SOLUTIONS Summer 2011 Vol. 8, No. 3

Teaching the Alternatives New training facilities focus on preparation for careers in renewable energy Inside Up Front Tom Pauken Chairman 3 | STEM competition for youth fosters Commissioner interest in related careers Representing Employers has weathered the worst 4 | Lone Star College debuts new national recession since the Great Depression better than most states. In training facility June, the unemployment rate in Texas was 8.2 percent – a significantly lower | figure than the national rate of 9.2 5 New mobile workforce unit enhances percent. From 2001 to 2010, while Texas North Central's outreach efforts was adding private sector jobs, every other one of the 10 largest labor market states was losing them. 6 | San Antonio-area college set to train There are many reasons why Texas has fared better than so many other workers in alternative energy fields states have during the downturn. We have no state income tax, a low business | tax, and a positive regulatory climate 8 Soft skills training program responds for business. Meanwhile, people and to employer needs companies based in high-tax, high- regulatory states like , , and Michigan are voting with their 9 | Air traffic control school prepares feet and moving their businesses and employees to Texas. students for lucrative careers To accommodate this growth, the Texas Workforce Commission has 10 | Workforce News Around the State successfully administered a number of programs to address the concerns of our state’s employers and workers. The On the cover: Students in the St. Philip’s College(SPC) power generation and Texas Back to Work program, started alternative energy program install solar panels at model worksites at SPC-West in 2009, provides an incentive of up to Campus in San Antonio. Photo courtesy St. Philip's College $2,000 to employers who hire those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. With the goal of getting people off the unemployment rolls and back to Texas Workforce Commission work, the program has been a win-win for employers, job seekers, and taxpayers. Tom Pauken To date more than 16,240 unemployed Chairman, Commissioner Representing Employers Texans have been hired by nearly 3,700 employers through this initiative, which Ronny Congleton received the U.S. Department of Labor’s Commissioner Representing Labor best practices award last fall. Andres Alcantar Partnering with the private sector is at Commissioner Representing the Public the heart of our most successful hiring and training efforts. One way we do that is Editor/Writer Kate Hourin Submissions, suggestions and through the Skills Development Fund, an Designer/Writer Shannon Thomas address changes should be sent to: employer driven job-training program that provides training dollars to community Writer/Photographer Laura Ybarra Solutions Editor colleges who partner with Texas Writer Debbie Pitts Texas Workforce Commission businesses seeking to remain competitive Writer Rachael Pierce Communications Dept. and viable in this global economy. In 101 E. 15th St., Room 665 Email Solutions staff at [email protected] 2010, grants from this fund helped more Austin, TX 78778-0001 The state of Texas complies with all state and fed- than 25,000 Texans gain valuable training eral laws relating to the Americans with Disabilities (512) 463-8199, phone for new or upgraded positions. Act. Call (512) 463-2400 to obtain this publication (512) 463-2710, fax Texas is the number one place in in an alternative format. Solutions also is available America to do business. Let’s make sure via the Internet at www.texasworkforce.org under Publications. This publication is recyclable. that we continue to lead the nation in job creation and economic growth.

