QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
A Message from the CEOGood afternoon subscribers, Workforce Solutions (WFS) entered 2021 with the unwavering commitment to community service that you've come to expect. Our organizational efforts are aligned to focus on assisting job seekers in securing employment and connecting businesses to resources that aid in their success. In the past year, as a direct response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, WFS has secured over a $250,000 in additional funding from the Texas Workforce Commission to support local business needs and promote safe working environments for employees. In the past three months, WFS has maintained consistent support for local businesses. Efforts include working with local employers to provide COVID-19 related Safety Protocol Trainings, distributing essential Personal Protective Equipment Kits, and paying for the training needs of businesses for new and existing workers. These are challenging times, but together we continue to work towards contributing to building a strong economy where job seekers have the skills, and business the talent to be successful. Sincerely, Francisco Almaraz CEO, Workforce Solutions |
2021 Q1 REVIEW:
WFS Response to Business Needs Amidst COVID-19COVID-19 Safety Trainings for BusinessesAs part of a statewide response to COVID-19, WFS offered COVID-19 Safety Protocol Related trainings to small business owners in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties throughout the first quarter of 2021. Featured on KRGV, the trainings gave employers the capability to ensure that their staff are adequately prepared to deliver services during these unique times. Trainings covered subjects related to Customer Service and Social Distancing, Emotional Well-being and Stress Management, and Sanitizing and Disinfecting. In total there was $218,750 invested towards COVID-19 Safety Protocol Related trainings, and approximately 981 customers participating in training. |
COVID-19 Employer Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety Kits
Maintaining daily operations during COVID-19 requires that businesses have the necessary supplies to keep their staff and customers safe. In the last three months, WFS distributed 385 PPE Safety Kits to employers from Hidalgo, Willacy and Starr counties to support the re-opening of businesses while providing a safe work environment for staff and customers.
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PPE Safety Kits included the following: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Signage
Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting Supplies
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Each kit was worth approximately $700, with an estimated total of $413,775 invested towards PPE Safety Kits.
Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Initiative
The Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Initiative provided local small businesses with the training needs for new and existing workers. Approximately 131 customers participated in training representing the Construction and Healthcare Industries. Although training is ongoing, the total investment will be $250,000 upon completion.
Workforce Outreach Specialists: Preparing Today's Youth for Tomorrows Job's
With schools forced to shift to online distance learning due to COVID-19, our team of Workforce Outreach Specialists (WOS) researched the best ways to virtually deliver valuable workforce information to students to help them make informed career path decisions. WOS provide direct career services to school districts, grades 6th - 12th, in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties. View the video below to learn more about how our WOS team made an impact in local schools:
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Teacher Testimonial: Martha Alicia Portillo"Ever since we started getting trained by the specialists, it's always been very professional and very knowledgeable." |
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Student Testimonial: Anaili Garcia"The Workforce Solutions online resources have helped me a lot. I was able to participate in a program where they taught us about the Texas Reality Check, and I was able to see how much money is needed to make a living here in the valley." |
24th Annual Texas Workforce Conference Employer Awards
Nominated by WFS, DHR Health was recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) as the Large Employer of the Year at the 24th Annual Texas Workforce Conference Employer Awards virtual ceremony on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. The Large Employer of the Year Award honors a large, private-sector employer whose efforts and initiatives have had an extraordinary effect on the state of Texas, other employers, workers, and the communities in which the employer does business.
View TWC's press release here or learn more by clicking the phone below:
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2020 Board Awards CeremonyIn February 2021, WFS was recognized at the 2020 Board Awards Ceremony for our commitment to serving local youth and efforts in providing them with the tools to make informed career path decisions. The Texas HireAbility Award recognizes local Workforce Development Boards that successfully promote employment opportunities for talented and dedicated Texans with disabilities. Additionally, WFS was awarded the Workforce Career and Innovation Act (WIOA) Career Pathways - Board Performance Incentive Award for placing a larger percentage of WIOA adult, dislocated worker, and youth participants in training, including training-related employment. In addition to the two Board Performance & Board Incentive Awards secured, WFS was rewarded three Competitive Awards. The Competitive Awards won by WFS are listed as follow:
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Quick Reaction Force IIThe second Quick Reaction Force (QRF): Removing Barriers webinar was designed to connect veterans and their spouses with community-based organizations that offer mental health support services and more. WFS recognizes that there is a need to remove barriers in order to help veterans successfully transition into the workforce. By bringing together community agencies that offer services for local veterans, WFS is able to leverage community partnerships for the benefit of the community. The webinar had 33 registered veterans and had approximately 200 views during the live stream. |
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New For 2021: Interactive Largest Employers ReportThe largest employer report data is key to helping both WFS and community stakeholders to understand regional industry composition, saturation rates, and areas of opportunity. For 2021, we have revamped the traditional report to provide a more interactive format. Viewers can hover their mouse over the bar charts to get full employer names and amount of employees. |
Information Technology Workforce Assessment Underway In The Lower Rio Grande Valley RegionOn March 19, 2021, WFS and Thomas P. Miller & Associates (TPMA) announced a partnership to implement a comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Workforce Assessment. The assessment aims to foster the talent pipeline for IT careers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Region including Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. “Through collaboration with TPMA, Workforce Solutions intends to foster the developing IT industry in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV),” said Workforce Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Francisco Almaraz. “In wake of the Coronavirus-19 pandemic, the world was forced to rely heavily on technology to continue operating, further emphasizing the importance of having a cultivated IT industry. Critical analysis is essential in shaping a strategy that will benefit RGV employers and job seekers.” |
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
2021 Spring Youth Conference5/18/21 - 5/19/21 | 8:30 am - 11:30 amThe Spring Youth Conference will offer virtual sessions for students and parents in both English and Spanish. Both days will feature three tracks covering sessions on Career Exploration, Soft Skills, and Parental Engagement. The 2021 Spring Youth Conference is ideal for parents and students interested in learning more about financial aid, local in-demand careers, stress management, and more! |