ARLINGTON, Texas - Gearbox Software (Gearbox)
received the Local Employer
of Excellence
Award for the Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas area
at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 20th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Dec. 7-9 in Houston. The award honors private-sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.
Workforce Solutions for North Central has a successful partnership with Gearbox in Frisco, where it employs over 300 people as an award-winning, independent developer of interactive entertainment. Known for developing popular games, including Borderlands and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, Gearbox moved its Frisco headquarters in the fall of 2015. The move created excitement and opportunities for tech-savvy job seekers across North Texas hoping to break into the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
Gearbox supports local institutions of higher learning through skills development of future gamers while educating students hoping to break into the gaming industry. Additionally, Gearbox invests in local talent by providing paid internships at its headquarters. Gearbox President Randy Pitchford recorded a promotional video, which is used on the homepage of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation website, and is working with them on a joint marketing event to attract other tech companies to the North Central Texas area.
"Each year, we recognize exceptional Texas employers for their investments in our state and for collaborating with our local boards to develop unique opportunities for students and the Texas workforce," said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. "It is our hope that these success stories may serve to inspire new achievements next year. I commend and thank Gearbox Software and Workforce Solutions for
North Central
Texas for forming a partnership that contributes to and builds a stronger Texas economy."
Workforce Solutions for North Central was recognized for outstanding board performance, receiving the $30,000 Service to Business award. TWC Performance Incentive awards recognize boards that display increased accountability and improved efficiencies. Monetary awards for achievement in these categories will be used to enhance workforce service programs during the next year.
Weatherford Independent School District, in partnership with Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, was also recognized for two Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) awards, totaling in the amount of $90,000. The AEL awards recognize partners who demonstrate exemplary performance and outstanding AEL service delivery in partnership with employers, community colleges, and workforce boards.
Texas Workforce Solutions comprises TWC, its Workforce Solutions workforce development board partners and adult education providers across the state. As one of 28 local workforce boards, Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas serves the workforce needs of Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell and Wise counties through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services.