2 Solutions Summer 2011 Youth Focus

El Paso-area competition encourages students to explore STEM-related careers By Debbie Pitts What better way for students to learn about entrepreneurship and the real world use of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills than to actually develop an innovative idea and create a business built around it? That’s exactly what 30 teams of high school students did this spring by participating in the STEM Challenge2 competition, in which they developed business plans that would address an economic need using STEM-related applications. “By aligning STEM components into a business plan, STEM Challenge2 is intended to capture the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of students by emphasizing the The Valle Verde Early College High School team claimed first prize importance of applying those skills to high demand at the second annual Stem Challenge2 competition. Each first industries of tomorrow,” said Workforce Solutions Upper place team member was awarded $400. Pictured from left to right Rio Grande (Upper Rio Grande) CEO Lorenzo Reyes Jr. are: Isaac Bautista, Katherine Carrasco Ramos, Levi Morgan, Mary “Now in its second year, this competition is proving to be Fuentes, Willie Silva of El Paso Electric Co. (an event sponsor), a valuable opportunity for regional high school youth.” TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar, and STEM Challenge2 was sponsored by Upper Rio Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Chief Executive Officer Lo- Grande, the Bi-National Sustainability Laboratory, the renzo Reyes Jr. Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande University of Texas at El Paso’s Colleges of Engineering and Business, Innovate El Paso, the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives), Cisco Systems Inc., El Paso Electric Co., and Connect a Million Minds. The competition included teams from the six-county Upper Rio Grande Board area. Prizes were awarded for the first- through third-place teams with additional awards for “best presentation” and “best elevator pitch.” Valle Verde Early College (VVEC) High School Math employers tell us are in high demand both now and in the Club took top the top honor at this year's 2011 STEM future and such initiatives merit replication. I applaud the Challenge2 competition with their innovative wastewater Board for sponsoring this innovative program that has reclamation system dubbed ‘Grey Water Solutions.’ broad employer and community support.” The five-member team collaborated on the idea to SCORE, an entrepreneurial education partner with the address water shortages and designed the system so that it Small Business Administration, helped participating teams can be applied on a large scale. develop business plans and 15 teams selected as finalists “We each took on a role in the company and made the received elevator pitch coaching from the Collegiate presentation for that portion of the plan,” said VVEC Entrepreneurs’ Organization. student Mary Fuentes who also served as the chief Each member of the winning VVEC team was awarded financial officer for Grey Water Solutions. “As the CFO, I $400 and the team will receive professional guidance and spoke about the financial part. Overall, it was a really good assistance from Innovate El Paso to help develop, fund, experience.” and eventually commercialize their company. “The innovative ideas that these young people “These kids really want to get this company started and developed were very impressive,” said TWC Commissioner they are very excited about it,” said Robert Trejo, a VVEC Representing the Public Andres Alcantar, who served on teacher and sponsor for the Grey Water Solutions team. the distinguished panel of judges for the competition. “Even the students who graduated this spring are excited “Programs like this help Texas students develop skills that and we plan to meet with Innovate El Paso soon.” ■

Summer 2011 Solutions 3 Training Focus From Start...

(Above) LSC-North Harris broke ground on the Victory Center in October 2010. (Right) Construction is almost complete on Victory Center, which will open to students in the fall of 2011. Photo courtesy Lone Star College-North Harris ...to finish Lone Star College debuts new academic training facility By Rachael Pierce affordable options for everyone, companies to determine what training Students will fill the halls of the whether they want to get into the they require for employees, and new Victory Center located on the job market quickly, earn an associate subsequently, train students at Victory Lone Star College-North Harris degree or start a bachelor’s degree, Center in areas that meet those needs, campus for the first time in August. or just take some leisure learning Rice noted. The center also will host Victory Center, a new 85,000-square- courses,” said John Luedemann, special training courses for local foot facility, has the capacity to program coordinator at LSC-North companies to further the knowledge educate 3,500 students in additional Harris. and skills of their current employees classrooms, an early college program, The construction trades building in specific areas. and a new 20,000-square-foot will accommodate four training Additionally, LSC-North Harris construction trades training facility. labs—one for welding, one for plans to market Victory Center Lone Star College (LSC) built HVAC training (heating, ventilating, training programs to high school Victory Center to help meet the air conditioning), and two flex labs students, allowing young students to growing demands of Greater to allow different training programs learn a construction trade like basic -area employers and a at different times based on industry HVAC skills. growing student population. The demand, said Allen Rice, interim “Give us your summer and we’ll number of students taking classes for director of continuing education for give you a skill,” Rice said. college credit at LSC-North Harris LSC-North Harris. Students trained in construction grew by nearly 48 percent in the last Curriculum in the construction trades are expected to have positive couple of years. trades building will also focus on prospects for the future. Construction The former training facility in training students in sheet metal, jobs in the Gulf Coast area, where North Harris, the Carver Center, drywall, and other in-demand Victory Center is located, are lacked the space and resources to host construction trades. Students can earn expected to grow 25 percent by 2018, new workforce training programs. certifications of completion, industry according to figures from the Texas Victory Center will fill this void. certifications, or degrees for their Workforce Commission’s Labor “Our goal was to offer a full- training programs. Market and Career Information service educational facility with The college will work with local Department. ■

