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This month's newsletter highlights center information, achievements, upcoming events, and labor market information.

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Our mission:
The mission of the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board is to provide an effective local service delivery system to place Texans in jobs and to equip workers with skills needed to foster economic development.

Starting 2016 Off Strong!


On January 13th, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar was in Abilene to present Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, in collaboration with the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA), Cisco College, Abilene ISD, and local employers, with a $70,000 grant award to support a local High Demand Job Training initiative. The funding, as well as additional financial support from the DCOA, will provide dual-credit career and technical education courses for high school juniors and seniors in electrical, heating and air conditioning, industrial maintenance, plumbing and welding.
 "This High Demand Job Training grant supports a partnership with Workforce Solutions of West Central and the Development Corporation of Abilene that will allow students to acquire in-demand skills,'" said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. "We are pleased to make this investment in the Abilene community and I applaud Cisco College and Abilene ISD for offering this practical educational opportunity."

Board Meeting Preview

The Workforce Solutions Child Care Services (CCS) program helps parents and guardians get back to work by providing support to families and child care providers throughout West Central Texas. CCS offers financial assistance to qualifying families to help cover child care expenses while working, attending a training program, or going to school. Once eligibility is determined, a child care provider must be located. CCS affords families the option of choosing between a home/facility licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (regulated care) or authorized care under a close relative (relative care).

To learn more about services and resources available to child care providers and eligible families, visit www.workforcesystem.org/childcare.

West Central Texas By The Numbers

Key Statistics*
 901 employers served
 5,925 job seekers served
4,550 job seekers hired
 1,424 children in care

(*December 2015)

View the Economic Profile for West Central (December 2015)
View the Economic Profile for Abilene MSA (December 2015)

Ezell Aviation and Breckenridge Economic Development Corp. received a $42,140 Workforce Investment Fund (WIF) award. Through this grant, eight current Ezell employees will receive training from TSTC to earn their FAA Airframe – Power Plant certifications.

Get Involved

Save the date for the 2nd annual JumpStart Your Future Expo in Snyder, Texas! The 2016 event will be held on Wednesday, April 27th from 9:30am-12:30pm at the Snyder Coliseum. Featuring a keynote speaker, mock interviews, a career exhibition hall, and more, the Expo is designed to expose, educate, and engage 8th-12th grade students.

Want to help shape the workforce of tomorrow? Exhibitors and mock interviewers are needed! Showcase your business at no cost to the next generation of employees. 
Register Now

Calendar of Events

2/15: President's Day - All Offices Closed
2/17: Summit Planning Workgroup, 10:30am
Board meeting at WFC - Lone Star Room, 12pm
3/25: Good Friday - All Offices Closed
3/30: Hot Dog! I Got A Job! Youth Job Fair, 2pm

The 14th Annual Hot Dog! I Got A Job! Youth Job Fair will be held Wednesday, March 30th from 2-5pm at the Abilene Civic Center. This event is open to youth ages 16-21 and is free to attend. Registration now open for youth participants and employers interested in hiring for part-time/full-time or summer workers.
Register Now

Registration is open for the 2016 Springboard Ideas Challenge!

Preliminary Rounds
Sweetwater - Monday, February 8th
Brownwood/Early - Thursday, February 11th
Abilene - Monday, February 22nd
Haskell - Tuesday, February 23rd
Snyder - TBA

For times, locations, and to register, visit http://blogs.acu.edu/springboard/.

Copyright © 2016 Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board, All rights reserved.


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Workforce Solutions of West Central TX is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request, to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 1-800-735-2989 or 1-800-735-2988 (Voice).