Texas Operation Welcome Home

On March 7, 2016, Governor Greg Abbott established the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative to assess local economic activities, examine workforce challenges and opportunities, and consider innovative approaches to meeting the state’s workforce goals. Included in the Tri-Agency’s charge was an evaluation of gaps in services to Texas veterans. The Texas Operation Welcome Home program was developed by the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative,

in conjunction with the 28 Boards, TVC, and military installations that include nine active duty, two
reserves, and one National Guard. The program is designed to better meet the education, training, and
employment needs of transitioning service members, recently separated veterans, and military spouses
in Texas. Below are a few of the components of Texas Operation Welcome Home:

Welcome Home Texas Transition Alliance
The Welcome Home Texas Transition Alliance is a group of stakeholders who meet on a quarterly
basis to discuss best practices, cross-train on one another’s programs, collaborate on addressing the
needs of transitioning service members, and facilitate ongoing coordination to improve employment
outcomes. The Welcome Home Texas Transition Alliance stakeholders include the key staff from
TWC, TVLP, TVC, Military Transition Center Managers, Garrison/Base Commanders, employers,
employer associations, designated Boards, and Workforce Solutions Offices.
The Welcome Home Texas Transition Alliance has met five times since its inception. One of the
best practices that has been implemented is that military installations conduct a needs assessment of
transitioning service members and military spouses. The needs assessment has highlighted the types
of training, certifications, or licensures that transitioning service members and military spouse are
seeking. The assessment has also identified gaps in services for the Texas workforce system partners
to address use of resources.

Skills for Transition Program
The Skills for Transition Program funds the training component of Operation Welcome Home. Funds
are made available through the Skills Development Fund and are awarded to local community
colleges working in partnership with local Workforce Solutions Offices and local military
installations.

➢ Training that pays up to $2,750 per trainee will be made available to participants deemed eligible
for participation.

➢ Training programs shall be for those high-demand and in-demand occupations identified and
verified by the Board.

➢ Short-term certificate or licensure attainment is the goal of the program.

➢ Funding can be used to pay for certification exams for participants who successfully complete
training or have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills, through military experience, for
these certifications.

As of May 31, 2020, there have been more than 473 transitioning service members (TSMs) who have
enrolled in the Skills for Transition Program. Based on the information provided by employers and
institutions of higher education, the list below shows that the majority of the TSMs are using the
Skills to Transition Program to earn certifications in high-demand career occupations.

➢ Heavy Equipment Operator

➢ Computer Network Support Specialist

➢ Network Computer Systems Administrator

➢ Project Management Professional

➢ Lean Six Sigma Practitioner

➢ Automotive Body and Repair Technician

➢ Automotive Service Technician

➢ Emergency Medical Technician

➢ Law Enforcement Officer

➢ Heating, AC, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installer

➢ Welder, Cutter, Solder, and Brazer

➢ Human Resource Specialist

➢ Registered Nurse

➢ Electrician

➢ Pharmacy Technician

➢ Management Analyst

We Hire Vets Campaign
We Hire Vets is an employer recognition program that recognizes Texas employers for their
commitment to hiring veterans. Employers whose workforces are composed of at least 10 percent
military veterans are eligible to receive a “We Hire Vets” employer recognition decal to display on
their storefronts and an electronic decal to display on their websites. Employers that qualify for the
We Hire Vets program also receive a letter signed by the Chair of TWC’s three-member Commission
and the Chair of TVC.
We Hire Vets, sponsored by TWC and TVC, has issued 646 We Hire Vets decals and letters to Texas
employers. Commissioner Aaron Demerson recognizes all employers at local Texas Business
Conferences throughout the state that participate in the We Hire Vets program. Several We Hire Vets
ceremonies have been conducted in cities across the state, including El Paso, Killeen, and Houston.
Below is a list of the employers that are participating in the We Hire Vets program:
➢ Airbus Helicopters, Inc.
➢ Azbell Electronics, Inc.
➢ City of Jarrell Police Department
➢ Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity
➢ DynCorp International
➢ United States Gypsum Sweetwater Plant
➢ Recruit Veterans
➢ SENTRYSIX Defense Group, Inc.
➢ Social Security Administration
➢ Tatitlek Training Services
➢ XETX Business Solutions
➢ Travis County Veterans Service Office
➢ Virtual Service Operations
➢ Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande
➢ Dynamic Workforce Solutions dba Workforce Solutions East Texas Military Family Support Program
The Military Family Support Program provides military spouses with enhanced job search
assistance, assessment of skills, labor market information, résumé writing, and interview skills.
If funding is available, military spouses can receive certification or licensure training in targeted
occupations. The Military Family Support Program has been funded for three years, with a $1 million allocation
per fiscal year. Currently, there are eight military installations throughout the state that have signed
memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with their respective Board to participate in the program. The
Military Family Support Program has connected more than 600 military spouses to local business

leaders, peers, and career development support programs.

Military Family Support Program Highlights:

➢ Assisted 637 military spouses with career skills and enhanced employment services, including

résumé writing and interviewing techniques

➢ Enrolled 140 military spouses in job certification training

➢ Connected 144 military spouses to employment

➢ Outreached 247 employers to support and hire military spouses.
For more information about Texas Operation Welcome Home please visit: www.texasoperationwelcomehome.com/

Upcoming job fairs:

San Antonio / Austin

Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

April 1, 2021

San Antonio / Austin Virtual Career Fair for Veterans (careereco.com)

Philadelphia

Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

April 8, 2021

Philadelphia Virtual Career Fair for Veterans (careereco.com)

Jacksonville

Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

April 15, 2021