Austin Hires Local
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.
Episodes
In this special mini-episode, host Tamara Atkinson explores Austin's critical workforce challenges and the evolution of the Hire Local Plan. She discusses how addressing the skills gap is essential for sustaining regional economic growth and shares impressive results from the plan's most recent year of implementation, including 16,000+ residents trained in the region’s top industr...
Did you know you could own a home in Austin for $152,000? Discover how Austin Habitat for Humanity is making the impossible possible for Austin's workforce.
Join host Tamara Atkinson and Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, as they discuss Austin Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for the local workforce. Austin Habitat is ramping up efforts to build 75 homes pe...
What innovative strategies is TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza using to support veterans and small businesses in the Texas workforce?
Join Tamara Atkinson and the Commissioner, as Joe shares his unique journey from selling perfumes to becoming a significant figure in Texas workforce development, drawing from his experience as a Marine Corps veteran. There are pressing workforce chal...
Why is the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce boards often referred to as one of the state's "best-kept secrets"—a label that suggests they may not be receiving the attention they deserve—and how are they impacting the lives of workers and their families?
Today on Austin Hires Local, Tamara Atkinson welcomes Texas Workforce Commissioner Alberto Treviño, a seasoned law enforcement veter...
Originally filmed Oct 24, 2024
How does the "Tool Belt Diva," Melanie Flowers, transform her passion for building into groundbreaking workforce development strategies?
Today on Austin Hires Local, Tamara Atkinson welcomes Melanie Flowers, board member of Workforce Solutions Capital Area and recently-appointed board officer for the National Association of Workforce ...
Host Tamara Atkinson welcomes Commissioner Brigid Shea to share her expertise on critical community issues like affordable childcare and workforce sustainability in Travis County. Brigid sheds light on the real-life challenges parents face with limited childcare access and the impact on employment opportunities. Our conversation unveils county initiatives, including a proposed property tax increase on the...
How did a childhood knack for solving the Rubik’s Cube springboard Rob Neville into college, and eventually a career in workforce development?
Host Tamara Atkinson sits down for an inspirational conversation with Rob, now president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas. His journey, from a young author to a leader in the nonprofit sector, is a deeply personal story, shaped ...
How does child care investment, more transportation options, and a robust mental health network contribute to building a more inclusive and thriving community in Travis County?
In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson of Workforce Solutions Capital Area delves into the future of workforce development and child care advocacy in the rapidly growing Austin metro area with Travis County Jud...
In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson of WFS sits down with Stacy Armijo, Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Credit Union. Stacy offers valuable insights into her nontraditional career path from PR to finance and provides advice for those looking to switch industries. You’ll hear about the evolving demands within the banking sector, including the impact of technology and the qualities of ideal jo...
Could improving childcare access, cost, and infrastructure radically change the quality of life in Austin?
Join us as we sit down with Vanessa Fuentes, Austin council member for District 2, who shares her firsthand experiences and bold initiatives aimed at addressing issues like childcare accessibility, transportation, and housing affordability. We tackle the critical issue of the 30 ‘childcare ...
We often hear, “People don’t want to work anymore.”
Our latest episode of Austin Hires Local shatters this myth. Tamara Atkinson sits down with workforce hero Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of SkillPoint Alliance, to uncover the inspiring stories behind the push for skilled trades and workforce development. Kevin shares his journey from working in construction to leading a pivotal organization, emphasizi...
Welcome to Austin Hires Local! In this episode, Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) interviews Mark Sherry, WFS Board Chair and VP of Human Resources at Baylor Scott & White Health. Listen in as Mark recounts his impactful first job in a college career service office, which led to a memorable experience with Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, profoundly shaping...
In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, speaks with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Tamara and the Mayor delve into how Austin’s city leaders are prioritizing affordability to empower local residents and foster economic security. The Austin Infrastructure Academy - a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Austin City Council in early March 2024 - takes center stage, ai...
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 ...
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