2017 Q1 Newsletter
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Workforce Solutions Recognized at Annual State Conference
Workforce Solutions was awarded a combined total of $60,000 for outstanding performance in both Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Preparedness and WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker Training Related Employment programs on December 7, 2016. The Annual Texas Workforce Conference showcases the initiatives and programs being implemented by workforce boards and it’s partners across the state and gives boards the opportunity to share proven practices with each other to promote optimal performance.
Of the board’s continued success at the annual conference, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio CEO Frank Almaraz said, “Workforce Solutions is dedicated to serving the community, and that hasn’t gone unrecognized by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). We’re excited to reinvest into the community to promote progress and look forward to helping our local community thrive consistently.”
Mercedes native and Chairman of the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Board, Jaime Ortiz is optimistic about the upcoming year and hopes to make the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) a positive example for the rest of the state. “We have a very supportive board of directors that encourages collaboration with community partners, and I believe that collaboration with the people that you are serving is crucial for any board.”
Workforce Solutions serves the Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. Our service centers provide assistance for job seekers as well as employers and are located in Weslaco, Mission, and Edinburg.
Second Cohort Graduates from (boot) CampIn June, Workforce Solutions and the Mission Economic Development Corporation partnered to develop “(boot),” a comprehensive 750 hour coding bootcamp intended to prepare participants for high demand occupations within local employers/industries. The program received a $75,000 TWC grant which Mission EDC matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Participants receive training for pre-work preparation and computer coding instruction from an industry expert as well as a first offer of employment by the hosting technology company. Since it’s inception July, “(boot)” has trained two classes, or “cohorts.” "We don't want to just be teaching lessons based on what what we think is going to work, or what we see as a trend in the sector," said Drew Lentz, president and founder of Code RGV. With the organization's tagline being, "Building Better Nerds," that statement shouldn't come as a surprise. We here at Workforce Solutions look forward to the advancements that each student will bring to the workforce and eagerly await the next cohort. For more information about this program or other partnership opportunities with Workforce Solutions please call – 1.877.687.1121 or e-mail – communications@wfsolutions.org. |
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Workforce Solutions Partners with Rio Grande Valley Literacy CenterWorkforce Solutions has entered a Non-Financial Agreement with Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Literacy Center aimed to not only increase, but also expand the access to community residents accessing adult education and literacy services. The agreement will see Workforce Solutions outfitting the new RGV Literacy Transition Center with computer equipment and printers to assist the public with making a connection to the workforce system. “The intention behind this collaborative effort is to bring more opportunities to our community residents,” Workforce Solutions Lower Rio CEO Frank Almaraz said during a presentation before the RGV Literacy Center Board of Directors. “Our region has a strong desire for success, and with the help of the RGV Literacy Transition Center, we hope to put the tools needed for success in the hands of those seeking them.” Workforce Solutions center resources are to include, but not limited to, literacy enhancement, job connections, and career exploration. Workforce Solutions serves the Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. Our service centers provide assistance for job seekers as well as employers. |
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Workforce Solutions Announces 2017 Board of Directors
The Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board d.b.a. Workforce Solutions is proud to announce the appointment of the 2017 Board of Directors Officers. WFS Directors have re-elected Mr. Jaime Ortiz, a Mercedes resident, as Chairman to lead the Board for 2017.
Appointed by the Honorable Judge Ramon Garcia, Mr. Ortiz has served as a member and officer on the Board since 2007. Mr. Ortiz is currently a partner in Miracle Medical Equipment & Supplies of South Texas located in Weslaco, and is an Insurance Associate with Sentinel Partners LLC from McAllen. Serving along Mr. Ortiz as officers include Ms. Cris Rivera, Chief Executive Officer for the Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Mr. Federico Lopez, Engineering Technician with Texas Department of Transportation, and Ms. Dalinda Guillen, Executive Director for the Rio Grande City Economic Development Council.
“It's a position that allows me to give back,” said Jaime Ortiz about his reelection as Chairman of the board. “Our board has done some outstanding work, and we hope to continue serving our community to the best of our abilities.” A proponent of community development, Ortiz strives to make a positive impact in the Rio Grande Valley through his various efforts in philanthropy.
Workforce Solutions serves as the governing body for the workforce development area that includes Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed demand-driven workforce development initiatives.
Texas Workforce Commission Launches the Texas Internship ChallengeOn Tuesday, February 21, 2017, www.TXInternshipChallenge.com officially went live! The initiative serves as a way for Texas to increase the amount of internship opportunities available to our young workforce. The Texas Internship Challenge is a statewide campaign geared towards youth seeking internships in professions related to their career. The website portal aims to make internships more accessible to students in Texas and provides a central point for students to seek and earn internship opportunities as a first step towards becoming apart of the workforce and kickstarting their careers. It's not uncommon for youth to struggle finding places of employment where they can earn experience in fields relative to their education. Internships are crucial to building the workforce that Texas needs. We encourage all employers interested in participating to visit www.TXInternshipChallenge.com to register and help shape a brighter future.
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Workforce Solutions Adds New Career ResourcesWorkforce Solutions is constantly looking for ways to make employment a reality for our job seekers. In our search for innovative practices, we carefully inspect the most up-to-date programs, methods, and services available to ensure that our customers have a smooth transition back into the workforce. Career Coach is designed to help an individual find a good career by providing the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings, and associated education and training.
We're confident that you'll find this added resource useful in your job search. With this tool, Workforce Solutions aims to streamline relevant information for a tailored experience. To make an account and get started using Career Coach today, visit https://wfsolutions.emsicareercoach.com.
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Upcoming Events
- 2017 Child Care Symposium, May 19th - 20th
- RGV Job Fair, June
- Youth Career Expo, May 17th
- TRS Parents Event, April 22nd
Copyright © 2016 Workforce Solutions - Lower Rio Grande Valley, All rights reserved.
Workforce Solutions is one of 28 Texas Workforce Development Boards
serving Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.
Our mailing address is:
3101 W. Business 83 :: McAllen, TX 78501