4 Solutions Summer 2011 Technology Focus North Central’s mobile unit offers workforce center services on wheels By Shannon Thomas Madeline Ortiz, a 15-year employee of the Plano Independent School District (ISD), never thought she’d lose her job. But that’s exactly what happened in April, when she found out her teaching assistant position would be eliminated in June. “My first thought was, ‘Now what am I going to do?,’” Ortiz said. “I always thought my job in education was secure. I had no clue what to do next.” Fortunately for Ortiz, and the hundreds of other Plano ISD employees affected by layoffs, Workforce Solutions North Central Texas (North Central) is utilizing one of its newest high-tech tools, a Mobile Workforce Unit, to assist displaced workers with Workforce Solutions North Central Texas' 38-foot-long Mobile Workforce Unit is outfitted with 13 com- Unemployment Insurance (UI) puter stations plus a top notch video system that allows staff to give presentations to groups. Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions North Central Texas claims and employment services. “Our new mobile unit allows us Murtagh. “The mobile unit enables laid off at a trio of manufacturing to serve workers immediately, get us to go to the people we serve.” companies, which shut down them into our system, and help avoid North Central partnered with overnight. The Mobile Workforce Unit long lines at some of our workforce the Region 10 Education Service joined forces with the Waxahachie centers,” said Mark Murtagh, senior Center to offer information on Workforce Center to assist hundreds workforce planner for North Central. unemployment benefits and of laid off workers. “The unit allows us to handle mass transitional services for employees “It is unfortunate that so many layoffs on the spot, and give those affected by the Plano ISD layoffs. people are now out of a job in affected access to the resources they For Ortiz, having fast access Waxahachie, however we are doing need.” to Texas Workforce Commission our best to assist them in finding new The 38-foot-long Mobile services helped ease the shock of the jobs. The Mobile Workforce Unit Workforce Unit is outfitted with 13 layoff notice she received. is a huge asset for us to have in this computer stations plus a state-of-the- “The [North Central] staff process,” said David Setzer, North art video system that allows staff to has been a great support to me, Central executive director. give presentations to groups. With a beginning with my first interactions Future events for the Mobile satellite Internet system, job seekers at the Mobile Workforce Unit,” Workforce Unit include visits to area can search for jobs, create or improve she said. “I’m in the process of hiring fairs, including ones to be their résumés, and apply for UI completing my UI claim, but held by local H-E-B grocery stores benefits. According to Murtagh, the workforce staff has helped me and Walgreens. Setzer says North process to obtain the unit started three develop a plan for the future.” Central will eventually use the unit as years ago; the funding for the unit The Mobile Workforce Unit was an onsite training location for local came from the board’s general fund. recently dispatched to Waxahachie, employers. ■ “It was worth the wait,” said where approximately 350 workers were

Summer 2011 Solutions 5 Energy Focus

Dennis McDonaugh, director of the power generation and alternative energy program at St. Philip’s College, displays the roof-top solar array at the centers to Russian STEM professionals on a tour in June. Photo by Laura Ybarra Renewable St. Philip’s College addresses need for skilled workers in alternative energy industry By Laura Ybarra without companies investing in further space for 600 students and house a Skills training. We wanted to make sure that new research library and computer The faculty and staff of St. Philip’s College (SPC) have made we tailored our STEM programs to lab. The building is powered by the great strides to address a local meet the needs of those industries.” largest noncommercial rooftop solar demand for skilled workers with SPC’s outreach efforts resulted power array in San Antonio. specific training in the fields of in the college obtaining more than So far, five new academic Science, Technology, Engineering, $15 million in funding from the U.S. programs have been established and Math – collectively referred to as Department of Education Title III in the centers offering associate STEM. grants for Historically Black Colleges degrees in power generation and “We reached out to San Antonio and Universities, which were used to alterative energy (PGAE), mechanical [STEM] professionals and four-year establish the Centers for Excellence engineering, environmental science, universities to identify the needs of in Mathematics and Science, and the earth sciences and natural energy future employers,” said Ruben Prieto, Alternative Energy Laboratory on resources (ESNER), and statistics community outreach coordinator the SPC-Southwest Campus. with an emphasis in biology. for SPC’s mathematics department. A 56,000-square-foot former The programs prepare students to “Representatives from every industry military warehouse was renovated enter STEM fields upon graduation we spoke to said students just out of to house the new centers, which or continue their education at a four- college did not have the necessary opened its doors in the fall of 2010. year university. More programs are hands-on experience to succeed The centers provide classroom planned for the future.

