Targeted Occupations

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds are used to fund the cost of training
that prepares individuals to work in occupations that are critical to the growth and
competitiveness of the targeted industries. Training is funded through Individual Training
Accounts to assist with the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other training-related costs.

Occupations selected for targeting meet the following criteria:

  • The occupation is a key occupation that supports at least one of the targeted industries.
  • The entry-level wage is greater than the Board’s Self-Sufficiency Wage (SSW) Standard.
  • The occupation will add more than 100 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
  • The occupation will grow at a rate of 10% or more between 2018 and 2028.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that formal training is needed to enter the occupation.

 

Exceptions may be made in cases where sufficient data does not exist to support targeting but
input from employers or other relevant sources establishes that training funds are needed to
address a significant skills shortage or skills gap.

 

Occupational TitleAnnual Average Employment 2018Annual Average Employment 2028Number Change 2018-2028Percent Growth 2018-2028Average
Annual Wage 2019
Total Annual Average Openings*Typical Education Needed for Entry into Occupation
Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics1,0891,158696.3%$50,542116Postsecondary non-degree award
Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists5826587613.1%$44,11665High school diploma or equivalent
Computer User Support Specialists74190516422.1%$44,38883Some college, no degree
Dental Assistants
43053310324%$34,47864Postsecondary non-degree award
Medical Assistants72995422530.9%$28,890115Postsecondary non-degree award
Billing and Posting Clerks67478110715.9%$35,52590High school diploma or equivalent
Software Developers, Applications26441515157.2%$74,08739Bachelor's degree
Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics4815496814.1%$36,63841Postsecondary non-degree award
Heating, AC, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers4274906314.8%$46,71150Postsecondary non-degree award
Respiratory Therapists2212856429%$56,40719Associate's degree
Medical Secretaries1,5001,87837825.2%$30,019227High school diploma or equivalent
Maintenance & Repair Workers, General1,6021,80220012.5%$35,535185High school diploma or equivalent
Pharmacy Technicians59169710617.9%$34,26963High school diploma or equivalent
Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters9281,09316517.8%$49,434128High school diploma or equivalent
Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses1,9672,049824.2%$46,585161Postsecondary non-degree award
Registered Nurses4,1524,79163915.4%$68,852303Bachelor's degree
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers2,0122,24223011.4%$44,675265Postsecondary non-degree award
Radiologic Technologists4535358218.1%$55,85935Associate's degree
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers5836698614.8%$35,97778High school diploma or equivalent
Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers1,1431,26312010.5%$57,84997High school diploma or equivalent
Machinists2442753112.7%$41,13030High school diploma or equivalent
Construction Laborers2,8763,21333711.7%$31,370373No formal educational credential
General & Operations Managers2,7193,09337413.8%$94,364289Bachelor's Degree
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education73985411515.6%$29,32692Associate's degree
Office Clerk, General5,1625,3011392.7%$36,244640High school diploma or equivalent
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers1,6792,05938022.6%$32,720323High school diploma or equivalent
Electricians83896512715.2%$49,052118High school diploma or equivalent
Medical & Health Services Managers57374917630.7%$104,82770Bachelor's Degree
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors36047711732.5%$35,74070No formal educational credential
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining1,1461,33819216.8%$53,931194No formal educational credential
Wind Turbine Service Technicians*
2,0383,7281,69082.9%$53,178479Postsecondary non-degree award

We're Moving!

The Workforce Solutions South Plains Lubbock office is moving to a new location. On July 2, 2018 Workforce Solutions Lubbock Workforce, Childcare, and Youth Services will move to 2002 West Loop 289 Suite 117 inside the Wayland Plaza.

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