Jobless to Job Ready: Workforce Development Program Opens Doors to Health Care Careers in Las Vegas Trail

Las Vegas Trail was once a thriving job market, anchored by Carswell Air Force Base and the businesses that supported the families living and working there. When the base’s active-duty operations ended in 1993, many military families moved away, and with them, the customer base for local businesses.

The years that followed were marred with economic decline. The lack of stable and meaningful employment in the area snowballed into poverty, crime, empty pantries and housing loss—all of which contribute to worsening physical and mental health.

But the new neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area aims to change all of that through its Workforce Development Program, supported by trusted community partners such as Cook Children’s Health Care System, JPS Health Network, Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.

“We’re looking to change the trajectory of an individual’s life and, in doing so, their family’s future for generations to come, because we know that stable and meaningful employment can do that,” said Kim Cummings, assistant vice president of Human Resources at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “We also know that relieving the stress of joblessness and financial strain can lead to better mental health and allow individuals to live healthier lives.”

Designed and delivered by Tarrant County College’s (TCC) Corporate Solutions and Economic Development division, the Workforce Development Program will equip those enrolled in the program with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Participants will earn stackable micro-credentials to showcase their job readiness and unlock opportunities for career advancement. The program supports the goal of expanding job training and career coaching for Las Vegas Trail residents as outlined in the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Transformation Plan. Although delivered through a health-care jobs lens, the skills gained through the program will help equip individuals with professional tools useful in any industry.

“We intentionally designed this program to target and help fill the workforce gaps at Cook Children's and JPS,” said Christine Hernandez, Cook Children’s Workforce Development Specialist. “This is an entryway into health care with the potential for advancement when the next opportunity opens. That's what we're hoping happens with this program. We give those who complete the program the opportunity to apply for and potentially be hired into an entry level position, and they advance their career through the organization as time goes on.”

Tarrant County College’s Corporate Solutions and Economic Development team will provide a practical, learner-centered curriculum covering various topics such as customer service, professional communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and task management and execution, as well as Microsoft Office tools including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

“This partnership reflects the best of what community-centered education can achieve—equipping individuals with practical skills, empowering them with confidence, and connecting them to meaningful careers in health care,” said Richard Chance, dean of Corporate Solutions and Economic Development at TCC’s Trinity River Campus.

Located in downtown Fort Worth, the Trinity River Campus serves as TCC’s hub for health sciences and nursing programs, making it a natural anchor for this community-focused workforce effort.

“This is higher education at its best. Relevant, responsive, and rooted in the community," said Drew T. Jackson, Tarrant County College subject matter expert in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Corporate Solutions and Economic Development. “The aim is precise—help LVT residents walk into interviews at Cook Children's and JPS ready to contribute on day one and position them to advance. We are grateful for the trust of our partners and excited to open a clear, job-ready pathway into health care for our neighbors.”

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is funding the program and covering fees for eligible participants. To be eligible for the program, individuals must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to meet background verification requirements, have an interest in a health care job and want to learn new skills.

“Our presence at the neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail area is about more than access, it’s about opportunity,” said Robert Sturns, executive director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. “Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is here to help the residents in Las Vegas Trail gain skills, explore career pathways and connect with jobs that support growth and long-term stability. It’s workforce support, right in the heart of the community and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this historic collaboration.”

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County will also remove barriers by providing wraparound professional development support, which includes resume writing, job-search coaching, mentorship and internship connections, as well as transportation and childcare assistance for eligible individuals in the program.

In the 12-week program, individuals will attend class twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the neighborhood health center training room. Participants must commit to attending all classes and completing all assignments. At the end of the 12 weeks, participants will receive a printed certificate for completing the program and have the opportunity to apply and interview for employment opportunities at Cook Children’s and JPS Health Network.

“This initiative exemplifies our bold, responsive commitment to meeting learners where they are and preparing them for where the region is headed,” said S. Sean Madison, Ed.D., president of TCC’s Trinity River Campus. “By deeply engaging with our community and equipping individuals with skills that are immediately valuable in today’s workforce, we’re strengthening career pathways, fostering economic growth, and building a more resilient, connected future—together.”

If you are seeking stable employment and want to learn skills to jumpstart a career in health care, find more information and start your application for the Workforce Development Program on the program’s website.