1 articles · Updated · Texas Border Business · Aug 27
Summary
Workforce Solutions issued a new report on Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties that examines the labor market beyond the unemployment rate, aiming to map workforce challenges and opportunities across the region.
The 3-county study highlights strong employment growth but says that picture is incomplete because many jobs are concentrated in lower-wage occupations and shaped by turnover, unemployment claims, educational attainment and participation barriers.
Francisco Almaraz said the report is meant to give employers, educators, community groups and economic development leaders a shared data base for strategies that improve economic mobility and meet changing employer talent needs.
For the Rio Grande Valley, the report positions workforce development as a regional coordination issue, urging partners to use the findings to build a more connected workforce ecosystem and support longer-term growth.