In a multi-agency collaboration, Workforce Solutions Capital Area launched its “people-centered” career development program, Austin Infrastructure Academy, on March 26th.
“It’s clear that we need to expand our workforce,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “…Austin Infrastructure Academy takes a holistic approach by offering customized training and certification programs tailored to the needs of employers and job seekers.”
I explained it
The academy, known as the “one stop shop,” will provide a new hub for job seekers who will integrate recruiting, vocational training and wraparound service support for future employees in Austin’s mobility and infrastructure sector, said Tamara Atkinson, Capital Area CEO of Workforce Solutions.
“It’s really about modifying or updating workforce development models about how people know about work and career training and how they lead to those opportunities,” she told Community Impact.
Unlike traditional training, this guides job seekers before making an “informed, sustainable career choice” before registering for training or employment.
Atkinson explained that an estimated $25 billion in capital improvement projects are scheduled for the Austin area. This includes projects such as light rails, I-35 expansion, airport expansion and redevelopment of the convention center.
“Austin’s infrastructure workforce is already strong with over 220,000 people, so we know that 10,000 new, skilled employment opportunities open every year will continue to expand rapidly,” Atkinson said, estimateing that the forecast has increased by more than 80% by 2040.
If these new jobs remain unfilled, the community faces the risk that these large projects aren’t completed on time and on budget, she said.
To meet industry needs (an increase of approximately 4,000 people a year), Workforce Solutions Capital Area partners with the city of Austin, Travis County, Austin Community College and other local industry leaders.
The Austin Infrastructure Academy was originally funded through previously allocated urban dollars. As part of the $5.9 billion budget for 2024-25, Austin officials have guaranteed $5 million to launch the academy.
In October, council members approved a one-year contract with the Workforce Solutions Capital Area, providing workforce training, child care services and occupational placement support for mobility and infrastructure careers.
While the Workforce Solutions Capital Area will serve as administrator, Austin Community College has allocated $200 million in bond funds for 2022 and built the academy’s physical space on its new 76-acre campus in southeastern Travis County.
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“We will serve as the physical front door for the Academy of Infrastructure,” ACC Prime Minister Russell Laurie Hart stressed the initiative’s catchphrase, “make a living that makes Austin.”
Access to the Academy’s services is currently supported by the Career Center and the Workforce Solutions Capital Area at the ACC Riverside Campus.
Program details
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said the new job creation pipeline will focus on “people” and meet individuals experiencing barriers.
He emphasized that the focus of the initiative is not more than the work created, but rather on supporting the quality of the work and those who fulfill it.
“If (job seekers) have transportation issues, we help. If we have parenting issues, we help,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “We want to make sure we get a network, not just a recruitment application. We need a network that we need to support.”
Brown added that the county is working closely with Workforce Solutions to increase the voter-approved 2024 child care tax rate of $0.025 per $100.024.
He hopes that the first phase of the additional childcare program will unfold by the start of the next school year in August.
What they are saying
John Stalker said he attended the Academy launch and Job Fair in search of a better opportunity beyond his current job in auto repair.
“If you’re a job seeker, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of resources (on the internet) to find out what’s out there,” Stalker said.
He revealed that being able to chat with an employer and ask questions helps them explore new career possibilities.
