerous workforce boards were recognized for their efforts to help Texas employers and workers, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton (far left) and Chairman Tom Pauken (far right) flank executives of G3 Eateries-Arby’s Restaurant Laredo who especially with their training goals. received the 2009 Texas Workforce Employer of the Year Award at TWC’s 13th Annual Keynote speakers, breakout Texas Workforce Conference. In the wake of a devastating fire at its new Laredo Arby’s sessions, and awards ceremonies Restaurant franchise, G3 Eateries acted quickly to ensure that 42 recently hired work- ers remained employed. Photos by TWC staff

were among the many highlights of workers, and how they will shape our the Texas Workforce Commission national future,” said TWC Chairman (TWC) conference, attended by 1,530 Tom Pauken. Texas employers, educators, and Along with a slate of other workforce professionals. nationally recognized speakers, the “Now more than ever, Texans conference also featured dozens depend on the Texas Workforce of workshops aimed at helping Solutions network and the participants focus on issues affecting services we provide,” said TWC the workforce and attaining Commissioner Representing the economic development goals. Public Andres Alcantar. “We must “We have no greater challenge focus on assisting Texans to find as a country than getting everyone and retain good jobs, in addition to back to working good, meaningful upgrading their skills and providing jobs,” said TWC Commissioner our businesses with a skills-ready Representing Labor Ronny workforce that bolsters economic Congleton. “It is going to take every opportunity in our great state.” single one of us working together to The conference kicked off with get it done.” keynote speaker Neil Howe, who Another highlight of the spoke on Generations: Lifestyles and conference was the exhibit area, TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Workstyles. Howe is a best-selling where dozens of companies, Andres Alcantar speaks at the 13th Annual author, national speaker, and organizations, and different Texas Workforce Conference in Grapevine. renowned authority on generations in TWC departments set up booths “Texas employers that use valuable services available from their local workforce develop- America. and exhibits. The information- ment boards have a distinct advantage in “Howe examines what motivates sharing event gave participants the marketplace,” he said. today’s generation as consumers and the opportunity to network with

4 Solutions Winter 2010 Agency Focus

organizations and learn about new and innovative products and services available to best serve customers. Businesses and boards were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the TWC’s Skills Texas workforce system during the past year. Development Fund pro- In total, TWC awarded $2 million to various gram booth was one of more than 100 displays at boards for their efforts. The monetary TWC’s 13th Annual Texas awards will be used to enhance board service Workforce Conference in programs during the next year. Grapevine. TWC encour- Mark your calendars for the 14th ages Texas employers to Annual Texas Workforce Conference, to be take advantage of $90 held November 17-19, 2010, at the Hyatt million appropriated by the Regency – . for the 2010-2011 biennium .

EMPLOYER AND BOARD AWARDS Employer of the Year Industry Sector Outreach Award Workforce Solutions G3 Eateries LLC – Arby’s Restaurant Workforce Solutions Capital Area – $100,000 Laredo of the Coastal Bend – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions for South Texas of Central Texas – $100,000 Summer Youth Employment Award Workforce Solutions Current Workforce Award Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent – $100,000 Memorial Hermann Gulf Coast – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Lowest Overall Percentage of WIA Exemplary Awards Child Care Expenditures Spent on Transitional Workforce Award (First) Workforce Solutions Administrative/Operating Costs Project WISH Employer Consortium Central Texas – $100,000 Workforce Solutions (Workforce Innovative Solutions to (Second) Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast – $100,000 Homlessness) Capital Area – $75,000 Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (Third) Workforce Solutions South Plains – $50,000 Texoma – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Future Workforce Award for South Texas – $50,000 Port Arthur Industry and Community Performance Incentive Workforce Solutions Leaders Advisory Group Awards Texoma – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Claimant and Youth Performance Measures Most Improvement in Percentage Service to Business Award Workforce Solutions of Child Care Expenditures Spent Workforce Solutions Alamo – $200,000 on Administrative/Operating Costs for Tarrant County – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions South Plains – $100,000 Alamo – $100,000 Service to Workers Award Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas – $100,000 South Plains – $50,000 Heart of Texas – $50,000 Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions Texoma – $100,000 Panhandle – $50,000 Service to Community Award Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions Choices Participation Rate Texoma – $50,000 of West Central Texas – $50,000 Measures Workforce Solutions Alamo – $200,000

