Austin City Council Approves New Infrastructure Academy Contract
The Austin City Council has taken a major step toward improving the city’s workforce by approving a $5 million contract with Workforce Solutions Capital Area. This contract will kick off the Austin Infrastructure Academy, which is set to launch in the coming months and run for a year. The unanimous approval happened on Thursday, with Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison absent.
Overview of the Academy’s Services
The academy will not only offer job training but also provide child care services and job placement assistance for positions related to mobility and infrastructure. This initiative comes as no surprise to many, as it has been a topic of discussion among Council members for some time. The funding for this contract will primarily come from Austin Water and Austin Energy from their 2024-2025 operating budgets, with Austin Water contributing the majority of the funds.
The Need for Skilled Workers
One of the driving forces behind the academy’s establishment is the growing need for skilled workers in Austin. During a present audit and finance committee meeting, it was highlighted that the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has struggled to find enough qualified workers to fill open positions. The airport is currently undergoing a significant $4 billion expansion, which is increasingly complicated by a high vacancy rate. Although this rate has dropped from 36 percent to 17 percent recently, it continues to raise concerns among council members.
Support for Aviation Department Involvement
During the council meeting, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes emphasized the importance of partnering with the Aviation Department. She made a motion to ensure that the department plays a crucial role in shaping the academy’s programs, which will focus on construction, skilled trades, fleet maintenance, and operations. Mayor Kirk Watson echoed her sentiments, praising the importance of including the airport in the academy’s training programs. Watson called this initiative a “national model” for preparing a workforce.
Community College Partnership
The creation of the academy was also supported by Chris Cervini, Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Affairs at Austin Community College (ACC). Cervini shared his thoughts on the academy during the council meeting, stating that it plays a vital role in meeting the city’s workforce needs as it grows. He later clarified in an email that ACC is eager to collaborate with the city and other local training providers as they work together to educate future workers.
Currently, the academy is operating out of the ACC Riverside campus, but plans are in place for it to eventually transition to the Southeast Travis County campus, which is still in the planning stages.
Child Care Services Highlighted
Monica Guzmán, Policy Director for Go Austin/Vamos Austin and a candidate for the District 4 Council seat, also expressed her appreciation for the inclusion of a large budget for child care services in the contract. She had reached out to the Economic Development Department to inquire about child care options and was pleased with the response she received.
The Road Ahead
With the contract now approved, plans will move forward to establish the Austin Infrastructure Academy. This program aims not only to strengthen the workforce in the city but also to ensure that local communities benefit from the opportunities available in high-demand sectors. The academy seeks to bridge the gap between skilled labor needs and job seekers in Austin, ultimately leading to a more robust economy.
