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 Boards, to talk about the vital role of apprenticeships and the benefits of the ‘earn-and-learn model’ for both workers and businesses. Apprenticeship programs strike a careful balance between providing a valuable education and respecting the apprentice’s time and financial responsibilities to help shape a skilled workforce.  Looking out on a national scale, the same challenges exist across many workforce boards in urban and rural landscapes. The reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) bears significant implications for funding workforce initiatives. Considering potential shifts in federal priorities after the elections, there is a need for ongoing support and adaptability to meet evolving community needs. Join us as we uncover the dynamic intersection of education, economy, and opportunity and explore innovative strategies reshaping the workforce landscape.   Melanie Flowers - With over 25 years of experience in corporate training and workforce development, Melanie is currently the Chief Workforce Strategy Officer at Craft Education, an education technology leader focused on apprentice-based programs. She has previously served as VP of Industry Partnerships at Pathful, Inc. and Senior Manager of Technical Training at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Melanie is an active board member and former chair of Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Skillpoint Alliance and recently joined the National Association of Workforce Boards as a board officer. She holds numerous certifications and is a respected industry thought leader.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Introduction of guest Melanie Flowers, unofficial title of “The Tool Belt Diva”, building the podcast set for Austin Hires Local  (04:43) Why Melanie is a champion for apprenticeship in her professional roles, and why apprenticeship is a proven way to support workers and meet business needs, debunking narrow perceptions of apprenticeship -- how more non-traditional industries are adopting earn-and-learn models  (07:00) Registered apprenticeship programs vs non-registered apprenticeship programs, how funding can be available for both, and what business leaders should know if they're on the fence or never considered adopting an apprenticeship model  (09:00) Melanie's journey to becoming a board member with Workforce Solutions Capital Area   (10:55) Industry sector partnership impact and uncovering surprising ways Workforce Solutions can help, advice for anyone interested in getting involved  (18:00) “Rose, bud, and thorn" from Melanie's unique national vantage point as board officer for the National Association of Workforce Boards, including “thorn” of the WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) federal funding reauthorization.   (22:00) Recognizing that childcare is a massive part of workforce training  (25:00) Melanie's vision for a successful workforce development ecosystem, including starting earlier in schools -- even as young as kindergarten  Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! ...

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 November ballot, aimed at combating lengthy childcare waitlists. These potential solutions reflect a community-driven approach to ensuring that every family has the support they need to thrive.   As we examine the intersection of affordability, climate change, and job opportunities, the conversation turns to the rising costs of living and real estate in the county. Brigid outlines strategic initiatives for affordable housing and tackling chronic homelessness by partnering with developers and leveraging pandemic relief funds. Additionally, the episode highlights federal efforts to link job creation with climate resilience, focusing on sectors like solar energy and disaster recovery. Through these discussions, we emphasize the importance of partnerships, bold candor, and forward-thinking strategies to build a resilient and inclusive future in Travis County.  Brigid Shea is a former award-winning reporter at NPR stations who has proved her grit by fighting climate change in Texas since 1988. As a former Austin City Council member, she helped create the first wind project in Texas. Since being elected to the Travis County Commissioners Court in 2014, her work to reverse climate change and better prepare residents for climate impacts has won 3 NACo Achievement Awards; one for creating a neighborhood wildfire drill, the second for dramatically improving the reach of emergency warning systems, and the third for significantly reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions through an ambitious remote work policy at the County.  In This Episode:   (00:00) Introduction of guest Brigid Shea, her first job as a waitress  (0:03:27) Affordable childcare and workforce sustainability, ballot measure to support it    (0:13:00) Innovative remote work strategies reduce traffic congestion and emissions    (0:19:35) Addressing employee dissatisfaction and retention in “return to work” environments    (0:22:20) Strategic initiatives for “deeply” affordable housing amid a halted market for development   (0:27:02) Using pandemic relief funds for uniquely addressing housing insecurity and workforce development, forward-thinking strategies for resilience    (0:33:20) The outlook for job creation through federal climate resilience initiatives   Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!  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 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, a...

