December 2021
Executive Directors E-Newsletter
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This holiday season we are thankful for so many things, during this time our thoughts turn gratefully to you, with warm appreciation. Our Board, Elected Officials and staff have been hard at work wrapping up 2021 and preparing for a busy 2022.
In this newsletter, we will share highlights from our many initiatives since we last met. We open with highlights from the 24th Annual Texas Workforce Commission Conference and 10th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Virtual Job Fair. It is our honor and privilege to assist our veterans, their spouses and families by offering the opportunity to connect with so many excellent employers.
In addition to these initiatives we celebrate Lisa Witkowski and her recent selection as the 2021 North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award from Child Care Associates.
We have a lot to be thankful for this year and above all else, know that in this time we are still here to help. We appreciate your understanding and value your continued partnership. As we continue to get people back to work, meet the needs of employers and face the challenges that affect so many in our community, I encourage you to reach out to us if you need assistance
On behalf of the staff I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2022!
Phone ๐: 817.413.4000
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Sincerely,
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Judy McDonald, Executive Director |
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Featured in this month's newsletter:
- Service Industry Recovery (SIR) Child Care Program
- WSTC Success Story
- Texas Workforce Commission Annual Conference
- North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award
- Train Tarrant Update
- NTXAD Auto Tech Competition
- Fatherhood Coalition Christmas Tradition
- 10th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Virtual Job Fair Event Wrap Up
- Virtual Hiring Fair Days
- Workshops
- WSTC is Hiring
- WSTC Alerts & Live Chat
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12 months of Child Care is available for qualifying parents in the service industry!
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is providing extra help to the service industry, which was hit hard by the pandemic, by providing 12 months of free child care to low-income parents who are employed in the service industry. TWC has an existing child care subsidy program designed to assist low-wage workers in paying for the cost of child care. The new Service Industry Recovery (SIR) program will use federal COVID-relief funds to provide an extra focus on workers in the service industry.
To learn more, see if you are eligible or to apply check out the links below.
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Meet Mark, a young adult trying to navigate his career pathway. With the help of a strong mentor and guidance from his Career Advisor at Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Mark is no longer alone on his career pathway journey.
He is getting assistance with his GED and with the skills he has learned during his internship is now working in a high demand industry for CEVA a contractor for Lockheed Martin.
We are proud of Mark and all he has accomplished.
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Texas Workforce Commission Annual Conference |
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The 24th Annual Texas Workforce Conference took place November 17 โ 19, 2021, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, in Houston, Texas.
Board Chair, Gracie Vega and Executive Director, Judy McDonald attended in person along with staff. In addition to those in person the following Board Members attended the conference virtually: Lillie Biggins, Joan Grigsby, Jerletha McDonald and Dr. DiAnn Sanchez.
It was a wonderful conference which celebrated all the workforce boards had participated in over the last year.
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County were fortunate to be recognized a few times during the conference. Below enjoy a few pictures from the event.
Innovation Video
As part of this yearโs 24th Annual Texas Workforce Commission Conference, WSTC was given the opportunity to showcase the unique innovations we implemented (during the pandemic) to provided services to our fellow Texans over the last 18 months. The only real criteria was it could be a max of 4 minutes.
We are proud of all we accomplished and could not have done it with out the understanding and support of our: elected officials, Board Members, partners, job seekers, employers and staff .
Please enjoy our video.
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Gracie Vega, Judy McDonald and other Women in Workforce Leaders were recognized during the Words of Wisdom from Leading Women of Workforce Session.
TWC Commissioner Aaron Demerson joined Former Commissioner Representing Employers and Former Secretary of State Hope Andrade, Former Chair & Commissioner Representing Employers and former Secretary of State Ruth Hughs and Former Commissioner Representing Employers Jo Betsy Norton to share their stories of grit and perseverance personally and professionally to inspire women in business.
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Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was also recognized during the From Baby Booties to Working Boots โ Impacting a Future Workforce Super Session.
Together4Children discussed how early childhood education impacts our future workforce. TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez recognized the Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP), which is the first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship in the State of Texas for early childhood education.
