STWDB Targeted Industry: Transportation and Warehousing
Industry Code: 48 & 49 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs As the largest inland port in the United States, Laredo is one of the busiest and most important crossing points with Mexico. According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation roughly 84.6% of U.S. - Mexico trade (dollar value) moves by truck and rail. In 2005, the Laredo Port of Entry accounted for 40.3 % (93.8 billion) of the total value of U.S.-Mexico overland merchandise trade, making it one of the busiest ports of entry in the hemisphere. Because of the large volume of traffic moving through Laredo, the port has been selected by the U.W. Customs Service as the testing site for two new programs-The North American Trade Automation Program (NATAP) AND THE national Customs Automation Program (NCAP). Both programs are designed to improve the efficiency and speed of processing shipments at the border. Laredo with four bridges operating around the clock, is pursing the construction of a 5th bridge. The TX Dept. of Trans. Has a multi-year construction plan to upgrade and improve access roads and major highways in the area to accommodate growing trade-related traffic.
(Source: TX Dept. of Transportation and TWC Tracer) |
Entry Level Job Skills Workers in occupations at this level can develop the skills needed for average job performance after 1 to 12 months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training. State and Federal regulations govern the qualifications and standards for truck drivers. To qualify for a commercial driver's license, applicants must pass a written test on rules and regulations, and then demonstrate that they can operate a commercial truck safely.
Warehousing: Workers in occupations at this level can develop the skills needed for average job performance after 1 to 12 months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training. Many material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing occupations are at the entry level and do not require more than a high school diploma. Employers, however, prefer to hire those familiar with computers and other electronic office and business equipment. Applicants who have taken business courses or have previous business, dispatching, or specific job-related experience may be preferred. Because communication with other people is an integral part of some jobs in the occupation, good oral and written communications skills are essential. Typing, filing, recordkeeping, and other clerical skills also are important. |
Training Providers Laredo Community College:
Automotive Technician, Diesel Mechanics, Heavy Truck Undercarriage Specialization Certificate, Diesel Electronics Specialization Certificate, Auto Mechanics Diesel, Professional Truck Driver Certificate, Warehouse Operations Skills Certificate
Continental Truck Driver Training and Education School: TTDR-500 (Tractor-Trailer, Basic)
Del Mar College: Transportation Training Services C.D.L. Class B Bus Program
Action Career Training II: Truck Driver Development
ATS Oklahoma: Heavy Equipment Operations – Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Natural Resources, Utilities & Energy Cluster
Industry Code: 21, 22 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Zapata County is one of the largest producers of natural gas. The Texas Industry Cluster Study map shows STWDB as having a concentration of core, and support employment in the Energy Cluster. |
Entry Level Job Skills Workers in occupations classified as laborers at the entry level can develop the skills needed for average job performance after 1 to 12 months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training. However, more specialized services are provided by Pipe fitters and Steamfitters and Tool and Die Makers. These Occupations at this level generally require more than 12 months of on-the-job training or combined work experience and formal classroom instruction for workers to develop the skills needed for average job performance. This category includes formal and informal apprenticeships that may last up to 4 years and short- term intensive employer-sponsored training that workers must successfully complete. Individuals undergoing training are generally considered to be employed in the occupation. |
Training Providers Texas State Technical College: Machinery Technology Tool and Dies Mold Making Degree |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Construction
Industry Code: 23 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Spurred by strong population growth and economic opportunity, STWDB's building and construction activity has increased over the last year. In 2004, building and construction activity soared by 52.8%, to a new high of $390.8 million. 2005 saw continued growth; with building permit values increasing 6.2%, to $415.1 million. Population growth and growing infrastructure needs have been the driving forces behind the construction industry. Industry prospects appear good for future years as plans are being drawn-up for new construction, expansions, and improvements in the community's infrastructure including hospitals, ambulatory health care facilities and schools. In addition, plans are in place for expansions and improvement in existing transportation infrastructure and warehousing facilities as well as the construction of new warehousing space, industrial park sites and commercial properties. The demand for residential housing is expected to remain strong.
