News & Announcements

Workforce Solutions East Texas will host its largest hiring event of the year – celebrating Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 13th annual Hiring Red, White & You! with 75+ employers on Wednesday, November 6. This statewide event connects employers with veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses. East Texas’ event will be held at the Rose Garden Center located at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and is open to the public to attend.

Texas’ labor market achieved new record highs in September in terms of the job count and number of people in the civilian labor force. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,289,900 after 29,200 jobs were added over the month. Texas added 327,400 jobs from September 2023 to September 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.3 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.7 percentage points. In September, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,449,900 after adding 51,500 people over the month. This marks the ninth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 318,500 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “Texas continues to outpace the nation in over-the-year nonfarm growth rate with more than 327,000 jobs added since September 2023,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC supports this continued growth by helping build and shape a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Texas industries.” Professional and Business Services added 10,500 jobs in September, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Private Education and Health Services added 10,400 jobs over the month and Construction added 8,100 jobs. Construction showed 5.1 percent growth over the year, which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by 2.1 percentage points. “The record-setting 15.4 million Texans who make up our civilian labor force are strengthening and innovating our state’s economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “As our labor force continues to grow, TWC programs will continue to help all Texans secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures.” All Texas MSA unemployment rates declined over the month. The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in September, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.0 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.2 percent. “Industries across the state are growing as even more employers recognize Texas as the best state to do business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “From recruitment and training to customized workforce solutions, TWC offers a comprehensive variety of services to empower employers and encourage success.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for October is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities, past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is proud to partner with Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS), the University of Texas at Tyler, and UT Health Tyler to host this year's event, themed Access to Good Jobs for All. The event is open to the public, and employers, job seekers, community organizations, and families are encouraged to attend! When: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM Location: UT Tyler Health Science Center -Ornelas Academic Amphitheater Register to attend! "We invite the public and East Texas employers to join the event, visit immersion tables to expand knowledge on types of disabilities, and learn about programs to help your business find and train applicants," said Doug Shryock, Workforce Solutions East Texas Executive Director. "The event will feature a proclamation, success stories from Workforce Solutions East Texas participants, and immersion tables with an invitation for audience participation." The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — by visiting www.dol.gov/NDEAM .

Workforce Solutions East Texas is pleased to announce the relocation of its workforce center to West Loop 281. The Longview workforce center will open on October 1, 2024, and will operate in the Park Place Shopping Center just west of Gilmer Road, located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Suite 40. The business hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a momentous recognition of its dedication to shaping the future of education and workforce development, Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) has been awarded the Career & Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) Champion for CTE Award. This prestigious honor, which highlights exemplary leadership in supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, was bestowed upon the organization following a nomination from Tyler ISD, a long-standing partner in education and workforce initiatives. The CTAT Champion for CTE Award is reserved for individuals and organizations that go above and beyond in promoting and expanding CTE programs, benefiting both students and the industries they will one day serve. Workforce Solutions East Texas earned this accolade by continuously demonstrating its commitment to bridging the gap between education and the workforce, creating invaluable opportunities for students to gain the skills necessary for the modern job market. A Partnership to Empower Students Tyler ISD's nomination of WSET comes as no surprise to those familiar with the partnership between the school district and the workforce development agency. For years, they have collaborated to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, real-world exposure, and direct pathways into in-demand careers. Through the partnership, students at Tyler ISD have been given access to internships, certifications, and mentorships that would not have been possible without WSET’s network and support. A Vision for a Stronger Workforce Workforce Solutions East Texas has long been a pillar of innovation in workforce development, especially in rural and underserved areas. Their “Rural, Set, Go” initiative, designed to bring workforce readiness programs to rural communities, has garnered significant attention for creating equal access to career-building resources. The success of this initiative has ensured that students, regardless of where they live, have access to critical technical education and workforce opportunities. WSET has also been a crucial player in fostering partnerships with local businesses, industries, and educational institutions. By working with Tyler ISD and other East Texas school districts, WSET ensures that students gain the technical skills that match the needs of regional industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to IT and skilled trades. The Road Ahead As the CTAT Champion for CTE Award recipient, Workforce Solutions East Texas is expected to serve as a model for other workforce development organizations across Texas and beyond. Their approach to building partnerships with local school districts, like Tyler ISD, has proven that a collaborative and focused effort can yield transformative results for students and communities alike. WSET plans to continue expanding its services and programs, particularly in light of the recognition from CTAT. New initiatives, expanded partnerships, and even more career pathways are on the horizon as the organization seeks to empower the next generation of workers with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to succeed. About Workforce Solutions East Texas Workforce Solutions East Texas is a comprehensive workforce development organization dedicated to providing employment services, job training, and career resources for residents across East Texas. Through collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, WSET is committed to creating a vibrant and competitive workforce that meets the needs of the modern economy. For Tyler ISD, the partnership with WSET has been instrumental in ensuring their CTE students are prepared for the future and ready to lead in their chosen fields. As Workforce Solutions East Texas receives the CTAT Champion for CTE Award, the future looks brighter than ever for East Texas students, who will continue to benefit from the agency's dedication to empowering the workforce of tomorrow.

Deadline for applications - September 26, 2024

Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,353,700 after adding 41,900 people over the month in July. This marks a seventh consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 248,900 people.

We are thrilled to announce the next Windows of Opportunity Regionwide Job Fair, scheduled for August 20. Our Workforce Solutions East Texas Team hosts this quarterly regionwide job fair at its five workforce centers on the same date. The event aims to bridge the gap between hiring employers and individuals seeking employment across various occupation pathways, fostering economic growth and career development in East Texas.