2020 Q4 Newsletter
 |
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
A Message from the CEOGood afternoon subscribers, Workforce Solutions (WFS) wrapped up 2020 on a strong note, despite the adversity faced all year due to Coranavirus (COVID-19) WFS remained steadfast and committed to providing critical solutions and services to both job seekers and employers in the service delivery area. Currently, our offices are open by-appointment only. For your convenience, we have made booking appointments accessible both over the phone at 888-261-3286 and online www.wfsolutions.org. In final months of 2020, WFS innovations produced a revamped Youth Career Conference to support students and parents in our service area by bringing them valuable industry insights, support resources, and more - all from the convenience of their mobile devices. Live streamed via Facebook and YouTube for increased accessibility, this event set an inspiring tone for the rest of the quarter as WFS continued to optimize traditionally "in-person" events to provide safe, uninterrupted service delivery to our customers. With hundreds of new COVID-19 cases being reported daily in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), it's clear that the threat posed by COVID-19 hasn't diminished. Please take the necessary precautions to protect your health, such as wearing a mask in public and practicing social distancing as much as possible. As always, I encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn for regular updates. Sincerely, Francisco Almaraz CEO, Workforce Solutions |
Q4 EVENTS:
Workforce Solutions 2020 Youth Conference
10/12/2020 - 10/15/2020
WFS hosted the 2020 Youth Career Conference via Zoom over four days, dedicating each day to highlighting specific industries such as Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Education, and Construction. Each day featured three tracts: Career Exploration, Parental Engagement, and Soft Skills.
|
Career Exploration: For this tract, we interviewed local employers representing different High Demand Occupations. These recorded interviews were then presented across the four days of the conference. |
Parental Engagement: The Parental Engagement tract was catered to address topics important to parents and their children. Sessions included Financial Aid, Time Management, Social Media, and Financial Literacy. |
Soft Skills: Soft Skills tract highlighted skills and information valuable to those entering the workforce, such as Interview Skills, Resume Writing, and information on WIOA programs. |
 |
A unique feature of the conference was that the Career Exploration Tract was live streamed via YouTube and the Parental Tract was live streamed via Facebook. This livestreaming strategy increased access to sessions and allowed us to keep a video library of the event to share with districts upon request. Daily participants included 11 school districts as well as:
10/12/20:
|
10/13/20:
|
10/14/20:
|
10/15/20:
|
Economic Impact Study10/28/2020WFS recognizes that the Healthcare Industry in the RGV is amongst the fastest growing in the region, with a projected growth of 32.1% by the year 2030. To better provide for the workforce readiness needs of future healthcare workers, WFS and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership (RGVP) commissioned an Economic Impact Study by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Data and Information Systems Center, of which the findings were presented on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, during the WFS Healthcare Taskforce meeting. To access the Economic Impact Study of the RGV Healthcare and Bioscience Industry, visit our Workforce Intelligence page. |
Hiring Red, White & You! Virtual Job Fair11/5/2020The 9th annual Hiring Red, White, & You! (HRWY) job fair was held virtually on November 5, 2020. A total of 1,461 job seekers registered, engaging with 72 registered employers, community-based organizations & educational institutions. Out of those registered, 75 veterans and 515 job seekers attended this year’s event. The event was open to the general public which included local veterans. HRWY was heavily promoted through local media outlets, email and social media to connect Texas veterans and eligible spouses with employers that value the experience, discipline, and other exceptional qualities inherent in a military background. Veterans and their Spouses had priority access to employers from 9 am - 10 am to allow them the opportunity to virtually interact and interview with employers. |
The Strong Entrepreneur Boot Camp11/19/2020The Strong Entrepreneur Boot Camp, Overcoming the COVID-19 Challenge: Small Business Resiliency webinar was hosted online via Zoom on November 19, 2020. The webinar was open to all business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. This was part of a series of business webinars hosted by WFS to keep business partners informed of the latest resources available. In order to help businesses adapt to the ever-changing environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the webinars focused on subjects such as Safety and Cleaning Protocol, Plan for Employee Retention, Accessing Loan Funds including federal loan programs, Financial Management, and Building a Marketing Plan. PARTNERS: WFS, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Small Business Development Center, Lift Fund, People Fund, U.S. Small Business Administration, Monarch International Design, UTRGV Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Raymondville Chamber of Commerce |
Quick Reaction Force12/10/2020The inaugural Quick Reaction Force (QRF) webinar was designed to remove barriers and help veterans and eligible spouses successfully transition to work by bringing together community agencies that offer services such as rental, tuition and utility assistance for the convenience of local veterans. The virtual event had 55 veterans and 6 local community based organizations registered. One of the requirements for this event was that participating agencies have funding to immediately assist the local veterans and their spouses rather than placing them on a waiting list. Community based organizations which included Veterans Upward Bound, Endeavors, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency and TX Serves-RGV Program. The QRF was also broadcasted through Facebook Live, reaching nearly 600 viewers. |
USEFUL RESOURCES:
In effort to respond to the ongoing needs of businesses located in Hidalgo, Willacy and Starr counties, WFS is offering local businesses and their employees free COVID-19 safety related trainings. See flyer below for more information:
Take Advantage of FREE Training Opportunities for Your Business!
Registration is online for your convenience! Visit https://www.wfsolutions.org/stt to get started. Limited seating per employer/business; Trainings are available on a First Come First Serve Basis. Businesses must operate in Hidalgo, Starr and/or Willacy counties in order to be eligible.
Employers without access to a reliable computer/wifi can schedule an appointment with a specialist to learn more! Click here to schedule an office visit online or call 866.726.6477 to book your appointment over the phone.