(Data Source: City of Laredo and Texas Center at Texas A&M International University) |
Entry Level Job Skills Workers in occupations at this level can develop the skills needed for average job performance after 1 to 12 months of combined on-the-job experience and informal training. |
Training Providers Texas State Technical College: Building Construction Technology Degree
Laredo Community College: Carpentry Technology Certificate, Journeyman Technology Certificate, Basic Journeyman Electrician Assistant Two Certificate, Basic and Commercial Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Certificate, Air Condition & Refrigeration Technology Degree |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Retail Trade
Industry Code: 44, 45 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Local and cross-border retail sales constitute a major component of STWDB's economy. Retail sales account for over 50 % of total sales, and provide income and employment opportunities to over a quarter of the area’s residents. In 2004, retail sales posted strong 7.7 % growth. 2005 retail sales were equally strong, growing 7.1 percent. STWDB's large, young, and growing local population provides stability to the area retail sector.
(Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts) |
Entry Level Job Skills Workers in occupations at this level generally can develop the skills needed for average job performance after a short demonstration or up to one month of on-the-job experience and instruction. |
Training Providers Laredo Community College: Hospitality Service Certificate, Supply Chain Management Certificate, Associate in Management, Certificate in Management, AAS in Management, Management One-Year Certificate, Marketing, Import/Export Management AAS, One-Year Certificate, and Administration |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Education
Industry Code: 61 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs he STWDB region in the 1990 Census had 147,627 persons to a 2000 Census increase to 210,580 persons, which reflected a 42.6 percent change. Population growth in this area has exceeded the capacity of school district's resources and is projected to increase by 16.6% to 245,634 by 2010; thus, creating the need for additional schools and funding. The Texas Data Center projects that STWDB's population reaches over 400,000 by 2030. Teachers are represented twice on the list as high growth: Elementary Teachers with 550 new jobs (31.4%) and Secondary Teachers with 400 (33.3%). Although, these do not include Special Education or Vocational Teachers, all school districts in the South Texas area are currently experience a teacher shortage in all fields.
(Data Source: U.S. Census and Socrates County Profiles) |
Entry Level Job Skills SOC 25-9041: Teacher Assistants Workers in occupations at this level generally can develop the skills needed for average job performance after a short demonstration or up to one month of on-the-job experience and instruction. Educational requirements for teacher assistants vary by State or school district and range from a high school diploma to some college training, although employers increasingly prefer applicants with some college training. Teacher assistants with instructional responsibilities usually require more training than do those who do not perform teaching tasks. In addition, as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, teacher assistants in Title 1 schools--those with a large proportion of students from low-income households--will be required to meet one of three requirements: have a minimum of 2 years of college, hold a 2-year or higher degree, or pass a rigorous state and local assessment. Many schools also require previous experience in working with children and a valid driver's license. Some schools may require the applicant to pass a background check. |
Training Providers Coastal Bend College: Teacher Assistant/Aide
Laredo Community College: Classroom Teacher Assistant, Teacher Assistant Specialist Certificate, Child Development Assistant One-Year Certificate, Child Development AAS, Office System Technology Level 1, 2 and AAS
Texas A&M International University: Early Childcare Education, Psychology
Texas State Technical College: Teacher Assistant/Aide Certificate |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Health Services and Social Assistance
Industry Code: 62 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Personal & Home Care Aides projection of 1,050 new jobs (51.2%) is regarded as an industry with high turnover and low wages. Nursing homes or aides that care for elderly primarily employ home Care Aides. This trend is attributed to openings and expansion of adult care facilities. Post-secondary schools are having a difficult time meeting the demand since there are not enough slots available to train more new students.
The STWDB area had a total of 856 registered nurses (RN) working, representing a ratio of 281.2 persons for each RN in the area. The statewide ratio was 160.1 persons for each RN in the state.