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 by experiences in South Africa, personal loss, and professional triumphs. He discusses how Nelson Mandela’s legacy of social justice drives his commitment to education and equity. Rob candidly addresses the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to nonprofit leadership, highlighting Goodwill’s innovative revenue models that support vital programs for underserved communities. Tune in to discover the transformative role Goodwill is playing in workforce development and how it’s reshaping education and employment opportunities. Rob Neville is the president and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas, bringing over 25 years of diverse experience in development and operations across the life sciences, software, healthcare IT, venture capital, and nonprofit sectors. Originally from South Africa, he has lived in Austin for more than two decades, previously serving as founder and CEO of Savara (NASDAQ: SVRA) and leading Springbok Ventures. A multiple-time finalist for the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Rob won in 2018 and has judged the awards in 2021 and 2022. He is also active in nonprofit work, co-founding a 501(c)(3) for at-risk youth and serving on the boards of various organizations. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction of guest Rob Neville, President and CEO of Goodwill Central Texas (09:00) Early life in South Africa, Nelson Mandela, education (12:24) Journey from South Africa to Austin TX, and how Rob became connected with Goodwill (16:50) The far-reaching network of programs offered by Goodwill (18:00) Generating stable revenue with non-profit business models (21:21) A touching story about a Goodwill employee, priorities going forward, expanding childcare (26:00) What “hire local” means to Rob and Goodwill, using AI in the big picture to narrow the wealth gap (30:32) How Goodwill is using AI in pilot programs (34:00) AI conversations in Goodwills across the country (36:00) Rapid fire questions Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 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. Resources: Rob Neville LinkedIn

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 Judge Andy Brown. Childcare accessibility remains a critical issue, with ongoing shortages and long waitlists affecting families. Judge Brown explains a proposed ballot measure designed to tackle these challenges, which would stabilize the number of childcare providers and enable more parents to enter the workforce. You’ll hear about the broader efforts in Austin and Travis County to invest in job training and workforce initiatives, including raising the county minimum wage and the establishment of a comprehensive Mental Health Diversion Center, aimed at providing essential care and supportive housing for individuals with mental health needs. The conversation also reveals the ambitious plans of super-region leaders to enhance passenger rail infrastructure, which promises to improve commutes, safety, and economic opportunities. Together, these efforts underscore a strong commitment to building a supportive and inclusive community for all residents. Travis County Judge Andy Brown is the chief executive of Texas's capital county, overseeing a $1.4 billion annual budget and serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Since taking office, he has prioritized increasing resources for historically underserved communities, focusing on mental and behavioral health, affordable housing, and enhancing transparency in county operations. Before his current role, Judge Brown founded the Sobering Center-Austin as an alternative to jail for intoxicated individuals, established a successful law firm, and engaged with local boards and commissions. He is a proud Austin native and a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law. In This Episode: (00:00) Travis County Judge Andy Brown discusses Austin's population growth and super region with Bexar County, and early job lessons and experiences in Hyde Park (06:00) Affordable child care access - investments, improvements and plans (10:28) How local child care investment can reduce childcare wait lists, and why residents should care (whether or not they have children) (14:37) Travis County priorities in job training and career building, with an example from Austin Community College's Make It Center. (17:00) Addressing affordability and workforce impediments in Travis County, including increasing the county minimum wage and building a comprehensive Mental Health Diversion Center to stabilize individuals (22:05) Travis County growth estimates, expansion plans for passenger rail infrastructure to connect the super region (27:54) Judge Brown's vision for Travis County's future in five years - a supportive, inclusive community for economic growth Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 sharp...

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 job candidates. Stacy also delves into Amplify’s commitment to financial inclusion through its ‘fee-free’ banking approach and the Co.Labs partnership with Workforce Solutions, which aims to connect local individuals with financial resources and opportunities. We explore how these initiatives support underserved communities and align with Austin's 'Hire Local' vision. Stacy’s community leadership extends beyond banking, and she shares how her experience and involvement in local community initiatives shape her approach to financial inclusion. Stacy Armijo is the Chief Experience Officer for Amplify Credit Union, which has nearly $3 billion in assets under management serving businesses and consumers throughout the state of Texas. She leads the marketing, retail, payments, and talent teams to ensure a seamless experience for members and the community. With extensive marketing expertise, Armijo has served as the national board chair for the American Marketing Association and holds various influential roles locally and nationally. An active community leader, she serves on the board of directors of the Austin Area Research Organization and Peak Performers and is involved with organizations like The New Philanthropists and Communities in Schools of Central Texas. Recognized as a “Woman of Influence” by the Austin Business Journal, she earned her degree in public relations from UT Austin and enjoys time with her two boys and trying out new cocktail recipes for her friends as an amateur bartender. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction of Stacy Armijo, cocktails and first jobs (05:30) Career transitions - PR to Finance (10:00) Advice for career-change-seekers transitioning into another industry (15:00) Ideal candidates in the banking industry, tech in the industry (17:50) Amplify, ‘fee-free’, and why you should care (21:15) The partnership with WFS, and Amplify Co.Labs (23:30) Creation of the very first ‘fee-free’ cocktail (26:20) What “hire local” means to Stacy and Amplify (28:00) Looking forward, commercial banking services Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 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. Resources:

