Strengthening the IT Workforce in Rio Grande Valley

Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) engaged TPMA to conduct a comprehensive Information Technology (IT) Workforce Assessment. The study aimed to align local workforce development efforts with the evolving demands of the IT industry, ensuring a skilled talent pipeline for sustainable industry growth.

The Challenge

Despite Texas’ booming IT sector, the Rio Grande Valley faced workforce misalignment, with limited broadband, outdated training programs, and a lack of cybersecurity education. Weak employer engagement and high outmigration further strained local IT growth. The challenge wasn’t just training more workers—it was ensuring they had the right skills and opportunities to thrive locally.

IT Workforce Assessment

To address these challenges, TPMA launched a data-driven, multi-faceted workforce assessment that included:

  • Labor Market Analysis: Identified top IT occupations, employer demand, and regional workforce capacity.
  • Education & Training Alignment: Evaluated existing IT programs, certifications, and postsecondary offerings to uncover skill gaps.
  • Infrastructure & Asset Inventory: Assessed broadband access, employer partnerships, and funding opportunities for IT workforce development.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Conducted surveys and focus groups with IT employers, educators, and workforce organizations to identify workforce pain points and growth opportunities.
  • Strategic Recommendations: Provided short- and long-term solutions to enhance workforce development, expand IT education, and strengthen industry partnerships.

Key Findings

The assessment included actionable insights that helped the workforce board prioritize workforce development strategies.

1. Identified High-Growth IT Careers

TPMA’s labor market analysis pinpointed top IT occupations projected to see significant growth by 2030:

  • Software Developers & Quality Assurance Analysts (55% growth)
  • Information Security Analysts (59% growth)
  • Computer Systems Analysts (28% growth)
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators (17% growth)

These findings emphasized the urgent need for expanded IT training and employer partnerships to fill these roles.

2. Strengthened IT Education & Training Pathways

  • Uncovered 146 IT-related training programs, but found gaps in cybersecurity and cloud computing curricula.
  • Recommended new program development in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud-based IT services to meet emerging workforce needs.
  • Encouraged technical schools and universities to create stackable credentials that align with employer requirements.

3. Expansion of Broadband & Digital Infrastructure

  • Identified rural broadband gaps as a major barrier to IT workforce growth.
  • Positioned the Rio Grande Valley as a prime candidate for state and federal broadband funding to support IT job creation.
  • Recommended public-private partnerships to expand fiber optic networks and digital learning opportunities.

4. Increased Employer Engagement & Apprenticeship Programs

  • Found limited employer-education collaboration, making it difficult for graduates to transition into IT careers.
  • Recommended apprenticeship programs and paid internships to reduce hiring risks for employers and provide students with real-world experience.
  • Highlighted SpaceX’s growing presence in the region, positioning it as an anchor employer for IT talent.

5. Positioned RGV as a Future Tech Hub

  • Demonstrated that RGV’s economic strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and government services require strong IT talent.
  • Encouraged regional stakeholders to attract tech-based employers by leveraging workforce incentives, broadband expansion, and industry partnerships.

Conclusion

TPMA’s strategic workforce assessment empowered the region to take decisive action in closing IT skills gaps, expanding training opportunities, and attracting new tech employers to the Rio Grande Valley. By leveraging data insights and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the region is better positioned to become a competitive IT hub, driving economic resilience and opportunity for local talent.

To learn how TPMA supports industry growth with workforce assessments—contact us here.