James SatterwhiteExecutive DirectorWorkforce Solutions – Rural Capital Area

Workforce historically categorized as “Challenged”

Challenges are increasing and more complex

*Gaps widening between employer skill needs and potential workers skills

*Global Competition*Employers struggling to remain profitable & competitive*Consumer confidence very low*Aging workforce leadership in most industries*New workers unprepared for work or continued education*Technology outpacing workers skill increases and cost of training for new technology is expensive for education*Changing demographics

Historic levels of unemployed Historic level number of job seekers in

system Low numbers of new jobs or refilled ones College graduates experiencing difficulty

finding jobs and increased competition Green jobs entering the picture Increased funding for unemployment

payments Increased funding for training and

support thru AARA

United States @ 9.7%Texas @ 8%. Lost 266,300 jobs in last 12 months

Hays County @ 6.9%Caldwell County @ 8.4%

Average monthly clients 10/07 thru 9/08 was 8,159 in our nine counties

Average for the next nine months was 11,273 in our nine counties or 38% increase

Hays county increased by54% and Caldwell about the same with Hays county at 2000 and Caldwell at 553

Number of individuals receiving UI from 7/08 thru 6/09 is 17,525 in our nine counties:

Number of individuals receiving UI in Caldwell county for same period were 918 with 472 still active in WIT on July 29th

Number of individuals receiving UI benefits in Hays county for same period were 3,182 with 2000 still active in WIT

With 472 still active in WIT on July 29th in Caldwell county…there were 27 job openings they were competing for

With 2000 still active in WIT on July 29th in Hays county….there were 106 job openings they were competing for

Number of jobs listed on WIT on July

29th was 809 in our nine counties

Enacted Feb 17, 2009 Funds for nine county area: $6,000,000 Intent of ARRA is to put Texans back to

work Majority of funds expended in the first year Target services toward:

Those on public assistance, and other low income individuals

Displaced and unskilled adults Disconnected youth Child Care related projects

Assist them in obtaining jobs that pay self-sufficiency wages. $14 an hour

Focus on career paths that benefit the individual, local employers and the local economy

Additional help with child care payments and quality activities with local child care providers

Allocation for nine counties is: $1,487,921 60 percent of ARRA youth program funds

must be expended on summer employment activities

70 percent spent by September 2009

Anticipate serving at least 400 youth in work experience projects with local employers

Currently have served 48 youth in Caldwell County and 93 in Hays county.

Training includes the following: Occupational/vocational training OJT Internships Entrepreneurial training Private sector training programs Customized training Apprenticeship Direct contracts with institutions of higher

education for training and curriculum development

Training costs can include the costs associated with Adult Basic Education/Literacy English as a Second Language

But only if they are provided in conjunction with training activity

Boards can enter into direct contracts with institutions of Higher Education and Other Training Providers.

Currently have agreements with Austin Community College.

ARRA Adult Program Allocation of

$544,790

80 percent spent by June 2010

67% spent on training and support services

Plan to place 173 in training

ARRA Dislocated Worker Program Alloc. of

$1,021,493 80 percent spent by

June 2010 67% spent on

training and support services

Plan to place 238 in training

Allocation is $2,819,657 Direct Child Care assistance to eligible

parents $2,323,324 Quality activities $496,333

Opportunities for skilled workers in: Solar Wind Power/design Use of environmentally friendly building

materials Renewable energy infrastructure Energy-efficiency home retrofitting Bio-fuel development ARRA Grants Available

Never underestimate the importance of higher education and training opportunities to a regions long term prosperity

Determine collective skill sets of the regions workforce that are transferable to multi-industries

Focus on recruitment of industries that provide a sustainable wage ($14) and to those that need the skills available in the region

Work with educational institutions to provide training in targeted areas

Promote the strengths of the region including I30. Continue to address weaknesses such

educational attainment, housing and poverty rate

Develop a collective vision of what you want your community to look like and to provide

Always include all stakeholders in economic development and educational planning

Never think that growth will stop and that problems will go away on their own

Keep focusing locally and regionally as you are today

Never underestimate the power of partnerships