The number of licensed vocational nurses (LVN) who practiced in the area was 369 representing a ratio of 652.4 persons per each LVN in the area. This compared to 366.2 persons per each LVN statewide.
There were 443 licensed Emergency Medical Technicians, or EMTs, for the STWDB area; a ratio of 184.0 licensed EMTs per 100,000 residents. The statewide ratio was 220.9 EMTs per 100,000 residents.
In STWDB area there were 18 occupational therapists; a ratio of 13,373.9 persons for each occupational therapist. The statewide ratio was 4,359.0 persons for each occupational therapist.
(Source: Socrates STWDB Profile) |
Entry Level Job Skills In many cases, neither a high school diploma nor previous work experience is necessary for a job as a nursing, psychiatric, or home health aide. A few employers, however, require some training or experience. Hospitals may require experience as a nursing aide or home health aide. Nursing care facilities often hire inexperienced workers who must complete a minimum of 75 hours of mandatory training and pass a competency evaluation program within 4 months of their employment. Aides who complete the program are certified and placed on the State registry of nursing aides. Some States require psychiatric aides to complete a formal training program.
The Federal Government has guidelines for home health aides whose employers receive reimbursement from Medicare. Federal law requires home health aides to pass a competency test covering 12 areas: Communication skills; documentation of patient status and care provided; reading and recording vital signs; basic infection control procedures; basic body functions; maintenance of a healthy environment; emergency procedures; physical, emotional, and developmental characteristics of patients; personal hygiene and grooming; safe transfer techniques; normal range of motion and positioning; and basic nutrition.
A home health aide may receive training before taking the competency test. Federal law suggests at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training, supervised by a registered nurse. Training and testing programs may be offered by the employing agency, but must meet the standards of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Training programs vary with State regulations. |
Training Providers Coastal Bend College: Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide/Certified Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide
Laredo Community College: C.E.T. Biomedical Electronics Technology AAS, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Assistant Administrative Specialization Certificate and AAS, Medical Assistant Coding Specialist, Occupation Therapy Assistant AAS, Physical Therapy Assistant AAS, Emergency Medical Assistant Certificate Basic and Intermediate, Emergency Medical Services Paramedic AAS, Radiology Technology AAS, Medical Lab Technology, Nursing AAS, Vocational Nursing Certificate, Logistics Technician Certificate
South Texas Training Center: Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide, Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide Bilingual, Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide Rehab Tech
Southern Careers Institute-Laredo Inc.: Medical Office Specialist, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech
Texas A&M International University: Social Work, Nursing, Graduate Teachers Certification and/or Masters Degree, Undergraduate Teacher Certificate
Texas Careers, Inc.: Medical Office Specialist, Medical Assistant
Texas State Technical College: Surgical Technology Certificate, Emergency Medical Technology Degree, Nurse Assistant Certificate, Dental Hygiene Degree, Dental Lab Tech Degree, Dental Lab Tech Certificate, Medical Information Specialists Certificate, Medical Assistant Certificate |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Accommodations and Food Service
Industry Code: 72 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Laredo Metro has one of the highest occupancy rates in Texas. Recent hotels built in 2005 include Embassy Suites, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, and Hawthorn Suites. Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food occupations are vital in providing job opportunities for students and job seekers with lower skill levels. These occupations will continue to experience high growth due to continuous expansion of other industries and population growth into suburban areas. New opportunities will occur within the few years due to growth in and around the arena land development and the El Portal Center in downtown Laredo. (Source: Socrates, City of Laredo and Laredo Development Foundation based on Building Permits) |
Entry Level Job Skills Workers in occupations at this level generally can develop the skills needed for average job performance after a short demonstration or up to one month of on-the-job experience and instruction. Despite the fact that hiring requirements for information and record clerk jobs vary from industry to industry, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the most common educational requirement. Increasingly, familiarity or experience with computers and good interpersonal skills are becoming equally important as the diploma to employers. Although many employers prefer to hire information and record clerks with a higher level of education, only a few of these clerical occupations require such a level of education. |
Training Providers Laredo Community College: Hospitality Service Certificate, Supply Chain Management Certificate, Associate in Management, Certificate in Management, AAS in Management, Management One-Year Certificate, Marketing, Import/Export Management AAS, One-Year Certificate, and Administration, Food Service Certificate |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Finance and Insurance
Industry Code: 52 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Area has one of the largest banking institutions (deposits) in the United States.
