Careers in Texas Industries Week
DISCUSSION PAPER
Background
In March 2016 Governor Abbottestablishedthe Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative and charged the commissioners of the Texas Education Agency,Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission with assessing local economic activity, examining workforce challenges and opportunities, and considering innovative approaches to meet the state’s workforce goals.
After meeting state-wide with local and regional stakeholders, industry leaders and representatives from higher education institutions, the commissioners (Tri-Agency) issued a joint report offering recommendations on how to better prepare the Texas workforce to compete in the 21st century economy.
One of the recommendations from the Tri-Agency initiative was to
“Identify statewide initiatives for the next generation that will make Texas the clear leader in targeted fields and position the state for economic pre-eminence.”
This recommendation resulted in a group of industry association representatives and stakeholders (Texas Industry Clusters & Careers Task Force) being convened by the Texas Workforce Commission over several months to provide input related to the development of a statewide outreach campaign focused on the following objectives:
· Promote the image and strength of Texas Industries
· Increase awareness of the opportunities and benefits of in-demand careers/industries
· Inspire and attract a workforce with the skills and knowledge to bolster job creation
· Build partnerships with employers and employer associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders to further strengthen and collaborate on statewide outreach efforts.
Issue
There continues to be conversation and relevant data from employers related to the need for an awareness of their respective industries as well as their need for a current and future workforce. Prosperity and innovation in Texas depend on extensive and meaningful collaboration among those involved in education (P-12) and higher education and industry. In the establishment of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative by Governor Greg Abbott he tasked the Tri-Agency Commissioners with working together on five charges centered on developing strong links between education and industry with the goal of helping Texas grow in economic prosperity.
Recommendation
Staff recommends collaborating with the local workforce boards to initiate a Statewide Careers in Texas Industries Week program that allows a customized approach related to invitations to employers, industry associations, and other stakeholders to participate in a relevant way to help counselors, students, and parents explore career opportunities in respective industries
Staff further recommends committing $500,000 in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to support this program