In 1987, a group of business and education leaders in the Metroplex was concerned about the implications of the quality of the work force. Anxious to influence change, they organized North Central Texas InterLink as a non-profit organization to help educators understand the dynamics of the Dallas and Fort Worth regional workforce. 

Each year InterLink surveys regional employers and publishes a brochure which identifies those occupations determined to be in high demand or critical need for high skill, high wage opportunities at least five years in the future.  The sixteen county region’s public school districts and community colleges use InterLink’s information for planning Career and Technology programs. 

Kevin Ferrell of Avaya, Inc. who serves as InterLink’s President, explains. “It is important for employers that students have the skills and knowledge for these high demand careers and higher education.  School districts use InterLink as a resource to help define the opportunities that await them. We want our students to be preparing for careers that will there when they graduate.”

“Sometimes labor market information can be confusing, so InterLink makes presentations to educators that are engaging, fast paced and full of information.” said Candy Slocum, Executive Director of InterLink. “InterLink doesn’t just publish a report indicating what career opportunities will be, we paint an understandable picture of what the region’s industries and workforce is really about.”  InterLink’s presentations are frequently featured at conferences and seminars throughout Texas and the Nation.

Richardson Chamber president, Bill Sproull, encourages chamber members to complete the 2008 survey, thereby assisting the efforts of high school and community college educators here in North Texas by completing the 2008 survey. Here’s the link: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB226B377EADG 

For more information on InterLink and the 2007 Regional Targeted Occupations Brochure, go to www.interlink-ntx.org.