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What is a Workforce Development Board?

Apr 03, 2023
Posted by: Brian Hernandez

Local Workforce Development Boards are local or regional organizations in each state and U.S. territory that oversee and coordinate public workforce development programs and services. 

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community partnership that is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors comprised of recognized community leaders across many areas of expertise, including business, community-based organizations, economic development, education, government, literacy, labor, and vocational rehabilitation.

WSRCA's Board of Directors contribute significant amounts of time, talent, and energy to further our organizational mission of empowering the workforce of our 9-county Rural Capital Area.

Boards typically consist of community leaders, business representatives, and other stakeholders appointed by local elected officials (County Judges and City Mayors), who work to identify workforce needs and develop training programs that are tailored to meet those needs. They also work to connect job seekers with employers who are looking for qualified workers.

In Texas, 28 Local Boards operate over 180 Local Workforce Solutions offices and are also responsible for:

• Developing local plans for the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds
• Oversight of the local service delivery system
• Coordinating activities with economic development entities and employers in their local areas

Boards are funded by the federal government through WIOA and other related programs, as well as state and private funding. They are responsible for administering various workforce development programs, including job training, career counseling, job placement services, and other employment-related services.

Overall, the goal of Workforce Development Boards is to help ensure that businesses in their communities have access to the skilled workforce they need to be successful while also providing job seekers with the skills and resources they need to find good jobs and build successful careers.

In the Rural Capital Area, our Board's vision is to ensure our urban and rural employers will have a highly educated and skilled workforce and our residents will have the competencies, skills, and education to become self-sufficient and live a quality life.

To explore WSRCA's mission, goals, and services, please visit our About Us section.

To learn more about WSRCA's Board of Directors, please visit our Board Member's Showcase.

Texas Workforce Development Board Websites:

1. Workforce Solutions Panhandle
2. Workforce Solutions South Plains
3. Workforce Solutions North Texas
4. Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas
5. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
6. Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
7. Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas
8. Workforce Solutions East Texas
9. Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
10. Workforce Solutions Borderplex
11. Workforce Solutions Permian Basin
12. Workforce Solutions Concho Valley
13. Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas
14. Workforce Solutions Capital Area
15. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
16. Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley
17. Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas
18. Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas
19. Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent
20. Workforce Solutions Alamo
21. Workforce Solutions for South Texas
22. Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend
23. Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley
24. Workforce Solutions Cameron
25. Workforce Solutions Texoma
26. Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
27. Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande
28. Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast

About the Texas Workforce Solutions Network

Texas Workforce Solutions is comprised of the Texas Workforce Commission and a statewide network of 28 Workforce Development Boards (Boards) for regional planning and service delivery, their contracted service providers and community partners, and the TWC unemployment benefits Tele-Centers. This network gives customers local access to workforce solutions and statewide services at numerous Workforce Solutions offices and five Tele-Centers.

Texas Workforce Solutions provide workforce development services that help workers find and keep good jobs, and help employers hire the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses. Workforce partners include community colleges, adult basic education providers, local independent school districts, economic development groups, businesses and other state agencies. Collaboration and coordination among all partners play a critical role in the success of the Texas workforce system.

Boards are responsible for the strategic planning of workforce services for employers and job seekers. The integrated workforce delivery system maximizes funding and productivity while eliminating duplicate efforts. Through performance-based contracts, TWC monitors and holds the Boards accountable for program performance and provides technical assistance.

Workforce Solutions continues to cultivate emerging industries, support existing businesses, and enhance the skills development of the Texas workforce, taking advantage of strategic opportunities provided by swift economic change. The network is dedicated to leading a market-driven workforce system that meets the needs of employers and workers and helps Texans prosper.