Winter 2010 Solutions 5 Workforce Focus

Katie Edmondson (right) is working towards her GED with the help of Ann Goode in her math class at the Waco Workforce Center. Photos by Joe Anna Haydon Facing the Challenge Workforce system expands services to meet growing demand By Ann Hatchitt challenges they faced and the obstacles During 2009, the demands on they overcame. the Texas workforce system reached The first evidence that the national unprecedented levels. As the system’s recession had reached Texas came in the most challenging year came to a close, form of the swiftly escalating number the largest number of job seekers and of unemployment benefit claimant calls claimants in the system’s history had to the Texas Workforce Commission received Unemployment Insurance (UI) (TWC) Tele-Center system. The record Ray’Anna Booker plays in the benefits, utilized workforce services, and number of calls placed heavy demand child care center at the Work- benefitted from training in new careers. on call center staff and phone capacity. force Solutions Heart of Texas TWC increased the number of call center workforce center in Waco while Thousands of agency, workforce board, and contractor staff can look back workers to 1,100 by year’s end — nearly her mom uses the resource doubling the number of staff handling room to look for a job. with a sense of accomplishment at the

6 Solutions Winter 2010 Workforce Focus the Tele-Center phone lines. TWC opened an additional call center in San Antonio, expanded capacity at other call centers, added phone lines, and increased the hours and days of the week that the Tele-Center phone lines were available. TWC added 349 Employment Services (ES) staff during 2009 to serve the increased numbers of individuals searching for employment during these tough economic times. In three metropolitan areas of the state, new workforce centers were created to focus specifically on the delivery of re-employment services to unemployed individuals. Texas served 1.8 million Employment Services (ES) customers between September 2008 and August 2009, an additional 400,000 ES customers compared to the same period a year ago. Of these ES customers, 831,644 Carleen Stafer, a former client of Workforce Solutions Heart of Texas, now works as a receptionist at the workforce center in Waco.

Texas Workforce Commission added 349 Employment Services staff during 2009 to serve the increased numbers of individuals searching for employment during these tough economic times.

were UI claimants, an additional More than 18,000 additional children 352,204 claimants receiving services per day will be served with ARRA through the workforce system over funds allocated to workforce boards the last year. for subsidized child care programs. Funds made available through Job growth in Texas during the the American Recovery and end of 2009 offers positive signs for Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the upcoming year, but the Texas Job seeker Craig Thomas (sitting) allowed TWC to expand existing Workforce system recognizes that receives help from Workforce Solutions many people continue to depend on Heart of Texas employee Tracy Breit- Workforce Investment Act, Wagner- kreutz as he navigates the computer in Peyser Employment Services, and the services we provide. ■ the resource room at the workforce cen- other programs. Nearly 20,000 ter in Waco. The number of job seekers youth participated in summer youth using the center’s resources has risen employment programs during the markedly in the past year, according to summer of 2009 funded by ARRA. Heart of Texas officials.

Winter 2010 Solutions 7 Workforce Focus Employer federal tax savings program expanded Two new groups added to Work Opportunity Tax Credit program By Debbie Pitts Texas employers are leaving Eligible WOTC Groups millions in federal tax credits Groups eligible for a WOTC of up Group eligible for a WOTC of up to unclaimed and the opportunity to $2,400: $1,200: for tax savings is now greater for • SNAP benefit recipients (formally • youth who live in empowerment those who choose to participate in known as food stamps) zones or renewal communities the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and are hired for temporary • unemployed veterans* summer work (WOTC) program. Employers • eligible disconnected youth* who hire unemployed veterans or • veterans receiving food stamps Group eligible for a WOTC of up to eligible 16- to 24-year-olds are now $4,800: • ex-felons entitled to receive up to $2,400 • disabled veterans in tax savings for each member • residents living within of those groups added to their empowerment zones, renewal Group eligible for a WOTC of up to communities or rural renewal $9,000 over two years: payrolls in 2009 and 2010. As part counties of the American Recovery and • long-term TANF benefit recipients • vocational rehabilitation referrals Reinvestment Act of 2009, these groups are now included with the • Supplemental Security Income *New group added as part of (SSI) recipients the American Recovery and existing 10 targeted populations Reinvestment Act of 2009 eligible for WOTC. • Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) benefit recipients WOTC is a federal income tax benefit, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission eligible for the tax credit based four weeks and youth must not (TWC), for private employers on applications received from the have been regularly employed or who hire from certain groups. new employer. Although TWC regularly attending school for six Tax credits range from $1,200 to was able to identify more than months prior to being hired. $9,000. WOTC reduces a business’ $200 million in tax credits for “Our company saved $114,000 tax liability, serving as an incentive Texas employers in FY 2009, there on our federal income taxes to select job candidates who face were many more credits available last year by hiring 85 qualifying barriers in their efforts to find that went unclaimed through the employees to work in our employment. underutilized program because restaurants,” said Joseph Hicks, “We want Texas employers applications were not submitted. Certified Public Accountant to earn valuable tax credits while WOTC offers employers a way to for Wright Foods, which owns benefitting from the skills of address workforce shortages while several restaurant franchises in the these often untapped groups of reducing hiring costs and gives job McAllen area. qualified workers,” said TWC seekers a way to overcome some Within each employee group, Chairman Tom Pauken. “It’s employment barriers. specific eligibility requirements particularly encouraging to me For the newly added groups to apply. All forms and WOTC that unemployed veterans now are qualify their employers for WOTC, information are available online at: included in this program.” new hires who are unemployed www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/wotc/ TWC certifies which newly veterans must have been receiving wotc.html, or by calling the TWC hired employees make an employer unemployment benefits for at least WOTC unit at 1-800-695-6879. ■

