This Labor Day weekend, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) would like to take the opportunity to recognize and honor the more than 13 million workers who are the backbone of the Lone Star State. As we continue to experience positive growth, in job creation and labor force size, the people of the great state of Texas are able to benefit from the thriving economy and opportunities that come with expanding employment.
Texans have much to celebrate this Labor Day. Our nearly 500,000 employers continue to add jobs with the addition of 260,500 between July 2014 and July 2015. The state’s unemployment rate remained at 4.2 percent in July and continues to trend below the national rate of 5.3 percent.
TWC and the state’s 28 local workforce development boards, which together comprise Texas Workforce Solutions, partner with local economic development organizations, community colleges and other entities to connect workers to available job opportunities and to equip the growing workforce with the advanced skills needed to secure sustainable jobs. Once again, the Texas Legislature has allocated more than $48 million to support the Skills Development Fund job training programs to help businesses and employers create new jobs or upgrade the skills of their current workforce through the Skills Development Fund for Employers and the Skills for Small Business, program. Targeted training funding for dual credit programs and veterans in high-demand jobs are also available through the fund.
Additionally, TWC is addressing the growing population of veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce through programs, such as College Credit for Heroes, which allows Texas’ veterans to translate military experience into civilian careers. On November 12, TWC and Workforce Solutions will also host the fourth annual Hiring Red, White and You! statewide hiring fair for veterans and their spouses. These fairs have connected more than 31,000 veterans with more than 4,700 employers.
TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions are grateful for the contributions that Texas’ workers have made to strengthen and prosper our state. As you enjoy this holiday with family or friends, we thank you for helping to make Texas the best place to live and work!
Andres Alcantar, Chairman and Commissioner Representing the Public
Ronny Congleton, Commissioner Representing Labor
Ruth R. Hughs, Commissioner Representing Employers
