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The collaboration will focus on workforce development and career readiness to create pathways into the tech industry.
AUSTIN, TX. –– JUNE 15, 2021 –– Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM), an organization that bridges the gap between the Black and Hispanic communities and the technology industry through job placement, career development, and networking opportunities, announces today a partnership with Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS) to create pathways for 10,000 Austinites in poverty to gain the skills necessary to succeed in today’s most in-demand fields, like those in the tech industry.
This partnership, along with others AUTM has cultivated, are strategic steps toward building a comprehensive workforce development ecosystem and achieving their ultimate goals: eliminating the wealth divide, increasing diversity in tech, and filling the skills gap.
“Even as opportunities in tech have been amplified as a result of the pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities in our city have remained at a disadvantage and still struggle to break into this industry,” said Michael Ward Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of AUTM. “This partnership with WFS is crucial in building our workforce development ecosystem and will expand our capabilities, making it possible for us to reach thousands of motivated individuals and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed.”
Working together, AUTM and WFS will support the Austin Travis County Community Workforce Plan (CWP) initiatives and objectives by creating pathways for Austin’s Black and Hispanic community members to enter the tech industry by:
Promoting and amplifying the services offered to assist individuals in pursuing a career and employers looking to expand their talent
Supporting expansion of apprenticeship, internship opportunities and grant opportunities through letters of support when appropriate or applicable
Collecting data that helps to track the services offered to individuals and employers
Collaborating with Industry Sector Partnerships
“The work that AUTM is doing has powerful implications for our community, as well as the rest of our state and country,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “We are proud to be part of the solution for all those looking for a way to lift their communities up through education and technology, and we look forward to seeing the results of our combined efforts.”
For more information about Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM), visit www.autmtx.org.
About Austin Urban Tech Movement (AUTM)
Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM) bridges the gap between the Black and Hispanic communities and the technology industry through job placement, career development, and networking opportunities. AUTM’s vision is to increase representation of the Global Majority working, developing, and using technology, while leading diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the tech ecosystem. To learn more about Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM), visit www.autmtx.org.
About Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS)
Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board is the publicly-funded workforce board for Austin-Travis County. Through strong partnerships and strategic collaborations, Workforce Solutions is leading our region’s workforce system in the development of a world-class workforce.