8 Solutions Winter 2010 Workforce Focus

Experience Works program helps link older workers to training, employment services By Joe Anna Haydon It is a tough job market, even tougher for older workers as they compete with younger applicants for the same limited pool of jobs. “On the phone, employers can’t tell what your age is, but once you are in the interview, they change,” said 67-year-old Claudia Bowden, who was laid off from her call center position. Bowden spent five months job searching before finding the Experience Works program through Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. Bowden participated in work- based training at the Weatherford Graham Workforce Site Manager Roger Mooney, left, accepts the Outstanding Host Workforce Center and secured full- Agency Award for Workforce Solutions North Texas from Experience Works’ Employment- Training Coordinator Janice Boase. Photo courtesy Experience Works time employment as the center’s account manager. When 58-year-old Mary Rippstine success. They are exhausted and Experience Works is funded moved to Texas, she only brought disheartened.” through the U.S. Department of with her nine years of formal “Participants complete job Labor’s (DOL) Senior Community education and was unable to find assessments that show their Service Employment Program employment. Rippstine enrolled in inclinations and we match them with (SCSEP), which funds state and Experience Works last summer and a host agency,” said Janice Boase, national organizations that assist gained the confidence to look for Experience Works coordinator who low-income unemployed seniors with a job after completing computer works with the Vernon, Graham, and work-based training opportunities training. She recently obtained a Wichita Falls workforce centers. and employment services. Experience full-time custodial position with the Divorced and with no financial Works participants earn minimum Whitehouse school district, which support, 58-year-old Loretta Blain, wage during training. includes some computer work. a former secretary, moved in with “Almost 100 percent of our “I used to be afraid of her parents. Blain was laid off from participants believe age and lack computers; I didn’t want to touch a cleaning position. At the Wichita of updated skills are the reasons them, not even to dust, but I am Falls workforce center, she was they are not finding jobs,” said more comfortable with them now,” guided to Experience Works. A job Garnette Blanton, Experience said Rippstine. “The training and assessment determined Blain’s skills Works coordinator for the North people at Experience Works are were best suited for light production Texas, North Central Texas, and wonderful.” and office work. Texoma workforce boards. The The Texas State Data Center’s Blain applied for a cleaning Texas Workforce Commission Civil statistics suggest Texans age 65 and position at Rolling Meadows Adult Rights Division enforces the Age over will grow over 200 percent by Living Center and was hired as the Discrimination in Employment Act 2040. The poor economy has put receptionist. of 1967, protecting individuals who financial pressures on many seniors. “Without this program I’d either are 40 years of age or older from “In the past year, Experience Works still be laid off or working part-time employment discrimination based on applicants in my area increased for minimum wage,” said Bowden. age. But age discrimination is often 25 to 50 percent,” said Blanton. “Experience Works has given me the hard to prove. “Many search for months without job of a lifetime.” ■

Winter 2010 Solutions 9 Workforce News Around the State

Southeast Texas summer youth program nets 24 full-time jobs Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas’ summer youth employment program, “Growing Our Own Destiny,” engaged 515 youth, 124 employers and eight partnering organizations. The youth were exposed to high- demand jobs in fields such as math and science. The program was funded with $900,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds which paid the youth wages or stipends. Twenty- four participants were hired full-time upon program completion. The program encouraged alternatives to drugs and crime, and provided short-term training Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Board Chair Patricia Villalobos is joined by Work- in construction and trades through force Solutions CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr. (second from left) and Workforce Solutions Board on-the-job experiences and college Member Luis Enrique Chew (sitting) for the ribbon cutting of Career Connection 2009 in courses. Southeast Texas distributed El Paso. Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande marketing materials at schools, local participating partner locations, Upper Rio Grande job expo San Antonio satellite center helps workforce center recruitment events, attendance nearly doubles dislocated workers, jobless vets and job fairs to encourage youth to Workforce Solutions Upper Rio To support the growing participate in the program. Grande recently sponsored the volume of dislocated workers and Career Connection unemployed veterans Annual job fair in East Texas 2009 job expo that filing unemployment attracts record attendance provided 88 employers claims, Workforce A record number 1,800 job the opportunity to meet Solutions Alamo seekers attended Workforce Solutions with more than 5,000 opened a new re- East Texas’ annual interested job seekers. employment center at 4800 job fair at the Maude Responding to a turnout nearly Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio Cobb Activity Center in double that of the 2008 job fair, using funds from the American Longview. Approximately Upper Rio Grande expanded Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 70 employers were hiring. computer access on-site for job In its first three months, the center The event attracted employers seekers and added a fast-track served more than 3,500 customers by from oil and gas companies and entrance lane for attendees with their providing workforce center services government agencies, and more jobs www.WorkInTexas.com identification ranging from job counseling, job leads, in the service and medical industries cards. and employment preparation workshops than in past years. A variety of Employers had more than 1,600 to Workforce Investment Act (WIA) companies brought vehicles, jobs to fill in fields such as customer training and resource room services. equipment, and simulation models service, health care, engineering, and Eighty-five customers found for job seekers to see companies’ science. The event resulted in 2,886 employment and 54 were referred to operations firsthand. referrals, which included job seekers WIA training programs. The center is The job fair was broadcast live by with master’s degrees and Ph.D.s. expected to remain open through fall three radio stations, and drew a large 2010. volume of applicants for each job.

