Strategic Business Plan 2017 - 2020 Strategic Business Plan 2017 - 2020 | Page 51

System Goal and Rationale
workforce partners and employers will ensure the Coastal Bend has the workforce it needs for
years to come.
Part 2—Identifying Industries of Significance to the Regional Economy
Texas has continued to exhibit economic success over the past decade, and local Workforce
Boards have contributed to regional economic success through the establishment of industry
sector or cluster strategies in partnership with employers. These strategies help to drive job
creation and stimulate economic growth by providing job candidates with the skills and
knowledge that employers require to be competitive. Texas’ targeted industry cluster initiative
supported this work. WIOA continues that support by encouraging sector partnerships and
strategies to ensure that the skills of the workforce meet the needs of local industries. The
questions below focus on industry clusters and sectors within the region.
Describe the top three industry clusters/sectors and occupations.
1. Identify the three key industry clusters or sectors within your local workforce development
area and provide an explanation as to why those clusters or sectors are important to your
region and the regional economy. Please indicate for each whether it is an industry cluster or
sector.
Board response:
Healthcare continues to the largest industry sector (in jobs and growth) in the Coastal Bend
region, throughout Texas, and in most parts of the nation. Home Health Care Services, Hospitals,
and General Medical and Surgical Hospitals are some of the largest industry sectors (by number
of jobs) in the region. As we look to projected growth over the next several years TWC projects
Home Health Care Services will increase by 5,050 jobs through 2024. This key industry is also
by far the largest in our region employing over 11,240 by 2014 estimates. The percent of change
for Home Health Care Services is also projected to be the greatest at 44.9% from 2014 to 2024.
Outpatient Care Centers, Continuing Care & Assisted Living Facilities along with other industries
in the Health Care sector show that this industry is projected to grow through 2024.
Construction, whether industrial or residential, is an industry in dire need of skilled labor. The
Coastal Bend region is experiencing a unprecedented number of industrial construction projects
and the construction of a new harbor bridge. These projects require a tremendous amount of skilled
labor to build now and over the next five years. Each of the specific construction industry sectors
listed on the In-Demand Industry list in Appendix A lists an expected growth of more than 20%
through 2024. As the skilled tradesmen continue to retire, its imperative that we start to replace
WD Letter 22-16, Attachment 2
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