Lynn Lucas of Camp Fire First Texas spoke very enthusiastically on the Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) which is offered in partnership with: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Tarrant County College, Tarleton State University and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhoodยฎ Texas.
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WOW- Women of Workforce, from Left to Right: Gracie Vega (WSTC Board Chair), Judy McDonald (WSTC Executive Director), Ruth Hughs (Former Chair & Commissioner Representing Employers and former Secretary of State), Susan Kamas (Workforce Solutions Central Texas Executive Director) and Laurie Larrea (Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Executive Director).
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Jauneen Maldonado, AEL Director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County presented several times at this years conference. Everyone wanted to learn about the Tarrant County Consortium Model. Below are the topics Jauneen presented on.
Career Pathways: Serving Priority Populations with Your AEL Partner
How can a career pathways approach to education and training serve priority populations under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and build pipelines to middle skills jobs available in the Texas economy? This presentation described three ways that through collaboration and partnership programs can expand services for employment, stackable credentials, and career ladders that make job seekers ready and upskill the existing workforce. The presenters outlined how the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) programs work with their Local Workforce Development Board and postsecondary partners, establish shared outcomes, and built better pipelines for customers through case management, advising, coenrollment, and referrals serving those most in need across the Texas workforce system.
Partnerships: Building Quality Services for LowSkilled Adults through Collaboration
Most jobs (52 percent) require training beyond high school, yet 13.9 percent of adults ages 18โ25 do not have a high school credential and 20 percent of adults cannot read a label on a soup can. With employers struggling to fill jobs for middle-skilled workers in Texas, this basic skills gap requires cross-sector strategies that address the basic skills and employment gaps across the economy. What structural supports exist under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to better prepare workers for middle-skilled jobs through effective dual enrollment in education and training? Presenters explained how state policy and technical assistance support collaboration between Local Workforce Development Boards and Adult Education and Literacy programs, in addition to describing a local perspective on eligibility, coenrollment, and shared resources that drive system efficiencies and better serve all customers with quality services.
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Lisa Witkowski Awarded the North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award |
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Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is proud to celebrate the recent award presented to our Child Care Director, Lisa Witkowski. Lisa was awarded the 2021 North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award (in the category if Outstanding Individual Leadership).
The award was announced by Child Care Associates at the November 3rd
CCA 2021 Early Childhood Investors Luncheon. Many of our Board Members joined Judy McDonald to celebrate at this luncheon. Unfortunately Lisa was unable to attend the event and Nicole Allen accepted on her behalf. We are happy to report that Lisa will be presented with this award at our December Board Meeting.
The North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Awards are an annual leadership awards awarded by Child Care Associates in Fort Worth to deserving individuals, teams or businesses. an individual (or small team of individuals) who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in early childhood and early education.
Lisa is known across the state as a leader, innovative thinker and mentor! In her awards letter Kara Waddell, President and CEO of Child Care Associates wrote: "Lisa was selected because of her leadership in the child care space, especially in creating and building the child care subsidy and quality improvement work in our community. We know that you have built a legacy in the child care space and are thrilled that some of your initial work was with Child Care Associates and that we've remained strong partners through the years. We appreciate the passion and the creativity you bring to finding solutions in an un-designed system. You also seek out ways to build public-private partnerships and build new areas of innovation. We also applaud the state level of leadership you continue to demonstrate among your peers and in philanthropy. You were specifically selected for:
- Entrepreneurial vision and insight into the child care subsidy system
- Passion to ensure every child regardless of neighborhood or circumstance has access to quality early learning
- Amplifying the voice of child care providers in Tarrant County and Texas."
Congratulations Lisa!
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Our new Train Tarrant initiative was announced at the October Board meeting by Jennie Adams, Deputy Director - Operations & Partnerships. We have an update to include a logo, copy on the website and a trophy!
What is Train Tarrant
Sometimes to get the right job you have to upgrade your skills. Each year, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) funds training for eligible job seekers who want to work in high demand careers and gain industry recognized credentials in a matter of weeks!
