The Latest in Workforce Development
As we kick off the new year, Opportunity Austin remains focused on advancing workforce development and economic mobility across the region. From forging new education and industry partnerships to securing funding for two-generation career readiness programs, we’re committed to expanding opportunities in 2025. Recent efforts include hosting the HER Power Summit to connect women with job opportunities and helping hundreds of families navigate the financial aid process. Check out our latest initiatives below!
FEATURED ARTICLES
TSTC breaks ground on $47M training center: The 70,000-square-foot building will house the advanced manufacturing technology-semiconductor, industrial systems and precision machining technology programs for the campus, located at 1600 Innovation Blvd.
Texas Dominates Nation In Job Creation For Third Year In A Row: Jobs data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms Texas added the most jobs in the nation from December 2023 to December 2024 with a gain of 284,200 nonfarm jobs, significantly ahead of all other states.
Free Construction Apprenticeship Program Launches for Travis County Residents: Texas Construction Career Pathways offers a free three-week program for Travis County residents, providing training and pathways into unionized building and construction trades.
Opportunity Austin Receives TRIO Grant in Partnership with Texas State University
Opportunity Austin has been awarded a $90,000 grant to partner with four TRIO programs, reaching more than 1,700 high school and middle school students and their parents through career development initiatives. Running from January to July 2025, this funding will support career exploration, resume-building workshops, and workforce readiness training. By taking a two-generation approach, the program aims to equip students with the skills needed for professional success while helping parents navigate career pathways in Austin’s evolving job market.
Inaugural HER Power Summit Connects Women to Career Opportunities
The HER Power Summit brought together 27 employers and nearly 100 women for an evening of career development, networking, and professional growth. Attendees connected with industry leaders, gained valuable career insights, and participated in workshops designed to support their workforce journey. Keynote speakers from Austin Energy, Capital Metro, and Ascension Seton shared their experiences and advice. Hosted in partnership with Con Mi Madre and Dress for Success, the event focused on creating pathways for women to explore new career opportunities.
Expanding Access to Postsecondary Education
Opportunity Austin’s 2025 financial aid campaign has helped 545 students and parents across 16 school districts navigate the FAFSA process. From December through February, OA hosted 32 FAFSA events in partnership with area schools, including workshops, information sessions, and career fairs. Over the next month, we will continue assisting families in securing grants, scholarships, and other funding to make higher education more accessible and prepare students for in-demand careers.
Featured Talent Ambassador: Flintco
Flintco, a local general contractor with eight regional offices—including Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—generates nearly $2 billion in annual revenue. In Central Texas, Flintco is known for high-rise multi-family towers, commercial office projects, state infrastructure, and renovations for UT-Austin and Texas State University. The company has long supported workforce development in skilled trades, partnering with Austin Community College, Del Valle ISD, and AISD. A key measure of success is direct feedback from students, educators, and trade partners. Watch the short video below to see Flintco’s commitment to building the next generation of skilled workers.
Key Findings from Labor Market Report
There were approximately 59,617 available job postings in January 2025, a decrease of 2,113 from December’s 61,730 postings. First-time job postings totaled 21,461, down 1,868 from the previous month.
Among the top 20 job postings, 56% require some form of postsecondary education, and 55% offer a median annual salary of over $65,000.
The Austin MSA unemployment rate declined to 3.1% in December, down from 3.5% in the previous reporting period. The number of unemployed residents fell by approximately 6,900, from 53,300 to 46,400.
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.
Recruiting Events & Information Sessions
- Feb 26: Huston-Tillotson University HT’s Sesquicentennial Spring 2025 Career Fair
- Feb 27: St. Edward’s University Full-Time/Part-Time Job Fair
- Mar 3: Texas State University Spring 2025 TXST Summer Job & Volunteer Fair
- Mar 27: LBJ High School Career Fair
- Mar-May: Workforce Solutions Capital Area Lunch Takeovers
