Ashley Rhea's Path to IT Career Success

Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 31, 2023

Meet Ashley Rhea, a bright young participant in our program with her sights set on a career in Information Technology (IT). When individuals with the drive, determination, and aptitude for high-demand jobs like IT walk through our doors, we're committed to helping them achieve their goals.


Ashley joined our WIOA Youth Program, where she received a comprehensive job readiness curriculum. While she acquired foundational job skills through our Career Edge Youth Class, our Community Affairs Director, Stephen Lynch, worked to forge a partnership that would enable Ashley to receive the training necessary to fulfill her dreams.


Stephen collaborated with Ms. Kaley Perez from Goodwill to facilitate Ashley's co-enrollment in both the WIOA Youth Program and the Apprenticeship Program at Goodwill of East Texas GoodTech Academy. This academy offers courses tailored to prepare students for certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cybersecurity Analyst+. The program equips students for entry-level roles in IT support.


Ashley is currently in the early stages of the curriculum, diligently studying, taking practice exams, and engaging in hands-on labs with peers and instructors to prepare for her first certification. Workforce Solutions East Texas and Goodwill Industries provide career guidance and supportive services to assist in achieving program certifications and sustaining employment.


Ashley expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, "Ms. Kaley Perez and Workforce Solutions East Texas have shared invaluable knowledge, information, and referrals to resources helping me overcome my obstacles." We are thrilled to be a part of Ashley's journey into the IT field and look forward to her continued success. 

Veterans and Job Seekers Connect at Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair in Longview

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 7, 2025
On Wednesday, November 5, Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted the region’s largest hiring event of the year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s 14th annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide initiative. The event honored veterans with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. open to the public. About 70 employers participated, offering opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other job seekers. “East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors,” said Doug Shryock, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities—hard-won across the country and around the world—make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Our employers need these valuable resources.” This year’s event was part of a statewide effort to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Since its launch in 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected over 153,000 job seekers, including 52,000 veterans, with more than 26,000 employers across Texas. A representative from a participating employer, Stone Bridge Personnel Services, shared, " The Veteran Job Fair in Longview was a huge success! Sooo many people came out that we barely got a break the entire time! The best part was getting to know the personal stories of several decorated veterans and hearing their accomplishments and what they stand for. That's the spice of life right there. And we're about to fill heaps of new positions using all this new talent! Good times ahead." “ It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.” Event Highlights: Total job seekers served:438 Employers represented: 69 Workforce Solutions East Texas and ETCOG thank all participants, employers, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we continue to build a stronger workforce and honor the contributions of our veterans.

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
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