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 deserts’ in Austin, focusing on the exorbitant costs and the need to make it easier to establish childcare centers, especially in underserved areas. We explore Austin's efforts to invest in its youth through the summer youth employment initiative, highlighting successful partnerships with local businesses, such as the airport and Tesla, and emphasizes the crucial role of grocery retailers and healthcare providers in bridging food access and healthcare gaps in Southeast Austin. Transportation and workforce development are also covered, as we discuss exciting projects like the new light rail line and airport expansion. With $25 billion worth of infrastructure projects on the horizon, the creation of Austin's Infrastructure Academy is a game-changer, poised to upskill workers and address workforce shortages. Tune in to discover how these initiatives not only enhance job accessibility but also foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Austinites. Vanessa Fuentes took office in 2021, and has championed improved health, affordability, and creative arts in her District 2 community. As Chair of the Public Health Committee, she has advanced health equity through legislation on displacement prevention, community health workers, and mental health services, to name a few. Raised in Central Texas by an immigrant mother and military veteran father, Vanessa’s career spans from criminal policy reform to national healthcare advocacy. She has also boosted local affordability by raising the minimum wage and expanding access to childcare and pre-K. Vanessa serves on several key committees, including Audit and Finance and CAMPO Transit Policy Board. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, first jobs, lessons learned (04:00) Austin’s summer youth employment program (06:30) Need for healthcare infrastructure and food access in SE Austin (07:45) What ”Hire Local” means (08:40) Childcare and 30 childcare deserts in Austin, home-based childcare (12:30) Housing in Austin, displacement prevention program (15:40) Transportation, light rail, airport connectivity improvement (18:50) Austin’s Infrastructure Academy funding (23:25) Tracking trends in employment, the state of the workplace, mental health (26:00) Looking forward Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 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-seconda...

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, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways for students, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. SkillPoint Alliance's dual mission is a testament to what's possible when you invest in local talent. Kevin discusses how helping individuals well below the poverty line not only meets the talent needs of local employers but also allows for community reinvestment and generational wealth building. With recent expansions like increased enrollment in HVAC and electrical courses and the introduction of night classes, SkillPoint proves that a "grow your own" strategy can boost the local economy and ensure that residents thrive where they are. From father-son and mother-daughter duos to the recruitment of women and non-traditional workers, such as justice-impacted individuals and veterans, Kevin shares poignant examples of community support and transformation. SkillPoint Alliance's initiatives align perfectly with the Austin Infrastructure Academy, proving once and for all that people are more than willing to work when given the right opportunities. Kevin Brackmeyer is the CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, an Austin-based nonprofit offering rapid, no-cost job training in construction and manufacturing to underserved communities. A lifelong Texan with extensive experience in education, Kevin is committed to enhancing Texans' lives through workforce development. Recognizing the urgent need for skilled labor in Central Texas, he is dedicated to strengthening the local economy and facilitating meaningful employment. His passion drives collaborations with local organizations and industry leaders to address this critical workforce gap. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction of Kevin Brackmeyer (02:10) Kevin’s first job experience in Texas, adopting a work ethic (04:12) How Skillpoint Alliance supports the next generation of Central Texas skilled trades workers with a tried-and-true rapid employment model (07:30) Focus on community-building, lifting out of poverty, meeting employer’s needs (10:47) Developing local talent, building generational wealth in your community (13:55) Opportunities for women and non-traditional populations (20:24) Kevin's response to employers saying "people don't want to work" (23:18) Alignment with the Austin Infrastructure Academy and what's next for Skillpoint Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 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-s...

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 his career path. The conversation explores the critical parallels between healthcare and workforce development, focusing on how Workforce Solutions Capital Area offers personalized support and hope to job seekers, similar to healthcare providers' approach to patients. We tackle the ongoing war for talent across various sectors, including healthcare, and the strategic importance of investing in entry-level workers to build a robust talent pipeline. Lastly, discover the transformative power of apprenticeships, where structured roadmaps for skill acquisition help employees advance without leaving their current roles. Learn about the successful initiatives by the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership and how collaboration among passionate employers, workforce intermediaries, and educational partners can drive innovation and address labor market needs. About Mark Sherry: As Board Chair of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Mark Sherry brings over 30 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, and organizational change management. He currently serves as the greater Austin region Vice President of Human Resources for Business Strategic Services and Workforce Development at Baylor Scott & White Health. Mark is also a national Apprenticeship Ambassador representing Central Texas, chosen by the Department of Labor for his commitment to modernizing, diversifying, and expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support the success of American workers, employers, and communities. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction of Mark Sherry and his various titles and functions (03:51) Jobs that propelled Mark to where he is now (07:30) Parallels between healthcare and workforce development - both fields aim to provide personalized support and hope during challenging times. (11:00) Investing in entry-level workers - strategies to cultivate a robust talent pipeline, addressing business community skepticism about training investments (21:00) Registered apprenticeships enable career advancement without leaving current positions. (24:30) Learning from other cities and sharing best practices (28:31) Looking to the future - potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize workforce development with significant insights and efficiencies for job seekers and employers (31:21) The most surprising part and biggest takeaways from being Chair for a workforce board. Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! 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 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,...