Tag Archives: wsb

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB), in partnership with the City of El Paso, will be moving its Downtown Center into a new location at the Main Library (501 North Oregon) on September 4, 2018.

Via a news release, WSB officials said, “We will now be able to offer our expert array of career and job placement services inside the Main Library that will enable both organizations to merge resources and provide El Pasoans with a centralized location to receive support and career guidance in their pursuit of seeking gainful employment.”

WSB and the Main Library are entering into a 3-year agreement where the Main Library will house a satellite WSB Job Center outfitted with 4 WSB job counselors and computer workstations for job seekers to utilize for job hunting, training and upskilling preparation.

To prepare for the move, the Workforce Solutions Downtown Center will begin shutting down its operations and alerting clients to the move the week of August 20, 2018, in preparation for its move to the Main Library.

The last day of business at its current location at 300 East Main Street will be on Friday, August 24, 2018.

The new Workforce Solutions Borderplex Job Center, located on the first floor of the Main Library, will open on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

During the 1-week transition of moving locations, clients can seek WSB’s services at any of our other five Workforce Centers in El Paso. For a complete listing of WSB locations, please visit their website.

For more information about the new partnership and the new Workforce Solutions Borderplex Job Center, please contact Romie Ruiz at (915) 887-2221.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB), in partnership with Burlington, will be hosting a special hiring event at the North Loop Workforce Solutions Center this week.

The hiring event will be held on August 1, 2 & 3, 2018,  at WSB’s North Loop Center. According to WSB officials, the event is being held to hire 130 retail positions.

Representatives from Burlington (formerly Burlington Coat Factory) will be on-site at Workforce Solutions to conduct same-day interviews for those who qualify.

WSB Officials say candidates should bring copies of their resume and come dressed to impress.  For more information, please call (915) 230-2515 or visit www.workintexas.com.

Burlington Hiring Event

August 1, 2, & 3, 2018  |  9 am – 5 pm

North Loop Center  |  8825 North Loop, Suite 122

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) was recognized at the 2018 Annual CompTIA Partner Summit for excellence in IT Workforce Innovation in its dynamic CompTIA Cyber-Security Technology Certification program.

The annual CompTIA Partner Summit recognizes various corporate and educational partners from around the globe for their tremendous work and contributions in providing unique upskilling opportunities for youth and adults. Leila Melendez, Chief Operating Officer for WSB, accepted this prestigious honor on behalf of WSB.

The award recognized the organization for their innovative efforts in building a public private partnership with the support of WSB’s most generous partner, Wells Fargo, to fund the CompTIA Cyber-Security Technology Certification program. The program also received matching funds through the Texas Industry Partnership grant.

The first of its kind offered in the Borderplex region, the CompTIA Cyber-Security Technology Certification program challenged veterans and transitioning soldiers to complete an intense, customized 12-week training program that would prepare them to earn the five highly-coveted, IT-recognized certifications in IT fundamentals, A+, Network+, Security+, and CSA+.

“Wells Fargo recognizes and appreciates these veterans’ qualities and what they bring to the workforce. We could not be prouder to support WBS and this specific program, helping veterans and transitioning soldiers work towards achieving their dreams in the civilian world,” said Region Bank President for Wells Fargo in South Texas & El Paso, Alma Ortega-Johnson. “This opportunity also serves as a remarkable pipeline of talent that will hopefully help us reach our goal of 20,000 veteran team members by 2020.”

As cybersecurity becomes a greater focus at the state, federal and international levels of government, and with the Texas Cybersecurity Act becoming public law in 2017, the value of a CompTIA certificate has become an instrumental tool for IT experts.

Twenty-eight of the thirty program graduates earned all (5) of the highly-coveted IT cybersecurity certifications; each program participant has been job placed; and the overall group has an average starting salary of $55,000.

For more information about CompTIA Cyber-Security Technology Certification program, please contact Romie Ruiz at (915) 887-2221.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is actively seeking dynamic employers to take part in its two Fall 2018 JobCon events for Far West and Far East El Paso County.

Geared towards high school students, the JobCon Series provides a platform where Borderplex youth learn about the in-demand careers of the Borderplex region from the actual workers employed by some of the most coveted businesses.

Companies who are interested in taking part in one of the JobCon events must bring an engaging interactive exhibit where students can get hands-on experience in that industry. JobCons provide a wonderful opportunity for local employers to engage with their community, mentor youth, and showcase and highlight the impactful elements of their work.