6 Solutions Summer 2011 Energy Focus

Dr. Jo Dee Duncan, director of the Center of Excellence in Science at St. Philip’s College, demonstrates the center’s new equipment. Photo by Laura Ybarra

Student Successes greener,” McDonaugh said. “They Lawton Smith discusses solar power at aren’t just looking for a job; they are Lawton Smith had already earned the centers’ grand opening event in April. looking to make a difference.” Photo courtesy St. Philip's College a bachelor’s degree and had been Smith, who interns with a solar working at a music shop when he power contracting company in San was laid off in 2009. Soon after new interests and helped me find Antonio, plans to attend Texas State his layoff, Smith saw a photo of scholarships to help pay for my Technical College in Sweetwater a wind turbine in a San Antonio education.” to become a certified wind energy Current article featuring the PGAE McCullin completed an internship technician. program. By August he had joined with a geothermal energy company In May, Ashley McCullin became the program’s in June. Her next step is to earn a SPC’s first inaugural class. bachelor’s degree. She has enrolled student to “I’ve never at The University of Texas at San graduate with been with Antonio, where she will begin an Associate another class studying geology in the fall. of Science of students so News of the centers has reached in ESNER motivated and international ears as well. In degree. She willing to be in June, a group of Russian STEM also received a class at 8 a.m. professionals visited the centers second associate every single to gather information on how to degree in day,” Smith establish similar programs in Russia. environmental said. “Everyone “The need for a skilled workforce science. participated in renewable energy fields is a truly St. Philip’s College hosted the second annual McCullin and genuinely Women in Nontraditional Occupations confer- international issue,” McDonaugh was out of enjoyed being ence at the centers in March. Photo courtesy said. “The [Russian] professionals school for 10 there.” St. Philip's College visiting [SPC] recognize a need for years prior to Dennis similar programs in their country, enrolling at SPC McDonaugh, and we are happy to assist in their in 2007. chairman of the PGAE program, efforts.” ■ “The quality of teachers at [SPC] said he hasn’t seen a better class of is why I chose this school,” McCullin students. said. “The teachers are truly there “These students have a for the students. They helped change commitment to making energy my life. They introduced me to

Summer 2011 Solutions 7 Career Focus

Sofia Chavira (fourth from left) told Career Ready Training Facilitator Gene Vargas (center), “You gave me the confidence to walk into an interview and get the job,” she said of her new job at Macy’s. “I was dressed for success and I was more confident than I have ever been. As soon as I get the chance I'm going back to school so I can finish what I started many years ago.” Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend Working hard to earn soft skills Training enables participants to meet employer needs By Kate Hourin Bend. “Many of the trainees start Rehabilitative Services, and employers. Employers in the 12-county Coastal off not wanting to be there. But after Youth also are enrolled in the training. Bend area reported that they needed the four-day class, they often give The average class consists of 25 workers with more “soft skills” to be testimonials about how the training students ranging in age from 18 to 70. successful and improve productivity. has changed their lives.” Gene Vargas, a Career Ready Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Of the 153 clients who have taken Training facilitator, said that he is Bend (Coastal Bend) responded by the class so far, De La Garza said 51 there to position trainees for success. establishing Career Ready Training have accepted new jobs. “I teach that failure is not an classes for dislocated, unemployed, Coastal Bend solicited curricula option,” he said. “I tell them that and underemployed workers this past for soft skills training using $57,345 certain skills will get you the job but I spring. in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) emphasize that character and integrity The term “soft skills” describes Statewide Activity funds. The Del will keep you there.” Vargas added a broad set of attributes needed Mar College-accredited program that several of the students were ex- to function in a typical work is delivered using digital media, felons, and the job skill levels of his environment. They include: which allows customization to meet clients range from manual laborers to communication proficiency, teamwork, employers' specific needs. corporate executives. analytical and problem solving ability, “We are taking it to the next level “One student told me that he interpersonal effectiveness, computer/ for employers,” added De La Garza. thought he knew it all,” Vargas said. technical literacy, leadership/ “For example, the plant manager at “At the end of the class, he came management tools, learning skills, Sherwin Alumina Company (a refinery up to me and said ‘I did not know academic competence in reading and located in Gregory) wants company anything; I did not have a winning math, and strong work values. engineers to take the training to attitude. Now I can sustain myself.’” “It’s amazing to see the become more communicative.” That student is now making close transformation in the trainees between Trainees are recruited based on to $100,000 annually at his new job as Monday and Thursday,” said Monika basic WIA eligibility. Referrals also a pipeline designer. De La Garza, communications and come from local independent school “These students are getting jobs,” outreach coordinator for Coastal districts and workforce partners such said De La Garza. “That’s the real as the Department of Assistive and success of this program.” ■