WSTC is Training Tarrant, get on the fast track to finding an in-demand job, with an industry recognized credential, paid by us. Letโs get you trained and connect you with employers to continue your career in this high demand industry.
Each month we will bring focus to a new in-demand training.
- October our focus was on IT Help Desk Training
- November our focus was on Hospitality
- December we have been focused on the Healthcare
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We are already looking at the Office Support / Accounting as the focus in January 2022. ๏ปฟ
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TOP PREFORMING WORKFORCE CENTER
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In October the Workforce Center that met the highest percentage of their goal for this month was the Central Workforce Center, you can see from the pictures we celebrated with balloons, a pizza party for the staff and the NEW TRAIN TARRANT TROPHY!
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Join us at the December Board Meeting where we will announce/ award the Train Tarrant Trophy to the Top Preforming Workforce Center for the month of November. |
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North Texas Automobile Dealers 2021 AutoTech Competition |
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The 2nd Annual North Texas Automobile Dealers AutoTech Competition was held at Texas Motor Speedway on December 4, 2021.
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County participated in this years AutoTech Competition by sharing information at our booth about the NTXAD Pre-Apprenticeship program for graduating seniors.
The Auto Tech Competition gives high school seniors a high-profile stage to demonstrate their skills, measure of knowledge, and a race against the clock โ all rolled into one. It features North Texasโ best high school automotive education students from across the country competing for top honors, scholarships and other prizes. 25 School Districts across the Region participated, Tarrant districts include Azle, Arlington, Birdville, Crowley, HEB, Eagle Mountain- Saginaw and Keller ISD.
Teams are comprised of two students each and are selected based on preliminary ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification test scores in Maintenance & Light Repair, Steering & Suspension, Brakes and Electrical. The final teams are then paired with NTXAD new-car franchised dealerships to act as mentors and help train them for the competition.
Winners of the competition received up to $3,000 in tools provided by Snap On.
This yearโs winners were:
- 1st place Plano ISD
- 2nd place HEB ISD
- 3rd place Arlington ISD
The automobile industry is in need over 76,000 trained auto technicians nationwide, with many of these job openings in the North Texas Region. Experienced well-trained technicians will always be in demand and able to earn top dollar. With this in mind North Texas Automobile Dealers joined educators, state and local government and local dealerships to train, certify and employ students to work in the industry.๏ปฟ
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Fatherhood Coalition Christmas Tradition |
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Each year the Fatherhood Coalition of Tarrant County (FCTC) has participated in efforts to provide Christmas gifts to children who otherwise may not receive them.
This year they have received requests from two Fatherhood Coalition member organizationsโ Texas Juvenile Justice Department and Tarrant County Sheriffโs Department in collaboration with Potterโs House of Fort Worth.
We encourage you to join us in continuing this grand tradition by participating in this important initiative. Feel free to extend this invitation to friends, family members and others who also may wish to participate in our collection and donation of Christmas gifts for children.
Check out all the details and how you can support this initiative by clicking on the box below.
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Mervil Johnson, Community Collaborations Director is spearheading this effort for Workforce Solutions, please feel free to reach out to Mervil should you have any questions. Email: mervil.johnson@workforcesolutions.net.
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10th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Virtual Job Fair Event Wrap-Up |
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๐บ๐ธ ๐บ๐ธ Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was excited to host the 10th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Virtual Job Fair on Thursday, November 4th.
This event is sponsored by: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Veterans Commission.
This event had a different feel to it, being held virtually. We had a small but mighty team that helped make it a success. We also had activity at the Workforce Centers this year, offering access to computers in the resource room during this yearโs event.
