Igniting Futures: Jobs Y’all East Texas Career Exploration Fair Inspires 591 Students

February 26, 2026

On February 11, 2026, something powerful happened in Henderson, Texas.


The Jobs Y’all East Texas Career Exploration Fair wasn’t just an event; it was a community coming together to invest in its future.


With 35 employers representing a wide range of industries and 591 students from across the region, the day buzzed with energy, discovery, and meaningful connections. Students didn’t simply walk from booth to booth, they leaned in, asked questions, and began to imagine the paths their futures could take. Employers went beyond sharing information; they offered live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and full immersion into their fields This created opportunities for students to see the work firsthand. The result? Employers rated the experience 4.8/5, praising the students’ engagement and expressing confidence that many would be future applicants. Many also highlighted the thoughtful planning, organization, and the chance to showcase career pathways, certifications, and growth opportunities in their industries.


Students, for their part, were fully engaged. They explored new industries, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered career options they hadn’t considered before. Representatives from the attending schools reported that students described the event as fun, inspiring, and interesting. As one educator from Carlisle High School said, “This was a great career fair. So well organized. Please do this again in the future!”


The Career Exploration Fair was a true collaboration. Workforce Solutions East Texas proudly partnered with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, Kilgore College, Kilgore Independent School District, RootEd Alliance, Longview Economic Development Corporation, Henderson Economic Development Corporation, and Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Together, the team combined resources, relationships, and expertise to recruit employers, coordinate logistics, and ensure the event created real impact. Their shared goal was simple yet powerful: connect students to opportunity and strengthen East Texas’ future workforce.


Events like this remind us why our work matters.


The day’s energy and impact even drew coverage from KETK, highlighting the vital role of proactive workforce development and career education in our region.


This event brought our vision to life: a thriving local economy powered by a skilled, inspired workforce. When students can see themselves in a career, hear real stories, and connect directly with professionals, the possibilities become tangible. That's when the doors to their future swing wide open.


Keep an eye out for our next Jobs Y'all East Texas Career Exploration Fair coming soon!

Employers: Join East Texas’ Largest Hiring Event of the Year

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 6, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking employer partners for Hiring Red, White & You!, the local celebration of Texas’ statewide veterans hiring event. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham Ave., Tyler. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hiring event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hiring Red, White & You! connects employers with veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other qualified East Texas job seekers. It is an opportunity to meet candidates whose military experience often reflects leadership, adaptability, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. This event is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to promote current openings and build your organization’s talent pipeline. Employer participation is available at no cost. Across Texas, Hiring Red, White & You! events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including more than 52,000 veterans. Employers who hire qualifying veterans may also be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire. Reserve your employer space today by registering at www.EastTexasWorkforce.org/hrwy .

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

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • 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.
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