8 Solutions Summer 2011 Industry Focus Young controllers take flight at air traffic control school By Rachael Pierce Commercial aviation is a $40 billion industry in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. With more than 700,000 employees and $18.1 billion in payroll output, there are plenty of opportunities for future air traffic controllers in the Lone Star State. The first graduating class of air traffic controllers from Texas State Technical College-Waco (TSTC- Waco) will take center stage in April 2012. These 35 students hope to be part of the future workforce of air traffic control. More than 15,000 federal air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA estimates that approximately 5,000 controllers will TSTC-Waco students Channing Belford and Brittney Watson practice their skills on a low fidel- ity trainer, known as the table-top simulator. TSTC-Waco instructor Al Culp provided guidance retire by 2020. Graduates of TSTC- to the students as they completed their exercise. Photo courtesy of Texas State Technical Waco’s air traffic control program College-Waco will be among those vying to fill these vacancies to direct aircraft across the a second-year student, consists of getting hired by the FAA. skies. a mixture of lectures and hands-on After being selected for a job with TSTC-Waco’s air traffic control work with simulators—tools that the FAA, students enter the FAA program consists of five semesters, allow students to practice real life Academy, where they will begin their where students earn 72 credit hours situations faced by controllers. initial training before moving on to and graduate with an Associate Fellow classmate Brittney Watson their assigned facilities. The waiting Degree of Applied Science with a most enjoys her time spent on period to get hired and attend the major in Air Traffic Management. the table-top simulator, where she FAA Academy can last 12 to 18 Program instructors, like Ramon manually practices instructing aircraft months depending on when the Claudio, TSTC-Waco’s air traffic as if she were at an actual airport. FAA hiring boards select qualified control assistant department chair, are “Since our instructors were air applicants and assign applicants to retired FAA-controllers with decades traffic controllers, they are sharing their posts, Claudio noted. of real-world experience teaching techniques and experiences that train TSTC-Waco students enjoy healthy students everything they need to us for a smooth transition into the job prospects in the growing industry. know to safely orchestrate hundreds workforce,” said Watson. According to the Occupational of flying aircraft. TSTC-Waco prepares students for Outlook Handbook from the U.S. “Students are learning from people the AT-SAT, the pre-employment Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job who have done it,” said Claudio. “We test administered by the FAA and forecast for air traffic controllers is go beyond book knowledge and teach taken prior to graduation. Claudio strong with 13-percent job growth them the realities of the system.” said a high score on this exam gives expected between 2008-2018. ■ A typical day for Cory Vanderpool, students a better opportunity for

