OPENLINE
"Investing in the Future through Jobs and Training"
Table of Contents
Message From CEO
Child Care
Enhancement
Career Exploration Fair
Providing Services
Board Members
Carla Byrne
Raymond Chavez
Mary Dunlap
Rosanne Eaden
Lyn Fite
Suzan Gentry
Zach Gilbert
Andrew Hernandez
Patci Lewis
Rudy Martinez
Sue Mercer
Monica Perez
Curt Pervier
Tom Pursel
Paul Reynozo
Rosa Rivera
Ben Rubio
C. Richard Sivalls
Richard C. Smith
Olga Smoot
Dr. Cheryl Sparks
Robert W Stephens
Dr. Gregory D. Williams
Adele Youngren
Greg Yoxsimer
The Honorable
Richard H. Dolgener
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Issue: #10
Winter 2015
Message from Willie Taylor, CEO
It is hard to even imagine another great year filled
with many blessings has ended . Midland and Odessa
MSA continue to rank in the top ten percent across the
US as far as lowest unemployment.In looking back, the
one disturbing thing I will remember is how difficult it has
been trying to keep pace with our local industry growth.
The way the workforce formula allocation works, those
areas who have the lowest unemployment will actually lose valuable training
resources to address their community needs.
I cannot speak for our local education community, but the challenges they
have been experiencing will have a profound effect on the future growth of the
area. There is clearly no way our communities can function without their ability
to hire qualified teachers. The key to growing our own local workforce depends
on a strong working partnership between workforce and education.
Despite the challenges, the local Workforce Board was able to provide
scholarships and support the Dual Credit Career/Technical programs in the
area, and Odessa College experienced strong enrollment growth over program
year 2014. The Permian Basin Workforce Board is committed to making the
entire region aware of the importance of good career choices while addressing
our skill shortages. I am amazed when I go around and talk about the skills
shortages within our region and across the US. The entire nation should see
this as a critical time for the future of our country.
Whether you are pursuing an education to earn a degree or enrolled in a
certificate program, your pathway to success will heavily depend on making
the right career choices. On behalf of the Permian Basin Workforce
Development Board, we encourage you to go to our website at
http://www.workforcepb.org and review our targeted occupation list that will
lead to success as well as strengthening our community.
We want to wish all of our readers a very prosperous and joyful New Year.
Child Care Enhancement
We Are Here to
Serve You
We serve 17 counties in
the Permian Basin. Let us
The Permian Basin Workforce Board partnered with Howard College,
Midland College and Odessa College by providing funds for scholarships for
caregivers participating in the PBWDB'S child care management services
program. The collaboration came about as the Board searched to provide a
meaningful and enduring quality initiative that would also support the Board's
know how we may help
you.
Midland:1-800-248-6451
Odessa: 1-800-248-6451
New Location
Services in Midland may
be accessed at the
Technology Center
Room 138
Midland College
3600 N Garfield,
Midland, TX 79705
432-686-4879
child care providers in becoming a Texas Rising Star provider. PBWDB sees
this as a win for all concerned as we strive to increase the number of TRS
providers, and the quality of care provided will improve overall. There are still
scholarships available. Call the Board office for more information.
432.563.5239.
PBWDB also invested in our Texas Rising
Star providers by furnishing materials and equipment to
enrich their child care program. The TRS providers
completed a needs assessment and were awarded items
based on their individual needs.
With the Permian Basin having the lowest unemployment rate in the state, it
is a challenge for businesses in the child care industry to maintain a workforce.
This is an opportunity to improve not only the quality of care, but to strengthen
this industry which is under-recognized for the value it brings to families and
children and for the importance it has on the Workforce.
Career Exploration Fair
Having a great demand for skilled workers and need for a sufficient
workforce in the Permian Basin, we have adopted a "grow your own"
philosophy. Youth are our greatest investment. The PBWDB in partnership
with MISD and Midland College are putting together a Career Exploration Fair
for junior high and high school students on the evening of January 29th, 2015.
This setting will provide opportunity for employers, career professionals, and
educators to create job awareness and direction on how to develop the
appropriate skills set for our youth's employment goals. This interactive fair will
also allow employers to share the credentials and needed skills for the type of
careers they offer and that will continue to be offered in their growing
occupational field. Employer recruitment is a priority for Workforce in planning
the event. It is our hope that we can grow the knowledge base not only for
students in regards to target occupations and projected growth in certain fields
but our educators as well. If you would like to contribute to making this event
successful or need additional information please contact, Career Navigator,
Julia Vogt at 432.563.5239 or by email at [email protected]
Providing Services
Workforce Solutions can help businesses find qualified candidates who are
trained with the right skills and abilities that best meet your needs. Our
Business Consultants are available to assist you with recruiting, screening,
referrals and much more. They can even provide information about the Work
Opportunity Tax Credit for employers that hire from a target population. Our
Business Consultants are here to help you! Please call Midland at 432.6864879 or Odessa at 432.367.3332.
Workforce Solutions Permian Basin is an equal opportunity employer/program.
Administrative Office: 2911 La Force Boulevard, Midland, TX
1-432-563-5239
Equal Employment Opportunity Information Auxiliary Aids and Services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Relay Texas: 1-800-735-2989 (TDD) and 1-800-735-2988 (Voice)