RESOURCES + PROGRAMS
EMPLOYERS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Employers rely on a skilled and talented workforce, which is critical for the development and sustainability of growing industries and a vibrant and diversified economy. Whether you are a small or large business, we can help you find the resources to meet your workforce development needs. If you are new to Texas, or already here but ready to expand or upskill your existing workforce, we have various no-cost resources to address your workforce development needs.Locally, workforce development assistance is provided by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, which manages the Dallas County workforce system and receives federal Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding. Services include:
Employers - Talent Development + Agency Partners
- Applicant screening and recruiting, including specialized recruiting services
- Hiring events for individual employers and groups of employers
- Assessment services
- Customized training for new and current employees
- Outplacement services during downsizing
- Information regarding labor market, applicant pool, and hiring climate
- For more information, visit Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas or call (214) 302-5555.
For more information on training programs and services, please contact City staff, visit the Texas Workforce Commission or call (877) 463-1777.In addition, there are many other Agency Partners that provide specific support to companies:
The Texas Workforce Commission funds a variety of programs that provide up to approximately $1,800 per worker trained in partnership with a community college and the local workforce board. Recipients of state funding must pay wages to the successfully trained employees that are equal to or greater than the prevailing wage for the occupation in the local market.
The Skills Development Fund offers training that will be customized to meet the needs of your business for full-time employees. Funds can be used for tuition, curriculum development, instructor fees and training materials.
A subset of the Skills Development Fund, Recruit Texas offers similar training amounts to the Skills Development Fund but fast tracks the application and approval process, and also allows funds to be used for training equipment that is necessary for instructor certification and employment. Recruit Texas funds are limited to either new to Texas business or existing businesses hiring new employees.
For companies with fewer than 100 employees, funds from Skills for Small Businesses can be used. Up to $1,800 in tuition and fees is available to new full-time hires and $900 for incumbent workers. Training is selected from existing courses offered by a community college.
The Self Sufficiency Fund program assists adult recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (among others) with industry-aligned certification training in six targeted industries. 501(c)3 community-based organizations and community colleges may apply for this funding, which will provide up to $2,100 per trainee. Employer partnerships are also required for a successful application.
Certain employers who hire certain targeted populations, including TANF, SNAP or SSI recipients, the formerly incarcerated, qualified veterans, or the long term unemployed before January 1, 2020 may be eligible for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit. More information is available from the IRS and Department of Labor.
Employers - Workforce-Related Nonprofit Organizations
Support from the nonprofit sector is also available via organizations that offer low or no-cost training to provide additional workforce training in certain industries. The following nonprofit organizations offer low-cost or no-cost job skills training and workforce-readiness training.
Provides women with the necessary social support and technical and soft-skills training needed to secure employment in high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and logistics, sales and marketing, food and hospitality management, and others
Offers workforce training in four program areas (cloud support, machine operator, customer service supervisor, and customer care) to young adults
Offers hybrid skills training (leadership, soft, and technical industry learning) to increase opportunities for living wage income, jobs with full benefits, wealth building, and home ownership
Merit America
provides a path to skilled careers for adults without Bachelor’s Degrees
Connects residents of Southern Dallas to workforce training in targeted industries
Provides technology skills training and professional development tailored to business” needs, to highly motivated students from overlooked talent pools
A career development program specially for women that provides professional skills training, personalized career guidance and connection to competitive job opportunities through partnerships with employers in the community
Closes the opportunity divide by providing young adults with the skills, experience, and support to reach their potential through professional careers (IT and business development) and higher education
Employers - Education Partners
We work with our Education Partners to keep the talent pipeline flowing with local secondary school and college graduates:
Offers programs, services, and relationships that align with identified needs of business, industry, and community to drive workforce and economic development.
The Dallas Independent School District’s Career and Technical Education Department
Supports innovative CTE programs to prepare individuals to succeed in their education and careers and position them for a vital role in a global, dynamic economy through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships.
Employers - Workforce Training for Job Seekers
Individuals should contact the Small Business Center for more information on workforce training and upskilling programs. For questions, please contact City staff. In addition, we can help connect you to the right resources: