The official website of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative - Linking Education and Workforce: Spurring Economic Growth Across Texas
In March 2016, Governor Greg Abbott created the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative. The governor tasked the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to work together on developing strong links between education and industry, with the goal of helping Texas grow in economic prosperity.
Tri-Agency Workforce Goals and Strategies
We have been working hard to improve Texas' workforce and have some updates to share. We have goals and strategies to develop the state's workforce. We will focus on three important priorities, listed below, that will make a big difference in Texas. You might remember these priorities from our 2020 Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative report,
If you're eager to learn more, you may view the goals and strategies by clicking the link below:
Tri-Agency State Workforce Goals and Strategies
We, the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, are grateful for all the valuable feedback we received from the public. Your input has been instrumental in shaping our final goals and strategies, which are now available for everyone to see on our official website:
We invite you to be part of this exciting journey as we work together to create a brighter future for Texas' workforce. Don't miss out! Explore our website today and stay informed about the progress we are making!
Tri-Agency Priorities
The following are the three Tri-Agency priorities.
Pathways
Support goals to help people find easier and different ways to earn degrees, certificates, and other credentials that lead to well-paying jobs that are in high demand.
Support
Ensure that students get the help and resources they need to succeed at every step of their education journey and as they move into the workforce.
Infrastructure
Build a strong system that allows different agencies to work together toward shared goals, using common data and processes. This will help improve student outcomes and meet employers' needs.
The History of the Tri-Agency Initiative
In March 2016, something special happened in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott started the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative. He brought together three important groups: TEA, THECB and TWC. They all wanted to help our state's economy grow.
The initiative had five important tasks. They wanted to connect what you learn in school to the jobs you might have in the future. They also wanted to support teachers and schools to give you a great education. Then, in 2019, a law called House Bill 3 passed. It changed how schools get money. The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative was given the big job of making sure this law worked well for students like you. In 2021 another law called House Bill 3767 was passed. It was about making education and workforce development work together. House Bill 3767 helped to explain the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative’s goals and strategies to the people of Texas.
60x30TX Plan
The Texas Higher Education Strategic Plan: 2015-2030. The goal is that by the year 2030, at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will have a certificate or degree.
House Bill 3
HB 3 is one of the most transformative Texas education bills in recent history and is foundational to the 2020 charges for the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
The Tri-Agency Strategic Framework for Work-Based Learning
House Bill 1247 passed during the 87th Texas Legislature’s Regular Session in 2021. It has a specific rule for TEA, THECB and TWC. These agencies must work together to create a plan called a strategic framework. This plan will help more students in Texas learn by participating in something called work-based learning (WBL). After developing this framework plan, the agencies are required to submit a report about it to the Legislature.
December 2022 Tri-Agency Strategic Framework for Work-Based Learning Report
December 2022 Tri-Agency Strategic Framework for Work-Based Learning Report One Pager
The Industry-Based Certification Advisory Council
House Bill (HB) 3938, 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2021), mandated the establishment of the Industry-Based Certification (IBC) Advisory Council (Council). The Council is composed of members who represent industry, career and technical education (CTE) within public schools, and postsecondary education within public junior and state colleges and public technical institutes. Per HB 3938, the Council’s responsibilities include the following:
- Advising the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regarding the alignment of public high school CTE programs with current and future state and regional workforce needs.
- Developing an inventory of industry-recognized credentials and certificates that public high school students may earn through a CTE program that:
- aligns with state and regional workforce needs; and
- serves as an entry point to middle- and high-wage jobs.
- Establishing a process to develop the inventory, including defining the criteria that determine whether a credential or certificate may be included in the inventory.
- Conducting annual reviews of the inventory and revising it as needed.
2023 Inventory of Industry-Recognized Credentials
You may download the 2023 Inventory of Industry-Recognized Credentials and other supporting documents at the following links:
- 2023 Inventory of Industry-Recognized Credentials
- Overview of the Council’s inventory development process
- 2023 IBC Advisory Council Inventory Transmittal Letter
- Brief statement from the IBC Advisory Council
If you have any questions, please email txcredentialconnect@twc.texas.gov.