Show Notes
Calling all job seekers, employers, and anyone who cares about the future of Austin's workforce! Introducing Austin Hires Local, your one-stop shop for understanding our city's job market.
Join me, Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, as we navigate the complexities of Austin's job market in future episodes of the podcast. Together, we'll explore the vital connection between education and employment, and how it can empower individuals and transform communities. I’ll be sitting down with leaders from education, economic development, and community organizations to discuss actionable solutions for strengthening Austin's workforce. Discover what's working, what's not, and innovative strategies to ensure local people have the skills needed for local jobs. Whether you're looking to develop a career plan, seeking ways to grow your business, or simply curious about Austin's economic landscape, this podcast is your guide. Let’s build a better community by talking talent together!
Tamara Atkinson is the CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS), the state-designated authority for the Austin-Travis County workforce system. WFS connects local youth and adults to high-demand industries for quality jobs. Tamara holds leadership roles in state and national workforce development, including as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council. Recently, she launched the Austin Metro Area Community Workforce Plan, known as the "Hire Local Plan," Austin’s first strategic initiative to enhance economic mobility through career education.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) Introduction to Austin Hires Local
- (01:04) Austin's employment landscape - creating more jobs than most other metro areas, available jobs don’t always match local skills
- (02:00) Tamara Atkinson's journey - North Africa to Austin, educator to a workforce development leader, family influence
- (03:33) What this podcast will provide, WFS resources
- Reach out to Workforce Solutions Capital Area
- Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.
Resources:
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-delegated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.
