The Classroom Is Where Careers Begin: A Workforce Blueprint with Commissioner Travillion

Today Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, sits down with Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion from Precinct One for an inspiring conversation about workforce development and youth opportunity. Commissioner Travillion brings decades of public service experience and a deep commitment to education rooted in his background as a teacher's kid. His focus centers on creating pathways for young people to access meaningful careers while ensuring businesses that receive tax incentives hire locally and invest in community talent development.

The discussion covers the recently passed tax rate election that funds childcare and after-school programs, the importance of connecting students directly with major employers like Tesla and Samsung, and creating a GI Bill-style local contract between young people and their community. Commissioner Travillion shares insights on building partnerships between schools and businesses, addressing workforce challenges through policy, and his vision for ensuring every child has guided access to career opportunities. The conversation also touches on systemic challenges and the cyclical nature of public policy.

Commissioner Jeff Travillion serves as Travis County Commissioner representing Precinct 1, bringing over 30 years of public service experience including 16 years with the City of Austin where he retired as team lead for the Code Department's Neighborhood Enhancement Team. His operational reviews of state agencies contributed to Texas Legislature recommendations resulting in over $8 billion in cost savings. A Jackson State University W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program graduate with a master's degree from UT's LBJ School, he's also earned fellowships at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Tamara sits down with Commissioner Travillion to discuss businesses and schools speaking different languages
• (03:32) Commissioner Travillion shares his first job as a lifeguard and key life lessons learned
• (06:22) Key workforce challenges keeping Commissioner Travillion up at night within K-12 education
• (08:11) Investing in workforce through partnerships between local government companies and schools
• (13:33) Benefits of after-school programs and how new Travis County funding connects students with employers
• (18:15) How November 2024 Tax Rate Election Proposition A will build pipeline of future talent
• (20:13) The one big challenge Commissioner Travillion wants solved in the community
• (24:02) Workforce trends on the horizon employers and education system should focus on
• (28:39) Commissioner Travillion discusses his desired legacy and fighting for what you believe in
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About the show:
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 gues