Robert Sturns

Executive Director

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

May 21, 2026, was a busy but rewarding day for WSTC, reminding all of us of the important work being done in Tarrant County and the lives being changed. 

Las Vegas Trail Workforce Training Program Graduation

The Las Vegas Trail (LVT) Workforce Training Program was created in 2023 to expand access to workforce and educational opportunities for residents in the underserved Las Vegas Trail area of West Fort Worth. 

One of the most critical needs identified within the community was access to training and workforce upskilling opportunities that could connect residents to sustainable careers in high-demand industries. To address this need, LVT Rise partnered with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, Cook Children’s Hospital, JPS Health Network and Tarrant County College to create a healthcare administration training program delivered directly within the community. By bringing accredited training opportunities into the neighborhood itself, the initiative significantly reduced transportation barriers that often prevent residents from accessing education and career advancement opportunities. Additionally, employer partners Cook Children’s and JPS Health Network committed to guaranteeing interviews for all program participants for applicable internal opportunities.

On May 21st, 11 graduated from Cohort 2, Robert Sturns, Executive Director addressed the graduates. He shared that the impact of this program goes beyond employment however, it creates:

• Stronger financial stability for families
• Increased confidence and self-sufficiency
• Role models for children and future generations
• A stronger and healthier community overall

The program continues to evolve and strengthen based on the lessons learned with each cohort. On May 21st, we celebrated not only a graduation, but the power of partnership and the potential that exists within every community.

Tarrant County National Honors Society Induction Ceremony

The Tarrant County Adult Education and Literacy Consortium held its 5th Annual National Adult Education Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Thursday, May 21st at the Arlington City Council Chambers.

The instructors spoke about each of the students being inducted and why they were nominated. Students were selected based on three criteria: Dependability, Cooperative Attitude and Work Ethic. The nominated students demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to inspiring their peers, contributing significantly to both their own success and that of their classmates. The Tarrant County Consortium High School Equivalency Graduation is being held on May 29, 2026. Congratulations to all our 2026 Graduates!

You can read more about the AEL program and all their success this year to include the Annual High School Equivalency Graduation in the June 2026 WSTC WORKS E-Newsletter. 

Child Care Resources for Employers

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) launched a new online resource for Texas employers. The Child Care Resources for Employers webpage is designed to help employers better support their employees’ child care needs. 

The new webpage was created in response to Senate Bill 1265, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature. It offers clear information on several topics including child care assistance programs, available state and federal tax credits and dependent care savings accounts. The webpage also shares best practices and policies that businesses can adopt to help their employees access reliable child care. Studies show that supporting child care needs can improve employee morale, reduce absences and increase productivity.

Services for Displaced Spirit Airlines Employees

Spirit Airlines closure has left thousands of workers and their families navigating an unexpected transition. In collaboration with the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor, WSTC is responding to the local impact of the Spirit Airlines closure. Efforts are focused on supporting affected Tarrant County residents, addressing service disruptions and assisting workers in securing new employment.

WSTC has made targeted social media posts with resources for those effected by the closure. A special webpage has also been added to the home page of our website, to include a dedicated telephone number for Spirit Airlines Team to get assistance: (512) 340-4326. In addition, staff is conducting direct outreach to all Spirit Airlines claimants in Tarrant County to guide them through available workforce programs.

WSTC is participating in a series of collaborative information sessions to coordinate regional and statewide response efforts. We will host a local session on June 9th at 2:00 p.m.  

Our Rapid Response Team provides confidential, on-site assistance to help affected employees prepare for their next opportunity. The benefit for you is that your workers become well-versed, empowered job seekers, ready to find their next opportunity. We encourage any local employer facing a potential downsizing event to contact our team as early as possible. Early intervention allows us to coordinate the on-site workshops and job fairs necessary to protect both the workforce and the local economy.

Want to learn more about the services we offer Tarrant County employers, reach out to us by email at: employerservices@workforcesolutions.net.

Texas Job Market Steady in April

Texas reached a total of 14,394,300 nonfarm jobs after adding 300 positions in April. Over the year, the state added 82,400 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.6 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.

Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,894,800 after decreasing by 21,800 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 49,200 people.

Community News - Refresh

Starting July 1, 2026, the Community News will no longer be distributed as a newsletter and emailed out.

We will be releasing our new WSTC Community Bulletin, which will be available digitally on our website. This resource will be updated weekly with new Workforce related events and training opportunities that benefit the residents of Tarrant County. Everything will be in one place on our website.

Upcoming 2026 Job Fairs

• June 25, 2026: Northeast Tarrant Area Job Fair
• August 19, 2026: Neighborhood Job Fair
• September 30, 2026: Fort Worth Area Job Fair
• November 5, 2026: 15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair (BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!)

Phone: 817-413-4000

Website: www.workforcesolutions.net

Connect with us

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to individuals with disabilities.

(TDD/TTY) 1-800-RELAYTX.