The overview
The initiative is being funded by the city’s Community Development Block Grant, a federal grant the city receives annually. The money is intended to support affordable housing and suitable living environments as well as expand economic opportunities, according to city documents.
Through the workforce training program, individuals will receive tailored training “to equip them with the necessary skills for in-demand occupations in industries quickly growing in Pflugerville, such as advanced manufacturing,” the release said.
Some of Workforce Solutions' other targeted occupations and industries include:
- Trade skills, such as carpentry and welding
- Emergency medical training, EMS
- Registered nurses
- Secretaries and administrative assistants
- Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Some context
Last year, the city had trouble reaching the roughly 20% of the community that would qualify for this type of program, only awarding about 1% of the federal funding, according to an update to City Council in December.
However, the city continues to prioritize workforce development, seen by council’s recent approval of a $75,000 comprehensive workforce study in conjunction with approval of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation’s new strategic plan, in which one of its three pillars emphasizes “comprehensive career readiness for local industries.”
According to Workforce Solutions, the following criteria is used to determine eligibility:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must meet federal standards for low or low-to-moderate income
- Reside within Pflugerville city limits