The JobCon Series was developed to captivate the interest and educate high school students in the Borderplex region about the high-demand careers that are available in their communities. Students will leave this event knowledgeable about the diverse range of career opportunities available in their area, as well as the skills needed to acquire these jobs.

The deadline for businesses to register to take part in the JobCon Series is August 6, 2018.

For more information on how to take part in the Far West and Far East JobCon Series, please contact the Business Services Unit at 915-887-2332 or at Business@borderplexjobs.com.

Far East JobCon

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Venue is in Fabens, TX

Target school audiences – Fabens, Tornillo, Clint, Fort Hancock

 ***

Far West JobCon

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Venue – TBD

Target school audiences – Anthony, Canutillo, Vinton

On Monday, Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) announced the launch the organization’s newest resource website – www.HowtoPickaCareer.com – which offers visitors the opportunity to explore a series of exciting and interactive tools that walk users through what it will take to make career dreams a reality.

Via a news release, WSB officials said, “Students, parents and educators will marvel at the wealth of insightful information found on the  website…Brilliant infographic cards can be downloaded to learn more about the hottest jobs in the seven target industries of the Borderplex region.”

Once on the site, users can take a ‘virtual reality’ tour of some of the region’s most in-demand careers to explore the daily experiences of these professionals.  A series of Interactive Pathways lead users on a fundamental journey through the education and job roles required to career success.

Also linked to this site is the Texas Career Check website that offers students incredible tools they can utilize, such as taking a quiz to figure out where interests lie or what are the latest trends by occupation.  With the Texas Reality Check meter, students can test their knowledge on what a dream life will truly cost them in real life.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex’ HowtoPickaCareer.com (HTPC) was developed as a resource supplement from a Texas Labor Market and Career Information grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

HTPC’s product offerings range from an online career information delivery system, to a toll-free career information hotline, to a variety of specialized economic development and regional planning tools.  Each of these end-user products is buttressed by applied academic research on Texas labor market dynamics.

HTPC also offers a collection of hardcopy and online labor market, career and follow-up information products as well.

According to the ACT Research & Policy Brief article, “Education and Career Navigation: Critical for Student Progress and Success”, studies show that individuals who develop education and career navigation knowledge and skills are likely to have expanded education and career opportunities.  These students will make education and career decisions that better fit their needs, it will increase their motivation to learn and achieve, and they are more likely to experience more positive outcomes both in school and work settings.

Workforce Solutions also encourages educators to download the Seven Target Industries infographic cards and the 2018 Hot Jobs report online, as supplies are limited.  For more information about the website and the Labor Market Career Information, please contact Natalie Littlefield via email.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is looking for local businesses to join in the 2018 season of the El Paso Summer Youth Employment, also known as Hire El Paso’s Youth, which strives to put regional youth to work.

Via a news release, WSB officials say, “This impactful program provides first-time, real job experience that sets youth on a path to be successful and workforce-ready.”

To that end, Workforce Solutions has launched two youth employment initiatives for summer 2018: Hire El Paso Youth Work Program and the Earn & Learn Program.

The Hire El Paso Work Program will subsidize 100 percent of a paid work experience for 100 youth between the ages of 16-24 for 20-40 hours a week and for up to 12 weeks.

Earn & Learn Program, will subsidize 100 percent of the paid work experience for 85 youth with disabilities between the ages of 14-22 for 30 hours a week and for up to 7 weeks.

For either program, participating youth must meet specific requirements.

Employers participating in the Earn & Learn Program will receive insights and recommendations as to how to best serve customers with disabilities and learn how to easily adapt workplaces to employ persons with disabilities.

WSB officials add, “Overall, employers will benefit from having a motivated, young adult in their workplace, while giving them a crucial career-building opportunity.  Hire El Paso’s Youth has a far-reaching impact on our region, that builds a pipeline for the local workforce, with many youth returning to the same employer for multiple years.”

The summer job opportunities also provide valuable life lessons for the youth such as learning the importance of attendance and punctuality; articulating themselves professionally in a workplace setting; and learning how to accept direction and constructive criticism.

Employer mentors who have taken part in the program in previous years indicate that the mentorship time they spend with their young employees is critical to the future success of our community and increases their own engagement in their work.