The region had 14 commercial banks in 2004, as reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), with total deposits of $4,513,000,000 and assets of $12,692,719,000. The 2004 deposit to population ratio was $18,963 for the Multi-County region compared to the Texas ratio of $13,921. A ratio less than the state average generally indicate either the presence of an adjacent city or county not within the described region serving as a regional financial center, or per capita income well below the state average.
(Source: TWC Socrates WDB Profile) |
Entry Level Job Skills Most financial clerks are required to have at least a high school diploma. However, having completed some college is becoming increasingly important, particularly for those occupations requiring knowledge of accounting. For occupations such as bookkeepers, accounting clerks, and procurement clerks, an associate's degree in business or accounting often is required. Some financial clerks have bachelor's degrees in business, accounting, or liberal arts. Although a degree is rarely required, many graduates accept entry-level clerical positions to get into a particular company or to enter the finance or accounting field with the hope of being promoted to professional or managerial positions. Some companies have a set plan of advancement that tracks college graduates from entry-level clerical jobs into managerial positions. Workers with bachelor's degrees are likely to start at higher salaries and advance more easily than those without degrees. |
Training Providers Texas A&M International University: Computer Information Systems
Texas State Technical College: Network Security Specialty Technology Degree, Network Information Management Technology Certificate, Computer Science Technology Degree, Business Office Technology/Legal Degree, Automated Office Technology Administrative Degree, Business Office Technology/Word Processing Specialist Certificate
Laredo Community College: Computer Information Systems Basic Skills Certificate, CIS Personal Computer Support Specialist, C.I.S. AAS with Specialization in Networking Technology, C.I.S. AAS with Specialization in Business Applications, C.IS. Business Applications Specialist Certificate, Applied Accounting AAS, Applied Accounting One Year Certificate, Office Systems Technology, Level 1 and 2, Small Business Management Certificate, Associate in Banking and Finance, Certificate II in Banking and Finance, Banking and Finance Management AAS, Banking and Finance Management Certificate 1 and 2
Southern Careers Institute-Laredo, Inc: Computerized Bookkeeping Specialist, Administrative Assistant Certificate
Texas Careers, Inc.: Computer Business System |
STWDB Targeted Industry: Government
Industry Code: 92 |
|---|
Local Wisdom/Unmet Needs Laredo has 24.0 percent of jobs concentrated in the government sector. Federal government employment has increased 122.2 percent period (1990 - 2005).
Combining the Multi-County data, there were approximately 106 crimes reported for every 1,000 persons in 1998 and 105 crimes reported in 1999 for every 1,000 persons. This compares to a statewide total of approximately 52 crimes in 1998 and 51 crimes reported for every 1,000 person in Texas.
(Source: Texas Workforce Commission, data compiled by the Texas A&M International University, Criminal Justice Policy Council) |
Entry Level Job Skills Occupations at entry level generally require more than 12 months of on-the-job training or combined work experience and formal classroom instruction for workers to develop the skills needed for average job performance. This category includes formal and informal apprenticeships that may last up to 4 years and short- term intensive employer-sponsored training that workers must successfully complete. Individuals undergoing training are generally considered to be employed in the occupation. Includes occupations in which workers may gain experience in non-work activities, such as professional athletes who gain experience through participation in athletic programs in academic institutions. |
Training Providers Laredo Community College: AAS in Criminal Justice
Texas A&M International: Bachelors in Criminal Justice |
