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Welcome to the Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area monthly newsletter.

This resource empowers leaders with the tools and data they need to make informed decisions. By analyzing workforce trends, identifying skills gaps, and understanding industry needs, leaders can effectively allocate resources, attract businesses, support workforce development, and advocate for policies that create a thriving local economy. This resource provides access to critical data sources and insights to help you navigate the complexities of the local economy and achieve your economic development goals.

This month, we delve into the latest workforce trends in Llano County. We want this tool to be a valuable resource for you. Share your suggestions by reaching out to communications@ruralcapital.net.

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Secures Grants to Bolster Growth in 9-County Region.

Great news for the 9-county region! Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) has secured two new grants from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to support workforce development and training initiatives.

• Innovation Fund Grant: This $240,140 grant will fund the creation of a virtual Career Exploration and Resource Connection (CORE) Hub. The CORE Hub will provide residents across the region with easy access to career exploration tools, training resources, and job search assistance.
• Healthcare Rural Training Labs Grant: This $250,000 grant will train 100 individuals in critical healthcare fields. This investment will help address the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers in our communities and ensure residents have access to quality care.

These grants will play a vital role in WRCA's mission to equip residents with the skills and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and fuel economic growth throughout the region.

This article is part of an ongoing, county-by-county, industry overview of the Rural Capital Area. This article covers establishments, employment, and earnings in Llano County.

Establishments

As of 2023, Llano County has an estimated population of 22,011. The County seat is Llano and was founded in 1856. The largest industry in Llano County by number of establishments is Restaurants and Other Eating Places (34 establishments) followed by Residential Building Construction (26 establishments).

Figure 1: Number of Establishments in Llano County, 2021 to 2023

Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

To be one of the industries with the most establishments in Llano County, it must have at least 16 establishments. Of the industries in that group, Other Specialty Trade Contractors saw the most growth in Llano County, increasing 14% from 2021 to 2023. Building Equipment Contractors also saw significant growth in the same period, increasing 11%. However, the other industries with the most establishments experienced a decline between 2021 and 2023.

Figure 2: Percent Change in Top Establishments, Llano County (By Number of Establishments), 2021 to 2023

Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

Employment

Traveler Accommodation is the largest industry group by number of employees in Llano County. Restaurants and Other Eating Places are the second-largest industry in Llano County. Two of the top three industries by employment in Llano County have seen increases in employment since 2021.

Figure 3: Number of Employees by Industry, Llano County, 2021 to 2023

Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

By growth in employment, Other Specialty Trade Contractors saw the greatest changes from 2021 to 2023. Traveler Accommodation also saw substantial growth in employment from 2021 to 2023 while Gas Stations had a major decline in employment.

Figure 4: Growth in Employment, Llano County, 2021 to 2023

Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

Employment in Other Specialty Trade Contractors saw significant growth in Llano County. This aligns with trends in these same industries at the state and national levels. Other Specialty Trade Contractors is a broad classification that includes establishments focused on construction activities that are not classified elsewhere under specialty trade categories. Some jobs that fall under this include playground equipment installation and erecting billboards and other signs.

Special Food services saw a small decline in Llano County, in stark contrast to the state and national levels. Special Food Services includes businesses primarily engaged in providing food services at the customer’s location or at a facility such as industrial plants, business cafeterias, or mobile food services such as food trucks.  

Building Equipment Contractors saw a 13% growth in employment in Llano County. This also aligns with trends in these same industries at the state and national levels. This category contains businesses primarily engaged in installing or servicing equipment that is part of a building’s essential systems. These systems include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other mechanical systems.  

Figure 5: Decline in Employment, Llano County, 2021 to 2023

Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

Earnings

Traveler Accommodation tops the list in Llano County as the industry with the most earnings ($6.8 million). Restaurants and Other Eating Places occupies second position ($2.7 million).

Figure 6: Earnings, Llano County, 2021 to 2023

 Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

One way to visualize industry earnings in Llano County is imagining all earnings from all industries as a hundred dollars. Of that hundred dollars, three of the seven industries listed comprise $24.  Those seven industries produce about $35 altogether. The remaining $65 is produced by all other industries, meaning that earnings in Llano County are spread across a wide range of other sectors.

Figure 7: Earnings Visualized, Llano County, 2023

 Source: Data Tactical Group, DTG 2024.Q2

WRCA Bridges the Gap Between Education and Industry

In addition to securing grant funding, WRCA is also committed to building bridges between education and industry. Through the Bridging the Gap Toolbox, WRCA equips educators and industry leaders with the tools they need to prepare students for successful careers. The toolbox includes resources on curriculum development, internship opportunities, and industry-specific skills training.

Learn More

To learn more about the Bridging the Gap Toolbox and WRCA's other workforce development initiatives, please visit the website:

https://workforcesolutionsrca.com/board/bridging-the-gap

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Opens New Llano Office!

WSRCA is excited to announce the opening of our new Llano office, conveniently located at 102 W. Dallas St., Suite F.

This office serves as your one-stop shop for all your workforce needs. Whether you’re looking for employees, seeking employment, looking to advance your career, or exploring training opportunities, our team is here to assist you.

Partnering for Success:

We are proud to partner with Workforce Network Inc. to deliver high-quality training programs in high-growth fields such as Finance, IT, Skilled Trades, and Healthcare. These programs are made possible through the Good Jobs Challenge grant and are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's competitive job market.

Visit Us Today!

We invite you to visit our new Llano office and discover how Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area can help you achieve your career and business goals.

Let's Build a Stronger Llano Together,

Paul Fletcher CEO Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area