Fueled by Determination: Owen Shreve’s Road to Success with TSTC and Workforce Solutions

September 23, 2025

When Owen Shreve moved from Bremerton, Washington, to Elysian Fields, Texas, he was ready for a new beginning. He had always loved working with his hands, but this time he wanted to turn that passion into a real career. That’s when he discovered Texas State Technical College’s (TSTC) Diesel Equipment Technology program in Marshall — and took the leap.


“I’ve always enjoyed fixing things,” Owen said. “When I found out TSTC had an off-highway program, I thought, ‘It’s time to do something with my life.’”


TSTC gave Owen the strong foundation he needed, but he knew that hands-on experience would take him further. That search led him to Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult program. With their support, he began a work experience internship with Thee Road Service, a local truck repair company.


Owen’s determination quickly shined. In June 2025, he advanced into on-the-job training with the same company, gaining even more real-world skills. Just a month later, on July 27, 2025, his hard work was recognized with a pay raise, going from $15 to $20 per hour — a powerful sign that his dedication, hard work, and commitment were paving the way to success.


“It’s really beneficial because I’m getting practical knowledge here (at TSTC), which ties directly into the field knowledge I get out there,” Owen said. “There hasn’t been a day I’ve walked away without learning something.”


Leticia Hollins, Owen’s work-based learning coordinator at WSET, has seen his growth firsthand.


“As he has progressed in his academic journey, his confidence and competence in handling complex tasks have noticeably increased,” Hollins said. “Professionally, Owen has taken on more responsibilities and consistently met challenges with determination and maturity.”


Owen plans to graduate in May 2026 with his Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. For him, the journey has been more than education — it has been transformation. “Being a student is absolutely rewarding because without this program I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now,” Owen said. “It’s opened so many doors for me already.”


With the support of TSTC, Workforce Solutions East Texas, and the WIOA program, Owen has turned a lifelong passion into a promising career. What began as a leap of faith in moving to Texas has become a story of perseverance, opportunity, and growth. His journey proves that when determination meets the right support system, doors open, dreams take shape, and futures are built. For Owen, the road ahead is wide open — and he’s driving full speed toward success.

Employer Driven Technical Training - Upskill Texas

September 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more.

Workforce Solutions East Texas Palestine Office Strengthens Local Workforce Connections

September 22, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy.  Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community.

Not Starting Over, but Moving Forward: Jessica Paul's Journey Through the RESEA Program

September 22, 2026
After 30 years with the same employer, Ms. Paul never imagined she would have to start over. Her career with a staffing company had been built over three decades of experience in customer service and payroll. Then, without warning, she was laid off. “It was nerve-wracking. I’m a single mom of two. How are we going to survive?” After such a long career with one employer, Ms. Paul wasn't sure where to begin. The job market had changed, and she worried about finding a position that valued her experience while meeting her salary needs. That's when she discovered Workforce Solutions East Texas and the RESEA program. Ms. Paul initially knew very little about RESEA. Through the program, she discovered the resources available through WorkInTexas.com, including the Virtual Recruiter, Resume Builder, job search tools, career exploration resources, and WIOA opportunities. But the greatest impact came from the personalized support of her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson. Cheryl helped Ms. Paul update her resume, explore new career possibilities, prepare for interviews, and regain confidence in a job market she hadn't navigated in 30 years. “Cheryl gave me the confidence to job search and interview. Thirty years ago was so different from now, so her guidance was very helpful.” Through career exploration and mock interviews, Ms. Paul discovered opportunities she had never considered and gained the confidence to present her skills to employers. “She gave me the confidence and support I needed.” Today, Ms. Paul is working in payroll and invoicing for a staffing company and will soon take on additional responsibilities in fleet management. What began as an unexpected and frightening transition became a new chapter filled with possibility. RESEA didn't just connect Ms. Paul with resource, it helped her recognize that after 30 years of experience, she wasn't starting over. She was moving forward with confidence. Her advice to others facing an unexpected job loss is simple: “Use all of your resources. You never know where a job will come from, so use everything.” 
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