Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Hiring Fair to Take Place November 4

Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 2, 2021

10th Annual Statewide Veterans Hiring Event to be Held in Longview with 55 Employers

For the 10th year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), will host veteran-focused hiring fairs throughout the state on Thursday, November 4. TWC’s 10th annual Hiring Red, White & You! is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center (TMC), and the Texas Veterans Commission to connect veterans and their spouses with employers seeking exceptional skills. Workforce Solutions East Texas will host the local hiring event in Longview at the Holiday Inn Infinity Center at 300 Tuttle Circle from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The event is veteran-focused but open for the public to attend. 


“General George S. Patton is quoted as saying, ‘Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I’ll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I’ll win a war.’ A true quote or not, Patton was describing the Texas veteran. Texas vets have turned the tide, time and again, in peacetime and war. Today’s employers need Texas’ vets to put our economy back in gear. Join us as we sync high-intensity workers with high-quality employers. Texas needs us,” said Lt. Col. Doug Shryock, USAF (Ret), Workforce Solutions East Texas Executive Director.


The multi-city event is free to attend and designed to assist veterans, service members, and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Employers participate at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. 


“On behalf of the people of Texas, I want to thank all of our military veterans who have served this great nation and defended freedom around the world,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “As we unleash the full might of the Texas economy, it’s important to know that Texas has your back. Greater prosperity for all begins with employment that fully utilizes your skills, dedication, and drive. That is why I encourage employers in Texas to attend a Hiring Red, White, and You! event on Nov. 4.”


Over the past nine years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 108,288 job seekers, including 39,310 veterans, with 18,268 employers and the event has included over 2,800 same-day hires.


“Veterans are good candidates for many good jobs. The skills, experience, and training veterans receive in the military have a positive influence on the Texas Workforce,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Texas employers participating in TWC’s Hiring, Red, White & You! events recognize this, too.” 


The Texas Veterans Commission is preparing veterans for these hiring fairs by assisting them with applications and résumés, interviewing techniques, and one-on-one counseling services.


“Texas veterans bring a lot to the table: skills, maturity, an unparalleled work ethic, and a tradition of selfless service to others,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner. “Veteran employment events like Hiring Red, White & You! give them the opportunity to showcase their skills and earn the opportunity for a rewarding career.”


The national unemployment rate in 2020 for all veterans was 6.5 percent. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate was higher at 7.3 percent. There are over 1.5 million total veterans throughout Texas, which has the highest state population of veterans in the country.


“Our goal is to help veterans transition to the civilian world through meaningful careers that can open up doors for them and their families,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Hiring Red, White & You! is an invaluable resource to assist veterans with their career needs. We applaud those who are attending – the veterans for their service and the employers who hire our heroes.”


Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to receive up to $9,600 on federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups of veterans.


“The Hiring Red, White, & You! event on November 4th is an incredible opportunity for Texas employers to connect with our veterans, who are natural leaders that know how to get the job done,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Texas veterans have served our nation in their military careers and now it’s our turn to return the favor. Thank you to all Texas employers who have placed hiring veterans a top priority in their workplace.”


Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fairs can be found at www.easttexasworkforce.org/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.texasworkforce.org/veterans.

Hiring Red, White & You

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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