With aging boomers, the retirement industry is surging in Austin and rife with upwardly mobile career opportunities. Established over 55 years ago, Westminster retirement community, located near downtown Austin, has significantly increased the size of its workforce.

Charles “Chuck” Borst, LNFA, CP, CDP, CADDCT, and Executive Director of Westminster, says about 60 million people will turn 65 by the year 2030. With this growth comes an explosive job market with opportunities in every imaginable sector of the retirement industry, from food and beverage to nursing to administration and hospitality. Borst says that retirement communities have shed their reputations as “old folks” homes.

“Associates are finding truly rewarding positions in Austin where some of the nation’s most progressive communities are in operation,” he says.

To help associates achieve their true potential, Westminster is one of the many Chamber members that provide support for continued education and tuition reimbursement at educational institutions like Austin Community College.

An example of an employee who has taken advantage of these programs is Romario Hamilton. Originally from Jamaica, Romario was hired by Westminster in 2017 as a server in the Laurel dining room. He had restaurant experience in Jamaica and instantly became a resident favorite.

Several years ago Romario accessed Westminster’s Associate Education Assistance Fund, which pays 100 percent of the cost of tuition and books for Austin Community College. According to his managers, he often took three classes per semester, while working full time at Westminster. In December 2022 Ramario graduated with a degree in Computer Aid & Design Engineering.

“Westminster paid me and provided tuition reimbursement, which helped me afford school. In Jamaica, I studied mechanical engineering and when I move to Austin, I decided to change my major when I saw how a CAD degree assists with product design and manufacturing. I am very excited about my future,” he says.

As one of its many success stories, the community is pleased to announce that Romario has accepted an engineering job with a civil engineering firm in Austin, Bleyl Engineering. Although he will be missed by the associates and residents at Westminster, Romario has earned his next career move and his coworkers wish him and his wife and child the best of luck as they live their dream.

Westminster extends the offer of tuition reimbursement to all associates who qualify. Associates may earn degrees to pursue careers at Westminster or other workplaces with a new line of work.

The Associate Education Assistance Fund program is financed by funds raised by generous residents who live at the community, along with corporate support from our parent company, LCS, Halcyon Home, White Construction, Frost Bank, and Pi Architects.