The 2024 Texas Workforce Conference, held from December 4-6 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX, was an exciting and impactful event that brought together leaders from across the workforce development sector. WFSDallas made a strong presence at the conference, contributing to three key workshops and receiving recognition alongside our valued partners. It was a time for sharing insights, building connections, and celebrating the collective work that drives workforce innovation.
The first workshop, Partnering for Performance and Pipelines: Industry Sector Partnerships—How Boards, Higher Education, and Chambers of Commerce Can Take Workforce Development to the Next Level was led by our Industry Communications Manager, Steven Bridges, in collaboration with Benjamin Magill from Dallas College and Elizabeth Caudill McClain from the Dallas Regional Chamber. This session highlighted the power of strategic partnerships. It provided valuable insights into how workforce boards, higher education, and local chambers can work together to create stronger talent pipelines.
Steven also participated in a separate workshop, FAME: A Customer-Centered Design Approach to Building True Talent Pipelines workshop, alongside Tony Davis from the Manufacturing Institute and Veronique Tran from Dallas College. This session explored the FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) model, emphasizing the importance of aligning workforce training with industry needs to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
In another impactful session, Empowering the Texas Workforce: Unity in Collaboration, our Sr. Innovation Manager Lynn Hoffman, along with Kendra Ball, Crosby Brito, Nellie Reyes, and Alba Silvas, led a collaborative discussion on the value of cross-board partnerships. WFSDallas alongside colleagues from Workforce Solutions North Texas, Gulf Coast, Rural Capital Area, and Coastal Bend, highlighted how sharing resources, best practices, and expertise can strengthen workforce development across the state.
Beyond the workshops, there was plenty to celebrate at the conference. WFSDallas is proud to see our partners recognized for their contributions to the workforce. Walmart was named the Large Employer of the Year, while Canadian Solar was recognized as our Local Employer of Excellence. Both organizations have been instrumental in building a strong, thriving workforce in the region.
As we reflect on this year’s conference, we’re inspired by the insights shared, the strengthened partnerships, and the collective commitment to advancing workforce development. The knowledge gained and connections made will fuel our continued efforts to enhance and expand opportunities for the communities we serve. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more resilient future for our workforce.
