Community Resources

Labor Force

Texas

• Nationwide, the demand for labor is reaching new heights as employers anticipate hiring more workers at a time when many areas are experiencing labor shortages. Because of the current age demographics, employers are looking to an ever-shrinking labor pool from which to attract and train workers in order to fill vacancies created by the current economic expansion.


• This tight labor market is also present in Texas, as the unemployment rate dips to levels not seen in two decades. An area which has historically had some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation is the Texas-Mexico border region which continues to experience a labor surplus.

Labor Training

• The Texas Workforce Commission has a three fold mission: to gather and maintain data from the workforce, to administer the state's unemployment insurance program, and to assist the unemployed/underemployed in finding work. The TWC maintains an extensive data base of workers registered with the agency and positions open in the local job market. Through the use of computerized job matching, TWC can fill professional, technical, managerial, clerical, services, sales, as well as skilled trade and craft openings.


• South Texas Community College serves business and industry needs by offering customized training to upgrade employee skills or to assist new businesses in the start-up phase. For more information on STC industry designed training programs call (956) 631-4922.


• Building and maintaining a quality workforce that can compete globally is the future of Texas. The local Workforce Development Board administers the federally funded Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The WIA Programs are designed to provide a quality skilled labor force for Texas employers and help Texas employees cope with an ever-changing job market.


• For further information on the Local Workforce Development Board, contact the Workforce Solution Office at (956) 928-5000.