Earn and Learn Apprenticeships in Central Texas: Building Strong Talent Pipelines

08/06/24 • 35 min

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, 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:
Mark Sherry LinkedIn Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Central Texas Healthcare Partnership

About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.

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:

Resources:
Mark Sherry LinkedIn Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Central Texas Healthcare Partnership

Previous Episode

Building Bridges: Mayor Kirk Watson on Austin’s Infrastructure and Affordability

In this episode, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, speaks with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. Tamara and the Mayor delve into how Austin’s city leaders are prioritizing affordability to empower local residents and foster economic security. The Austin Infrastructure Academy - a groundbreaking initiative approved by the Austin City Council in early March 2024 - takes center stage, aimed at enhancing workforce development in Austin's burgeoning mobility and infrastructure sectors. This academy integrates recruitment, training, and wraparound services to support job seekers effectively. Additionally, conversation explores efforts to expand childcare availability to bridge workforce supply gaps and highlights collaborative community strategies tackling broader regional workforce challenges. Join us as we uncover how these initiatives are shaping a more resilient and inclusive Austin.

Austin's Mayor Kirk Watson boasts a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Texas public policy. Beginning with his appointment by Gov. Ann Richards as Chair of the Texas Air Control Board in 1991, Watson demonstrated early leadership in environmental issues, later contributing significantly to the formation of what is now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Elected as Austin's mayor in 1997, Watson earned acclaim for fostering collaboration across political divides to advance pioneering environmental and economic development projects. His legislative prowess extended into the Texas Senate, where he served for over 13 years, eventually becoming President Pro Tempore in 2019. During his tenure, Watson championed initiatives such as the establishment of a new medical school at The University of Texas at Austin, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in shaping Texas's governance and public health landscape.

In This Episode:

(00:00) Introduction of Austin Mayor Kirk and his first job as a “stripper!”
(04:15) “Affordability First” is the number one priority for Austin’s communities
(08:31) Watson delves into the Infrastructure Academy's goals and benefits. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure and residents' economic stability.
(0:10:41) The conversation focuses on efforts to make child care affordable and expand availability. Watson explains the 100% property tax exemption for child care facilities.
(0:13:13) Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future - the importance of collaboration in tackling affordability, including partnerships with various stakeholders for inclusivity.
(0:14:30) Watson shares his vision for Austin's future and community involvement.
(0:17:00) Final thoughts on what it takes to be a “complete city.”
Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Resources:

Kirk Watson
Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure sector

Next Episode

Transforming Lives and Communities: Kevin Brackmeyer of Skillpoint Alliance

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:

Resources:

Kevin Brackmeyer LinkedIn

Skillpoint Alliance Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Central Texas’ first-ever labor and demand forecast for the mobility and infrastructure sector
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including career training, apprenticeship programs, scho...