Texas Workforce Commission recognizes state workforce this Labor Day

THE WOODLANDS, TX – This Labor Day, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is recognizing the 15.9 million workers who are the engine of the Texas economy. These individuals support more than 680,000 employers and have helped Texas become the eighth largest economy in the world. With low unemployment and five of the nation's largest cities, the Lone Star State is a place where people choose to live, work and do business.

“Labor Day is an opportunity to thank and honor the millions of Texans who make our state a global powerhouse,” said TWC Executive Director Steve Pier. “Businesses from all over the world relocate to Texas because of our world-class workforce. We are dedicated to supporting a workforce system that offers employers, families, individuals, and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity.”

TWC is also reflecting on the anniversary of its creation in 1996, when the Texas Legislature streamlined all employment services, resulting in a workforce system powered by local workforce development boards. Education and workforce services from 28 separate programs administered by 10 state agencies were combined. This structure directly influenced the establishment of the current nationwide workforce system.

Over the past 30 years, the Texas population and economy have experienced exponential growth. The state’s population has grown from 19.3 million in 1996 to more than 32.1 million today, and the civilian labor force has grown by more than 63%. TWC has continued to serve Texas workers, families, communities, and employers by offering innovative workforce development programs.

Two decades after its creation, TWC integrated Vocational Rehabilitation services, which supported more than 71,000 Texans with disabilities last year. In addition, working parents who received our child care services earned more than $2.7 billion in wages to contribute to the Texas economy last year. Our ongoing collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has increased opportunities in skills training and credentialing to prepare students for the workforce. As we reflect on our past, we also look toward a bright future and will continue expanding our services and modernizing our systems to help Texans evolve with the state’s economy.

TWC and the 28 local workforce development boards are here to support Texans. If you are looking for a new career or want to explore training opportunities, we invite you to contact your local Workforce Solutions office by visiting twc.texas.gov/find-locations.