Summer 2011 Solutions 9 Workforce News Around the State

available to the 40,000 businesses and prospects for long-term employment, more than two million residents in maintain or increase their wage levels, the Alamo region. and ultimately permit them to become self-sufficient,” said Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions Cameron CEO Lorenzo Reyes Jr. “Grants like these have helped us put dislocated awards grant to United Way workers back to work successfully by More than 1,500 children in helping them gain new skills. They Cameron County are were a key component when El Paso Patrick Newman is the new executive benefitting from a was heavily impacted by the loss of director of Workforce Solutions Alamo. $500,000 grant awarded the garment industry.” The training Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions Alamo to the United Way of enables workers to gain specific Alamo board names new Southern Cameron skills and employment competencies County’s Success by 6 program by through exposure to an actual work executive director Workforce Solutions Cameron. This setting. A total of 143 slots are Workforce Solutions Alamo United Way early childhood literacy available through an $815,000 grant (Alamo) has a new executive director. initiative prepares children under the secured by Upper Rio Grande from The Board appointed Patrick age of six for elementary school. the Texas Workforce Commission. Newman to run the One of the grant’s beneficiaries is Individuals must be eligible as operations of the San Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a dislocated workers and fall into one Antonio-area workforce non-profit organization that promotes of three priority categories: prolonged development agency. early childhood literacy. Children unemployed, long-term unemployed, Newman most living in Brownsville, Los Fresnos, or those who have exhausted their recently worked as the workforce Olmito, Port Isabel, San Benito, and unemployment insurance benefits. administrator for the Mid-Region South Padre Island are participating The employer reimbursement must be Council of Governments of New in this program and receive a book based on employer size as follows: 90 Mexico. Previously, he has held each month until their fifth birthday. percent for employers with 50 or fewer executive-level positions for Resource Another program benefitting from employees; 75 percent for employers Consulting Inc. and the New Mexico the grant is the Children’s Book Club with between 51 and 250 employees; Department of Labor. that offers a monthly bilingual reading and 50 percent for employers with 251 “Patrick has 37 years of session by a local celebrity reader. The or more employees. experience in employment and Breakfast Club is the third program to Interested employers should contact training,” Alamo Board Chairman receive funds from the grant. It offers Upper Rio Grande at (915) 887-2600 Ray Romero said. “We are looking parents, grandparents, and guardians or Job Developer Luz Romo at (915) forward to making use of that the opportunity to network and share 313-3044 or [email protected] experience as we move forward ways to educate the children at home. in developing the area’s future Work Hard-Work Smart in workforce. Our goal is to position Training dollars available in the Alamo area as the most desirable Workforce Solutions North Texas place to work and grow a business. Upper Rio Grande A work-readiness initiative of the Patrick’s extensive experience in Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Wichita Falls Chamber program management, policy and Grande (Upper Rio Grande) has of Commerce & Industry program development, program funding available for called Work Hard-Work mentoring, fiscal operations its On-the-Job Training Smart has been funded and requirements, and contract initiative. Through through a $241,000 management and negotiations will be this program, an Wagner-Peyser grant distributed by key to helping us reach that goal.” employer can receive the Texas Workforce Commission. The Board serves the 12-county reimbursement for the training that The initiative is a collaboration among Alamo workforce development results in permanent employment for Workforce Solutions North Texas region, overseeing a network of the trainee. (North Texas), NORTEX Regional service providers and contractors “The goal is to place participants Planning Commission, Vernon College, through one-stop career centers in occupations that will enhance their Wichita County, Wichita Falls ISD,

10 Solutions Summer 2011 Workforce News Around the State

Through Community Action’s partnership with TWC, students also receive career development training 1 such as résumé building, interview preparation, and understanding business culture. 2 The first FHC GED class finished 3 25 7 their coursework in May and the 4 next class will begin in August. 9 5 6 Those interested in the program may 8 11 contact Kelly Lochman at (512) 392- 1161 ext. 319 for more information. 10 13 26 17 12 16 15 TWC Employees Recognized 14 18 for Outstanding Service 28 27 Two Texas Workforce 19 20 Commission employees were recognized for Outstanding Information Technology (IT) 22 Service and Support at the Center 21 for Digital Government’s Best of Texas Awards ceremony at the 23 Government Technology Conference 24 Southwest in Austin in May. TWC Deputy IT Director Lisa Richardson and Project Coordinator Woody Gill Burkburnett ISD, Iowa Park ISD, City with Austin Community College received their awards at the ceremony View ISD, Electra ISD, Vernon ISD, (ACC) and the Texas Workforce that annually spotlights the best and the chamber. Commission (TWC). The 15-week of state and local government IT, The funds will cover the salaries program is designed for students to including re-procurements, in-house of a program coordinator and a clerk complete the requirements for their developed applications, green IT, position who will be located at Vernon GED and to transition into medical and applications addressing internal College as well as the assessment training programs. needs. fees for participants. North Texas “When a student gets their GED, will provide training and support there is subject matter they miss by for the program. The goal is to help not having a four-year high school graduating seniors, the unemployed, degree,” said Kelly Lochman, a and the underemployed in Wichita career counselor with Community County to obtain the WorkKeys’ Action. “The unique thing about this National Career Readiness Certificate. program is we provide coursework The program determines work in subjects like medical terminology readiness by assessing skills in applied to firm up their content knowledge math, reading for information, and to succeed in medical training locating information. programs.” Students who successfully TWC provides health careers complete the FHC GED program training to GED students receive CPR/First Aid certification, Texas Workforce Commission Deputy IT a $200 voucher for tuition at ACC, Director Lisa Richardson (right) and Proj- This spring, Community Action and a $150 cash award and then may ect Coordinator Woody Gill were Inc. launched the Foundations in begin a college-level training program recognized at the Government Technology Health Careers (FHC) GED program in a career field of their choice. Conference Southwest in Austin. in San Marcos in partnership Photo by TWC staff

Summer 2011 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 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.spworkforce.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.dfwjobs.com 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) 885-3016 Heart of Texas (432) 563-5239 (325) 795-4200 www.workforcesolutionscb.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