The Latest in Workforce Development
As the Austin region continues to grow and evolve, it’s crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to attracting, retaining, and developing talent. Opportunity Austin’s education and workforce development team is your go-to resource for all things talent related. We understand that your business needs are constantly changing, and that’s why we keep you updated on the latest labor market trends in our region’s most in-demand industries. Our monthly newsletter is packed with information on upskilling and training programs that can give your workforce the tools needed to thrive.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Fueling the Austin Region’s Growth with Strategic Workforce Development: With a diverse economy that spans a wide range of industry sectors, the Austin region is home to a dynamic business environment that continues to attract top talent from around the world.
ACC receives $7.5 million grant to expand semiconductor programs, support UT facility: The University of Texas and its Texas Institute for Electronics, a consortium of institutions and partners supported by UT and the Texas Legislature, distributed the funds to ACC.
Texas State breaks ground on $137M STEM building in San Marcos: The new 168,000-square-foot STEM building will be located along Academy Street in San Marcos and will house the mathematics and computer science departments.
Opportunity Austin and Samsung Austin Semiconductor Connect Students to Semiconductor Career Pathways
As part of Opportunity Austin’s efforts to improve enrollment in high-demand postsecondary and workforce training programs, OA and Samsung Austin Semiconductor hosted graduating seniors from Austin, Del Valle, Manor, and Hutto school districts for a tour of the Samsung Austin fab, showcasing career pathways in the semiconductor industry.
Students explored Samsung internships, apprenticeships, and other career opportunities, while Austin Community College and Texas State Technical College shared information on relevant degrees and credentials that prepare students for roles at Samsung. This visit complemented OA’s summer outreach efforts, including our new partnership with Texas State University TRIO programs, which aims to expose first-generation and underrepresented students to in-demand career pathways. TRIO students also engaged with Samsung and NXP to learn about opportunities in the semiconductor field.
Inaugural Talent Ambassador Meeting
On August 7th, OA Talent Ambassadors gathered to connect with key industry and community partners. Each quarterly meeting is designed around a theme, offering ambassadors opportunities to strengthen community ties and impact future talent. The inaugural meeting featured presentations and engagement with Dress for Success, the Andy Roddick Foundation, Con Mi Madre, and Austin Partners in Education. Ambassadors learned about these organizations’ impactful work and explored volunteer opportunities to support career and workforce readiness. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our Talent Ambassadors to strengthen our regional talent pool.
Featured Talent Ambassador: Fantasy Elect
Austin startup, Fantasy Elect, is bringing the fantasy sports experience to politics through competition for bragging rights and cash. The team is harnessing decades of experience at DraftKings, PrizePicks, and Thrive Fantasy as well as on presidential campaigns to create a platform that incentivizes positive civic engagement. Their steadfast support of Opportunity Austin is driven by the same desire to positively affect the community.
They will be making a big announcement in September so make sure to sign up now.
Key Findings from Labor Market Report
Austin MSA job postings saw strong growth over the last three months. Job postings between June 14th and July 13th, 2024, totaled 68,769 —an increase of 4,523 compared to May 2024.
This growth isn’t just in existing roles; new and first-time job postings have also surged, with 27,839 openings in June alone. New job postings now represent 41% of all available positions, marking a 3% increase from May 2024.
Current postings also continue to show strong demand for skilled talent with 56% of job postings requiring postsecondary credentials.
Recruiting Events & Information Sessions
September 10: Acutronic Aerospace Components’ Divisional HQ Inauguration
September 23: Lockhart High School Career Fair
September 24: ARMA 2024 State of Manufacturing Conference & Expo
September 24: Texas State University Fall 2024 TXST All Industries Job & Internship Fair
November 15: 2024 Austin Trades Day Event
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
For businesses: Opportunity Austin is able to provide confidential support for projects, including real estate research, and the facilitation of all aspects of the site selection process.
For start ups & funders: More and more creativity, innovation, & collaboration. The Austin Region is a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting diverse industries and fostering growth of established companies and startups.
