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The Surge: September 2024

Back to School and Building Austin’s Workforce:

With the start of a new school year, Opportunity Austin remains focused on filling the talent pipeline by addressing workforce development needs. Our recent Education and Workforce Council meeting highlighted the importance of increasing postsecondary enrollment and making education more accessible. Through initiatives like our FAFSA outreach and Talent Ambassador program, we are enhancing access to education and career pathways for students across Central Texas. We are also fortunate to live in an area with partners and institutions that are responsive to emerging needs. A great example is Austin Community College recently being awarded a $7.5 million grant to expand semiconductor training programs. These resources will help expand training capacity in a critical industry as well as collectively contribute to Austin’s economic strength and future success. Thank you to all of our educational partners for your continued support in driving this region forward.

– Ed Latson, CEO of Opportunity Austin

FEATURED ARTICLES

Rep. Lloyd Doggett presents $1.5 million in congressional funding to ACC: On Thursday, August 29, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett visited the College to announce new $1.5 million congressional funding he secured directly to support semiconductor training at ACC. 

ACC receives $7.5 million grant to expand semiconductor programs, support UT facility: Austin Community College received a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Defense Department to expand its semiconductor workforce training programs.

Texas Outpaces Nation In Annual Job Growth Rate: Texas employers have added jobs faster than the national rate over the past year, with more Texans working than ever. This growth across diverse industries highlights the resilience of Texas and our top-rated business climate.

Last Chance: 13th Annual A-LIST Awards – Nominate & RSVP Now!

Join us on October 23, 2024, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate Austin’s top innovators and entrepreneurs.

There’s still time to nominate exceptional companies and individuals who are driving growth in Central Texas.

Click the button to reserve your spot at this must-attend event. Attendees will be entered to win two Copa Airlines tickets to any of their 88 destinations.

From our blog

Fueling the Austin Region’s Growth with Strategic Workforce Development:

Central Texas has long been recognized as a top destination of innovation and economic resilience. 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. Read the blog.

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. Full newsletter.
Austin Job Growth & Unemployment Update:

August 2024: Austin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.4% in July, unchanged from the preceding four months. Full report.

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 & fundersMore 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.

 

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Pitchbook released their Q2 Venture Capital report, showing that companies in the Austin region raised approximately $6.5B YTD, more than twice the money raised in the same period during 2025 ($2.9B). Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, showing that the Austin region is fourth among the top 50 metros in the percent of STEM jobs.

The Austin region’s continued ability to attract and grow companies depends on more than creating jobs, it depends on having the talent to fill them.

Austin Business Journal spotlights the many defense companies that have set up shop outside Austin lately.

STEM occupations account for over 11.1% of all jobs in the Austin MSA in 2024, making Austin the 6th most concentrated in STEM among large U.S. metros. Since 2019, STEM occupations in Austin have grown by 17%, adding 20,000 jobs and bringing the total number of workers to 139,820.

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