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Planning Sustainable Jobs Now and After COVID-19

Oped by Commissioner Cook

  • 16 April 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3441
  • 0 Comments

Commissioner Cook gathers with  Bill Turner, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) Deputy Project Director; Carl Braun, WSRCA Business Services Manager; DeWayne Street, ResCare Regional Director of Workforce Services; Mike Crane, WSRCA Project Director; Commissioner Cook; August Alvarado, District Director, U.S. Congressman John R. Carter to celebrate TDIndustries Registered Apprenticeship Kickoff March 12, 2020.

I offer my condolences to those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 and prayers for those battling this disease.

As we look towards a brighter future, we must also consider employment, including for those displaced by the coronavirus.

On March 16, Wilco issued the order restricting gatherings to no more than 50 people to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Four days before, I offered the keynote speech at TDIndustries’ registered apprenticeship kickoff in Round Rock.

TDIndustries provides a 20-week training program for HVAC and plumbing employees as their first step of apprenticeship. Participants learn the basics of their trade in the first course and receive advanced training in subsequent semesters.

Apprenticeships are geared for occupations, not just skills. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $70,000.

 The Department of Labor can provide guidance and certification for apprenticeships, but programs differ among states and regions. Certified apprenticeships can then become registered, but there are other programs not certified.

Workers over age 45 comprise 53% of skilled trades occupations in this country alone, yet many will be retiring in the next 15 years. 

Industries—including every kind of restaurant—are worried. If technical schools could produce twice the current rate of graduates, the demand for skilled workers still would not be satisfied.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) just announced the need for our WilcoMRC volunteers

  • 14 April 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 4004
  • 0 Comments

Medical and non-medical backgrounds are welcome. Applicants must be 18-years-old or older and be willing to work long shifts. Volunteers will work with individuals who have no to low risk of illness and must be willing and able to sit, stand and/or walk for long periods of time. Applicants should have an interest in promoting the wellness of Williamson County residents. WCCHD will provide HIPPA training for all volunteers.

The Medical Reserve Corps, or MRC, is a national network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety and resiliency of their communities.The Medical Reserve Corps is organized under the office of the United States Surgeon General. The MRC was unveiled during President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. The primary role of local MRC units is to supplement the public health and medical portions of the existing community emergency response system. For additional information, please visit the Medical Reserve Corps page on the WCCHD's website at :http://www.wcchd.org/about_us/volunteer/index.php.

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Instructions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on wearing, removing, making, and cleaning face coverings

  • 13 April 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3344
  • 0 Comments

Commissioner Cook is wearing a floral print pleated face mask she made.For more information and instructions on face coverings, visit http://tinyurl.com/srfu9f2

Materials for Sewn Face Covering

Two 10"x6" rectangles of cotton fabric
Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
Scissors
Sewing machine

UPDATED INFORMATION: Williamson County Seeks Volunteers For Mask Brigade

Look below at a photo of Commissioner Cook wearing one of the masks she made

  • 9 April 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3233
  • 0 Comments

WCommissioner Cook is wearing a face mask with floral print that she handmade.ilco Needs Your Help

We need cloth masks for 1st responders, medical professionals and others for their protection and to be worn over the N95 masks to extend the lives of the N95 masks. Patterns are available on-line for free for both the pleated mask and the one preferred by medical professions via http://CovidRangers.com.

Texas Department of Transportation Closes Lobbies at Its Twelve Travel Information Centers

  • 8 April 2020
  • Author: Doris Sanchez
  • Number of views: 3239
  • 0 Comments

For those who do need to travel, be advised that TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its 12 Travel Information Centers until further notice. Outside restrooms will remain available at all times. The on highways throughout the state remain open. Anyone can call 1-800-452-9292 or visit drivetexas.org to obtain road condition information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.safety rest areas .

TxDOT's mission is to continue building and maintaining our roadway infrastructure while doing our part to prevent the spread of Covid-19. #StayHomeTexas if you can and stay safe.

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