Fueling Dreams: Sarah Whitaker's Journey with Texas State Technical College

Workforce Solutions East Texas • August 15, 2023

In the heart of East Texas, where opportunity meets determination, lies Workforce Solutions East Texas—a dynamic organization that partners with companies across a 14-county region to impact the lives of individuals seeking meaningful careers. Today, we take immense pride in highlighting some of the remarkable organizations we interact with daily and celebrating the inspiring journey of one of our program participants, Sarah Whitaker, at Texas State Technical College (TSTC).


Sarah's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of TSTC to its students. Having enrolled in our WIOA program to develop essential job skills, Sarah's dedication and passion stood out, catching the attention of TSTC. After completing her training, she took on the role of a student recruitment representative. This invaluable position allows her to welcome the public, particularly high school students and parents exploring TSTC for their future education.


In a recent interview, Sarah humbly acknowledged the unprecedented challenges young people faced in the wake of the pandemic. She highlighted the difficulties of navigating life after lockdowns and the pressures they now encounter. As a student recruitment representative, Sarah views her role not merely as a job but as an opportunity to be present, supportive, and kind to the aspiring minds who walk through the doors. Her dedication is a shining example of TSTC's commitment to nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment.


Texas State Technical College boasts an impressive network of 10 campuses spread across Texas, with Marshall being one of its esteemed locations. The college offers many top-demand career opportunities, from engineering and manufacturing to computer and information technology, construction and maintenance, environmental and safety, and various occupations in health. For those aspiring to carve a successful path in these fields, TSTC presents an ideal platform to unleash their potential.


If you're looking for an educational institution that equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and cares deeply about your growth and well-being, look no further than Texas State Technical College. Whether you visit Sarah at the Marshall campus or explore the college's website, you'll be greeted with warmth and guidance, making your journey toward a brighter future all the more rewarding.


In conclusion, the collaboration between Workforce Solutions East Texas and educational institutions like Texas State Technical College is a harmonious symphony that uplifts the region's workforce landscape. 


Sarah Whitaker's personal journey embodies the ethos of both institutions, demonstrating the power of education, compassion, and mentorship. Let us continue to celebrate the many success stories stemming from such partnerships and inspire even more individuals to seize the opportunities at TSTC. Together, we forge ahead, empowering futures and building a stronger, more resilient East Texas community.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” 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 July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
Show More