Ceremony Held For Newest Graduates of Innovative Workforce Training and Life Skills Program
(Austin, Texas)— The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority), in partnership with Austin Community College (ACC), is celebrating the graduation of 14 new commercial drivers (CDL) from an innovative job training partnership known as MoveFWD.
The unique program developed by the Mobility Authority provides workforce training, job placement, and social services support to help disadvantaged individuals achieve life-changing, long-term employment, and career-building opportunities.
The program is being implemented in partnership with Austin Community College, City of Austin, Goodwill Industries, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Reentry and Integration, Travis County, and Workforce Solutions. Private Partner, Capitol Wright Distributing is providing training space at their Manor distribution center and they are offering job opportunities to some of the graduates.
To date, 56 Central Texans have received various aspects of social services support, life counseling career consultation and job training through the MoveFWD program. An additional 42 participants, including 14 who just graduated, have completed the CDL training course.
“We have been very pleased with the initial results of this dynamic partnership,” said Mike Heiligenstein, Executive Director of the Mobility Authority. “Not only does the program generate skilled workers that our industry and regional labor market desperately need, but it also helps members of our community achieve a better quality of life.”
The program began with customer service and call center training in 2018 before it was expanded to include CDL training this past fall. Classes are tailored to currently available jobs and include both classroom and hands-on training. Those who complete the program enter the workforce with helpful life skills and the job training needed to gain meaningful employment with a living wage and good benefits.
“I applaud these graduates on their achievement,” said Jeffrey W. Travillion Sr., Travis County Commissioner, Precinct One. “They seized an opportunity to advance themselves and their efforts are reflective of the aptitude and strength we have in our community.”
MoveFWD partner ACC has been instrumental in the early success of the program. "Austin Community College is committed to preparing all our students for the opportunities and challenges in today's job market,” said Dr. Hector Aguilar, Dean of Continuing Education for ACC. “We want our students to have the right skills and training to excel in their careers and lives."
Capitol Wright Distributing was recognized during the student’s graduation ceremony for their tremendous work and support as an employer partner of the MoveFWD program. “There’s an ever-growing need for CDL drivers,” said Matt Harriss, CFO of Capitol Wright Distributing, “We’re happy to be part of a solution that also gives back to Central Texas.”
New classes begin each month at two locations in Kyle and Manor, and plans are already underway for an additional training course in roadway construction. For more information on the MoveFWD program and upcoming training classes, visit movefwdctx.com.
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About MoveFWD, A Workforce Collaborative of Central Texas
MoveFWD is a unique life skills program that combines workforce training, job placement, and social services support to help people who are disadvantaged achieve life-changing, long-term employment. The Mobility Authority created this comprehensive program to identify and prepare candidates for skilled positions within the roadway construction and customer service industries, and give candidates the tools they need to achieve economic independence and establish a better quality of life. The program launched in 2018 in partnership with Austin Community College, City of Austin, Goodwill Industries, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Reentry and Integration, Travis County, and Workforce Solutions.
About the Mobility Authority
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson Counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45SW Toll Road, and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is finishing construction of the 8-mile 183 Toll Project and the 290/130 Flyovers Project. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.