The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces funding to local workforce development providers Capital IDEA and Skillpoint Alliance for career training in the City’s target industries: Healthcare, Information Technology, Skilled Trades, and Advanced Manufacturing. Austin City Council approved $4.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide free occupational training and support services, like assistance with childcare, transportation, and weekly stipends, to over 1,100 qualified residents.

“One of the City’s strategic goals is to foster Economic Opportunity and Affordability for All,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director for the Economic Development Department. “Training providers like Capital IDEA and Skillpoint Alliance contribute towards that goal by helping Austinites gain the knowledge and skills they need to work in some of our area’s fastest growing, middle-to-high wage occupations.”

The programs are designed to provide no-cost training and support to Austin residents who are unemployed or underemployed, those without a bachelor's degree or other formal degree or certification, who have a limited work history, are single parents with minor children or other dependents at home, or who are receiving public services. Additional wraparound services for participants include childcare scholarships, transportation assistance, stipends, assistance with buying tools or clothes for work, referrals to other agencies, and case management.

“Training opportunities and support services through Capital IDEA and Skillpoint Alliance are available at no cost to qualified residents,” explains Megan Robinson, Program Manager for the Economic Development Department. “Depending on the program, residents can earn an associate degree in a high-growth field, or they can complete coursework that makes them eligible for apprenticeships in Skilled Trades like plumbing, HVAC, or electrical.”

To learn more about these providers and their programs, visit Capital IDEA and Skillpoint Alliance.

For more information on City of Austin workforce development programs, visit www.austintexas.gov/department/workforce-development.  

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About the City of Austin Economic Development Department

The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on Twitter, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.

About Skillpoint Alliance

Skillpoint Alliance is a nonprofit workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. The organization partners with local industry to offer unique professional training in some of the most in-demand fields, including manufacturing, pre-apprentice electrical, HVAC, and plumbing at no cost to participants. To learn more follow us at @SkillpointAlliance on Facebook, @Skillpoint on Twitter, @SkillpointAlliance on LinkedIn and @skillpoint on Instagram.

About Capital IDEA

Capital IDEA is a nonprofit with a mission to move low-income Central Texas adults into high-demand careers. They offer guidance, tuition, and textbooks to more than 800 students each year, sending them through community college programs before connecting them with local employers. Capital IDEA graduates move out of poverty, earn a living wage, and fill critical roles in three high-growth industries: healthcare, technology, and trades. To learn more visit www.capitalidea.org or follow @capitalidea.austin on Facebook and @Capital_IDEA on Twitter.