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2 Year Modification

Plan: Texas PYs 2018-2019
Combined Plan C

Section: WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Narrative: III. a. 2. D.

Published
Located in:
  • III. Operational Planning Elements
    The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that support the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II.(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
    • a. State Strategy Implementation
      The Unified or Combined State Plan must include—
      • 2. Implementation of State Strategy
        Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—

III. a. 2. D. Coordination, Alignment and Provision of Services to Employers

Describe how the entities carrying out the respective core programs, any Combined State Plan partner program included in this plan, required and optional one-stop partner programs will coordinate activities and resources to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to employers to meet their current and projected workforce needs. The activities described shall conform to the statutory requirements of each program.
View corresponding narrative from PYs 2016-2017

Current Narrative:

Texas businesses receive value-added assistance through an integrated workforce system. Businesses have access to pools of job seekers at all levels of education and experience, allowing potential employers to tailor new hires to the requirements of the job and build a better workforce. Close ties to the local labor market enable Boards to conduct outreach by working with businesses to provide opportunities for work experience and on-the-job training (OJT), and allow low-skilled workers to build skill sets relevant to the current market. Additionally, Boards are well positioned to work with other community partners, such as economic development organizations, to expand opportunities to all customers.

Dedicated Business Service Units (BSUs) provide businesses access to customized service options that address their specific business needs. BSUs offer a range of services designed to help employers with hiring and training needs to maximize their competitiveness, including:

  • applicant recruitment, screening, and referral;
  • listing and maintaining job orders through WorkInTexas.com;
  • assistance with and participation in job fairs;
  • information resources (e.g., labor market and business statistics, employment and labor law, UI);
  • testing and prescreening job candidates;
  • basic employment skills training and referral to education and training providers;
  • customized training—including training through the state-funded Skills Development Fund—and OJT skills training;
  • assistance with and information on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit; and
  • rapid response and downsizing assistance in the event of closings or mass layoffs.

System-wide improvements continue, including expanding employers’ access to grants under the Skills Development Fund. Programs backed by the fund build skill competencies to meet current and future demand in high-growth industry sectors. In crafting solutions for Texas employers, community-based organizations and technical colleges partner with TWC and local employers to provide job training when a specific need is identified. Training enables incumbent employees to advance their skills and/or creates new jobs with the partnering business. TWC works with the employer and training provider to ensure that the program meets specific performance measures and benefits both the employer and trainee. From the Skills Development Fund’s inception in 1996 through 2014, grants have created or upgraded more than 316,000 jobs throughout Texas. The grants have assisted 4,074 employers with their customized training needs. The legislature allocated $48.5 million to continue the Skills Development Fund programs for the 2016-2017 biennium.

TWC closely measures performance to evaluate the Boards’ effectiveness in meeting the needs of employers. These measures include:

  • assisting employers in filling vacancies; and
  • expediting the return of UI claimants to work, thereby protecting the state’s unemployment trust fund as well as containing the UI tax rates of employers.

TWC’s Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers also reaches out to businesses by sponsoring Texas Business Conferences, an annual series of 12 to 15 employer seminars around the state. The seminars present practical, up-to-date information for operating a successful business and managing employees. Topics include: Texas employment law and the basics of hiring, employee policy handbooks, handling unemployment claims, independent contractors, and federal and Texas wage and hour laws.

TWC’s Skills for Small Business and Skills for Veterans initiatives provide further training opportunities for both employer and employee. Other activities include TWC’s partnership with the Office of the Governor’s Economic and Tourism division to host the Governor’s Small Business Forums, and with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to provide geographic mapping technology, SitesOnTexas.com. This website assists employers in planning for business expansion, job retention, and workforce training.