Although Travis County has weathered the economic downturn modestly well and area employers have begun adding jobs, a new report finds that certain trends, especially in educational attainment and work readiness, threaten the region’s long-term sustainability.
Workforce Solutions — Capital Area released State of the Workforce on Wednesday, offering business and community leaders a glimpse into the current and projected labor supply situation in the Capital Area. The report features in-depth examinations of the labor market and shows how education, population growth, and a changing economy might affect the region’s future economic stability.
“Despite its good fortunes, Austin faces a number of underlying challenges,” writes Alan Miller, Workforce Solutions Executive Director and primary author of the report. “Complacency is a risk. Equity and sustainability are significant issues.”
The 45-page report brings attention to trends and disparities in the workforce and serves as a community engagement tool to encourage regional dialogue.
“The report has both economic and social implications,” Miller explains. “The issues facing our region are too complex for any one entity to solve; they require collaboration from multiple parties and hopefully this report can help encourage an appropriate level of cooperation.”
Download the report at www.wfscapitalarea.com.