For more information on how businesses can take part in the El Paso Summer Youth Employment programs,  contact the Business Services Unit at 915-887-2332 or at Business@borderplexjobs.com.

The 21st Annual Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Conference was held November 29th through December 1st in Dallas.  Several entities affiliated with Workforce Solutions Borderplex received board awards during the conference.

El Paso Electric (EP Electric) received the Employer Award of Excellence for the Workforce Solutions Borderplex (Borderplex) area.  The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.

The company sponsors Borderplex’s annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program by providing $10,000 in STEAM scholarships.  EP Electric has sponsored this event for the past nine years, with $54,500 invested.  EP Electric also sponsors the Young Achievers Forum, through which 1,000 students tour the University of Texas at El Paso.

“We are very honored to receive this recognition, and excited about continuing to contribute to the success of our region,” said Mary Kipp, President and Chief Executive Officer of El Paso Electric.  “As the local electric company, our over 1,100 employees demonstrate the dedication we all have to making sure ours is a thriving community full of opportunity for students and professionals.”

“I am pleased to recognize EP Electric and Borderplex for their leadership and applaud their commitment to their communities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs.  “Through successful employer partnerships at the local level, we will maximize our effectiveness and keep Texas as a top destination for businesses.”

WSB was recognized for outstanding board performance, receiving a $30,000 award for Texas HireAbility. The Texas HireAbility Award honors a local workforce development board that has successfully promoted employment opportunities for talented and dedicated Texans with disabilities.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) established a disability subcommittee to advise WSB’s board of directors on initiatives that encourage employers to recruit, hire, retain, and provide career development opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Based on the subcommittee’s guidance, WSB created Breaking Barriers, a program designed to assist teens with disabilities seeking employment.

To date, Breaking Barriers has served more than 400 youth with disabilities.  In FY 2017, WSB found permanent employment for 172 persons with disabilities. WSB also promoted HireAbility Fairs throughout the region and partnered with City of El Paso to present an annual summit and career fair that targets job seekers with disabilities.

Borderplex also received a $75,000 award for Texas Rising Star Child Care.  The Texas Rising Star Child Care Award honors local workforce development boards that have improved child care quality through the creation of exemplary child care programs that demonstrate positive outcomes for the population served.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex promoted high-quality child care through a gardening project with 46 Texas Rising Star providers. Children put science into action by learning what it takes to grow vegetables as part of a healthy diet.

Socorro Independent School District was also recognized for an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Incentive award, receiving $30,000 for High School Equivalency Achievement.

The AEL Incentive awards recognize partners who demonstrate exemplary performance and outstanding AEL service delivery in partnership with employers, community colleges and workforce boards.

At its Annual Board Meeting on this week, Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) celebrated the contributions of its board members and business partners.

At the event, Board Chair Leo A. Duran Sr. introduced the second year winners for the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Board Member and a special recognition for the Past Board Chair.  In addition, three Business Partner Awards were presented for continued success utilizing the workforce system.

These recognitions were implemented during Mr. Duran’s tenure as Board Chair.

“Our board members and business partners are exceptional and we are so pleased to get to recognize them this way,” said Board Chair Leo A. Duran Sr.  “They truly have a positive impact on our organization and community.”

The 2017 awards presented are:

Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Board Member: Lydia Nesbitt-Arronte

Lydia has supported WSB in numerous community projects including the recruitment effort for the Amazon headquarters in El Paso.  She has lead partnership discussions for regional Skills Gap Analysis Roundtables and has supported WSB STEAM Fiesta with monetary donations.  Lydia has provided a voice among community leaders that helps strategically guide programs and initiatives for lasting impact.  Lydia currently chairs the WSB Economic Development Committee.

Recognition of Past Board Chair: Bertha A. Gallardo

Bertha has served as Past Board Chair in both 2016 and 2017. She served as Board Chair in 2014 and 2015 and was Vice-Chair in 2013. Bertha has served as a board member since 2007.

Small Business Partner of the Year Award: YMCA of El Paso

Bill Coon, CEO for the YMCA of El Paso, was instrumental in creating a true partnership with WSB to offer summer jobs with great outcomes. Staff members at the YMCA were proactive in reporting direct hires from the WorkinTexas.com jobseeker database. His organization was always willing to participate in career days and offer internships and subsidized employment.  Mr. Coon joined the WSB board this year.