10 Solutions Winter 2010 Workforce News Around the State

development system customers. In a collaborative partnership among the local workforce board, 1 the City of Fort Worth, the City of Arlington, and homeless service providers and businesses, Project 2 WISH offers job preparation, 3 25 7 placement, and retention for 4 homeless individuals. 9 5 6 Johnson met with homeless 8 11 shelter residents to determine job skills needed, devised curriculum, 10 13 26 17 12 and held workshops that helped 16 approximately 450 of the program’s 15 14 18 1,200 participants find work. 27 28 The Project WISH employer 20 19 consortium was the 2009 Transitional Workforce Award Winner at the 13th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in December. 22 21 Program links veterans with health care careers in North Texas 23 24 A Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas partnership is addressing a health care worker shortage by connecting military veterans with area hospital jobs through the North Texas Veterans Connecting with Healthcare Careers Project. Using a $190,725 Workforce Investment Act grant, Greater Dallas workforce center staff and Veterans Resource and Referral Specialists have referred 56 eligible veterans to the DFW Hospital Council Education and Research Foundation’s workforce center for program assistance and job consideration. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County staff celebrate Andre Johnson’s (center, holding El Centro College and Tarrant award) service recognition award from the National Association for Workforce Develop- County College match veterans to ment Professionals. Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County training programs, and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Project WISH (Workforce Innovative Tarrant County worker honored North Texas Division, Texas Health Solutions to Homelessness) program, Resources and other health care with customer service award received the Jodi Spiegel Enhancement employers link qualified veterans Andre Johnson, special of Customer Service Award from the to jobs in fields such as nursing, projects manager for National Association for Workforce surgical technology, and medical Workforce Solutions Development Professionals for transcription. for Tarrant County’s providing quality service to workforce

Winter 2010 Solutions 11 Texas Workforce Commission Concho Valley Lower Rio Grande Valley Southeast Texas (512) 463-2222 (325) 653-2321 (956) 928-5000 (409) 719-4750 www.texasworkforce.org www.cvworkforce.org www.wfsolutions.com www.setworks.org

Alamo Greater Dallas Middle Rio Grande South Plains (210) 272-3260 (214) 290-1000 (830) 591-0141 (806) 744-1987 www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org www.wfsdallas.com www.mrgwb.org www.spworksource.org

Brazos Valley Deep East Texas North Central South Texas (979) 595-2800 (936) 639-8898 (817) 695-9184 (956) 722-3973 www.bvjobs.org www.detwork.org www.nctcog.org/wd www.southtexasworkforce.org

Cameron County East Texas North East Texas Tarrant County (956) 548-6700 (903) 984-8641 (903) 794-9490 (817) 413-4400 www.wfscameron.org www.easttexasworkforce.org www.netxworkforce.org www.workforcesolutions.net

Capital Area Golden Crescent North Texas Texoma (512) 597-7100 (361) 576-5872 (940) 767-1432 (903) 957-7408 www.wfscapitalarea.com www.gcworkforce.org www.ntxworksolutions.org www.workforcesolutionstexoma.com

Central Texas Gulf Coast Panhandle Upper Rio Grande (254) 939-3771 (713) 627-3200 (806) 372-3381 (915) 772-2002 www.workforcelink.com (888) 469-5627 www.wspanhandle.com www.urgjobs.com www.wrksolutions.com Coastal Bend Permian Basin West Central (361) 225-1098 Heart of Texas (432) 563-5239 (325) 795-4200 www.coastalworksource.com (254) 296-5300 www.workforcepb.org (800) 457-5633 www.hotworkforce.com www.workforcesystem.org Rural Capital Area (512) 244-7966 www.workforcesolutionsrca.com

The Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards, forms Texas Workforce Solutions.

Texas Workforce Commission 101 E. 15th St., Room 665 Austin, TX 78778-0001