Although we did not have our fun Ribbon Cutting to kick off the event, which in years past has included Captain (Rangerโs Mascot) we did post on the platform a special message from Governor Abbott and the TWC Commissioners. You can view the video message by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/2_G3otylIsY
Our hope for 2022 is we really do get to break in the new ballpark in person! Now on to some preliminary numbers, we are still following up with Employers on some final data but here is the first round of stats:
Preliminary Event Stats:
Employers:
- 122 employers registered for the event
- 118 participated in the event on November 4th
Job Opportunities:
- Employers reported over 4,175 job openings they were looking to fill
- The Employers posted over 917 jobs on the platform
Job Seekers:
- We had over 1,392 registrations on the platform
- Over 872 job seeker participated in the event
- Of that number 131 reported being a Veteran or spouse of a Veteran
Other Data:
- Survey's were sent to employers on Thursday evening, we have only received 20 back so far (our business services team is now following up to get more data), they are reporting:
- 61 interviews conducted/scheduled
- 15 firm offers already made
- Job Seeker surveyโs went out and we are receiving very positive comments, many have thought this has been the best job fair yet!
- We booked 39 appointments for our Resource Room computers leading up to HRWY
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The workforce centers assisted 46+ job seekers on the day of HRWY: This could have been with access to a computer or assistance navigating the actual job fair
- We hosted a few Workshops that day and they were very well attended
- We hosted 2 workshops which gave an overview and tips from our MAPS Workshop which covers employment related topics such as: Interviewing, Resume Review and Effective Communication skills.
- Microsoft conducted 2 LinkedIn Workshops and also had very positive feedback
- We have received lots of positive comments and feedback about the event, the employers, how active the job seekers were and this is no surprise how helpful and awesome all the staff were. This is a team effort and everyone should pat themselves on the back for another successful event!
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Virtual Hiring Fair Days Event Information |
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Did you miss our Virtual Hiring Fair Event? We have you covered! Our November Virtual Hiring Fair Days video ๐น has been added to our YouTube Page. Hear from local employers looking to hire NOW! Visit ๐ Link below.
While you are there, ๐ subscribe so you don't miss future videos. ๐
Next Virtual Hiring Fair Days Event - December 16, 2021 - 11:00 a.m. to 12noon. Via Zoom.
Hear from and interact with local employers who are looking for qualified candidates like you!
This event will be conducted via Zoom, registration is required click on the button below to register and for more information.
The December Event will feature the following employers:
- Anton Cabinetry
- Interstate Restoration, LLC - First Onsite
- My Roof General Contractor
- Tyson Foods
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Need to polish your skills? We have a workshop for that! |
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๐จ Have you checked out our Workshops? ๐ฑ Register today for these NO COST workshops brought to you Virtually! Lots of topics to choose from: Resume, Effective Communication, Interview Tips, we even have Microsoft Classes!
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Employment Workshop Series: Whether you need help fine tuning your resume, working on your elevator speech, or want to know how to make yourself stand out in a stack of applicants, we have a workshop for you. We even have a special series for our 55+ worker. Take a look at the upcoming sessions and be sure to register for each session you would like to attend. For more information visit: www.workforcesolutions.net/#maps
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Welcome and Information Sessions: Find out how Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County can help you get back to work with our NO COST services. Our Welcome and Information Session is your inside look at how we can help you during these new and uncertain times. Now watch it on your time! We have condensed this into a 15-minute video, you can view it here: https://workforcesolutions.net/#welcome
๐โโ๏ธ ๐โโ๏ธ You can find all the details and get the links to register by visiting our website calendar of events: ๐ Check the button below.
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๐ฃ Tarrant County want to join our Child Care Department? Come join the workforce family!
Check out the positions in workintexas.com (see ๐ ) and apply NOW! ๐ ๐คฉ
๐ผ Child Care Quality Specialist:
๐ผ Child Care Program Specialist:
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๐ค Did you know you can receive updates from us via Text ๐ฑ or email โ๏ธ?
Stay up to date with the latest employment, training and community news.
Don't miss these important alerts! To learn more and to sign up, click on the button below.
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Did you know we offer live chat on our website ๐ฌ?
Workforce experts are here to assist you with all your employment and training needs. Want to know when our next workshop is, ask ๐ฌ? Have a WorkinTexas.com question, ask ๐ฌ ? Want to know about our upcoming Virtual Job Fair, ask ๐ฌ ? We are here to help Tarrant County!
Current hours for the live chat: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to individuals with disabilities. (TDD/TTY) 1-800-RELAYTX. |
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