As of today, Texas is home to over 15 million working individuals and has experienced steady growth and record-high levels of jobs and the labor force. However, uncertainties loom on the horizon, including technological advancements and the impacts of climate change, which raise questions about how the jobs of tomorrow will look different in Texas. Will oil and gas continue to dominate? Will the technology sector in Texas continue to thrive?
In the 1950s, a significant portion of American workers were engaged in agriculture work. But today, that number has decreased to less than 1%, raising concerns among small farmers about finding adequate workforce help. This decline may signal a shift towards indoor farming in the future.
The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for Texas’ workforce. Experts suggest that many oil and gas workers possess transferable skills that could be useful in new energy jobs. Furthermore, there is a push to bolster the US semiconductor industry, creating job opportunities in Texas. The domestic production of computer chips is viewed as critical for national security and supply chain resilience, leading to significant investment in this sector.
While Texas has experienced a population boom overall, certain areas are witnessing a decline in population. This raises questions about the future of these communities and what skills the future workforce should be acquiring to prepare for evolving job demands. Additionally, as Texas’ population is younger than the national average, it prompts considerations about what skills young people should be learning to prepare for their careers in this evolving state economy.
Overall, it is crucial to understand how changing economic and demographic factors are shaping up new industries’ landscape in Texas
