Skip Top Navigation
Texas Workforce home |  site index  |  about us  |  contact information 
Navigational Tabs Businesses and Employers Home Page Job Seekers and Employees Home Page Service Providers Home Page Boards and Network Partners Home Page Researchers and Policy Makers Home Page
         

Texas Workforce Solutions

Who We Are

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the demands of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

TWC is the state government agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers. For employers, TWC offers recruiting, retention, training and retraining, and outplacement services, as well as valuable information on labor law and labor market statistics. For job seekers, TWC offers career development information, job-search resources, training programs and, as appropriate, Unemployment Insurance benefits. While targeted populations receive intensive assistance to overcome barriers to employment, all Texans can benefit from the services offered by TWC and our network of workforce partners.

The Texas Workforce Commission is part of a local and statewide network comprised of the agency coupled with planning and service delivery provided on a regional level by 28 local workforce boards and the six Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tele-Centers that TWC operates. This network gives customers local access to workforce solutions and statewide services at more than 260 Texas Workforce Centers and satellite offices.

The Texas Workforce Commission promotes and supports a workforce system that offers employers, workers and communities across Texas workforce solutions that achieve and sustain economic prosperity.

Major Functions

The major functions of TWC are workforce development, support services including child care for targeted populations participating in workforce training, and administering the Unemployment Insurance benefits program. Workforce development includes the oversight and support of an employer-driven, integrated system that consolidates employment, job training and work-related services including the regulation of career schools.

Through the Labor Market and Career Information Department, TWC provides information and analysis on shifts in occupations and industries within the state.

Funding Streams

Approximately 88 percent of the Fiscal Year 2007 TWC budget of $1.2 billion is funded through federal sources. TWC block grants, through allocation formulas, make up $799 million of the total budget (69 percent of the total) that go to local workforce boards that plan and administer Workforce Investment Act (WIA), (TANF) Choices Employment Services, Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSE&T), child care, and other workforce and support services.

Employment Services

Workforce boards also are responsible for strategic planning of universal Employment Services for employers and residents. The integrated workforce service delivery system available to Texans eliminates duplication of effort, maximizes available funds and produces results. FY 2004 saw the full fruition of the FY 2003 plan to transition targeted Employment Services to the workforce boards, including trade affected workers and training programs, and for the reintegration of adult and youth ex-offenders into the workforce (Project RIO). Through performance-based contracts, TWC monitors and holds the boards accountable for program performance and provides technical assistance as needed.

Unemployment Insurance

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, funded through employer taxes, provides temporary, partial-income replacement to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. TWC administers and oversees the collection of taxes from employers and the payment of Unemployment Insurance to qualified claimants. TWC also provides a formal appeal procedure when issues surrounding an individual's claim are in dispute or questions arise concerning an employer's tax liability, contribution or reimbursement. Texas employers can receive ready access to their tax account information by registering for Unemployment Tax Services.

Workforce Fast Facts

The Texas Workforce Commission and the 28 local workforce boards working together have produced significant results.

  • Provided training services to more than 77,000 adults, youth and dislocated workers through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Skills Development Grants and other programs.
  • Received $50 million from the 80th Texas Legislature for the Skills Development Fund (SDF), an increase of nearly $10 million over the appropriation for the 2006-2007 biennium. Since its inception, more than 3,115 Texas businesses have obtained training for 188,941 new or incumbent workers.
  • In FY 2007, SDF grants helped create or upgrade 20,831 jobs, which paid an average hourly wage of $19.04. The grants assisted 281 Texas employers with their customized training needs.
  • Awarded 10 Self-Sufficiency Fund grants in FY 2007 creating and upgrading more than 1,540 jobs. The grants, which totaled $3,452,886, benefited 28 Texas employers. The jobs paid an average hourly wage of $11.20. The Self Sufficiency Fund, which began in 1998, has awarded 140 grants totaling over $151.8 million to train workers.
  • The Legislature appropriated $3.1 million to the Self-Sufficiency Fund for each year of the FY 2008-2009 biennium.
  • Launched the TWC Unemployment Insurance (UI) Debit Card providing faster access to UI funds, convenience, and security.
  • Verified more than 52,000 work-search contacts in FY 2007.
  • Met state and federal participation rates for TANF Choices employment services and reduced the number of welfare recipients by 78 percent since 1995.
  • 123,411 children on average per day received child care through local workforce boards in FY 2007.
  • 879,728 workers entered employment after obtaining services at Texas workforce centers in FY 2007.
  • Recovered $1.3 million in restitution for fraudulent UI cases in 2007.
  • Recovered more than $3.9 million in unpaid wages for Texas workers on 5,291 wage claims under the Texas Payday Law.
  • Earned for Texans $78.6 million in federal TANF high-performance bonuses related to job placement since 1999.
  • Received $12 million in federal Secretary's Incentive Awards for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) performance.
  • Provided training services to more than 77,000 Texans.
  • Implemented Internet options that allow Texans access to services 24/7/365 on a self-serve basis.
    • Unemployment Tax Registration
    • Unemployment Tax Services
    • UI Apply for Benefits
    • Child Care Attendance
    • UI Employer Response
    • WorkInTexas.com
    • SitesonTexas.com
    • TexasIndustryProfiles.com

Last Revision: February 15, 2008