Medium Business Partner of the Year Award: FedEx Ground El Paso

FedEx Ground El Paso participated in two WSB Manufacturing Industry Council Roundtables and several career fairs. The company was an active participant at the first-ever JobCon event and also participated in the Vocational Rehabilitative hiring event. FedEx Ground is always eager to partner for recruiting and direct hires. They are currently working on future career days and providing internships opportunities to WSB customers.

Large Business Partner of the Year Award: The Hospitals of Providence

The Hospitals of Providence has been a key partner in STEAM Fiesta by sponsoring the Business Challenge for the past two years. They have participated in JobCon, Red White and You Veterans Hiring Fair and several Career Expos. They are always active in WorkinTexas.com with job postings, hiring and reaching out to WSB recruiters for assistance.

The Hospitals of Providence accepted the challenge to participate in career days and will provide internships. They also partnered with WSB and El Paso Community College to provide job training for 331 new and incumbent workers using $481,813 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

This grant will be used to provide customized training with classes and training focused on industry-related topics such as basic nursing, critical care, neonatal intensive care nursing, emergency and operating room care, chemotherapy infusion and respiratory therapy.

Trainees will include registered nurses, nursing assistants, phlebotomists, radiologic technologists and respiratory therapists. Upon completion of training, the workers will receive an average wage of $26.02.

WSB Board of Directors elected the current slate of officers for a two-year term, beginning January of 2018 and running through December of 2019.

Mica Short, Community Relations Manager at Texas Gas Services, will serve as Board Chairperson. 

Grace Muñoz, Senior Vice President of Talent Management at First Light Federal Union, will serve as Vice Chairperson.

Hector Vidal, Manager at Walgreens, will serve as Secretary.

Leo A. Duran Sr., Owner of L&J Café, will serve as Past Board Chair.

The complete current listing of Workforce Solutions Borderplex Board of Directors can be found online.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) was notified by the Office of the Governor and the Texas Workforce Investment Council that it was recommended for $241,772 in grant funding to place 60 youth into job training for emerging industries in the El Paso region.

Entitled Reboot El Paso!, this program falls under WSB’s TechHire initiative, a national effort of 72 different communities to create opportunities for career pathways in Computer Science and Information Technology.

The grant will also build upon the YouthBuild model, an evidence-based practice employed by 260 communities nationwide and tailored specifically for disenfranchised youth between the ages of 16 and 24.

The program will offer training/certification in IT Fundamentals and A+ as well as support high school equivalency attainment that will transition youth from the El Paso region into promising career pathways.

The grant is part of a yearlong partnership with the Texas Governor’s office.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB), along with over 40 employers in the fields of Construction, Transportation and Advanced Logistics, are hosting a job fair this Wednesday, May 17 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Lower Valley Career Center.

Prior to attending, job seekers are encouraged to visit their nearest workforce center and meet with a Career Navigator who can prepare them by improving resumes, providing interviewing skills and tips on professional attire.

The address is 8825 North Loop, Suite 122; the event is free and open to the public.

List of Employers Participating (as of May 15, 2017):

• A A Customs Brokers
• A N Webber
• A2Z Construction
• Abrams Kiewit
• AO General Contractors
• Aztec Contractors
• Basic Energy Services
• BCC Construction Company
• Border State Trans
• C&E Industrial Services
• Calderon General Contractors
• Campos Trucking
• Chinati Express Transportation
• DANNY Herman Trucking Inc
• DC Construction
• Direct Recruitment Svc
• Edge Contractors Inc.
• EP Logistics
• Fox Transport
• Gamer Logistics
• Interglobal Logistics
• International System Transport
• Jar Concrete
• JPS Logistics
• Kuehne & Nagel
• LGA Express
• Lobo Express
• Luga Transportation Inc.
• MBR Transport
• Millenial Transport Services
• MRQ Construction
• MV Transit
• Ola Logistics
• Orion Transportation
• Outwest Express
• QFS Transportation/A&A Logistics Group
• RE West
• Russell Transport
• Sky Transportation Services
• Stage Coach Cartage
• Sun Metro
• Surety Plumbing
• The Inland Sea Inc.
• The TORO Company
• Vargas Transportation LLC
• Ztex

For more information, please call 915-887-2600 or visit www.borderplexjobs.com.  A listing of workforce centers can be found at: http://www.borderplexjobs.com/locations