New Partnered Service Locations with Kilgore College and Texas Tech Satellite Campus

Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 13, 2020

Join our Open House and Kickoff Event!

We are pleased to announce a new Access Point Partner Locations established at the Kilgore College Student Support Center Lab opening on Wednesday, November 18, and the Texas Tech Jefferson Professional Education and Academic Advising Campus opening on Monday, November 16, 2020. Access Point locations are service locations where WSET has established partnerships with community organizations to set up a place for service access for job seekers to receive on-site assistance. These sites have a WSET resource area where job seekers can register for WorkInTexas.com, receive help with job searches, register for professional development workshops, and access resources during their staffed service hours. 


KILGORE COLLEGE ACCESS POINT

The Kilgore College Access Point location is located at 907 Ross Avenue in Kilgore and will be staffed every Wednesday from 9 AM to 2 PM. WSET invites the public to attend an open house on November 18 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Student Support Center Lab. To support social distancing, please come and go as you wish.


"Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to partner with President Dr. Brenda Kays and Kilgore College as we continue to tailor our services footprint in the region,” said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock. “The Kilgore College/Workforce Services center will reach students and members of the public where they are, in Gregg County, Rusk County, and beyond. This is one more example of the productive relationship between Workforce Services and higher education as we groom our talented neighbors to meet and exceed the needs of today's and tomorrow's employers. We're here to support participants earning the degrees, credentials, and certificates industry demands, setting them on lifelong career trajectories. Our graduates will, in turn, show future employers why the smart choice is to call Kilgore home."


“We are extremely proud to partner with Workforce Solutions East Texas to provide this needed access point for our students and community members. It is a win-win for both Kilgore College and the city of Kilgore,” Kays said. “This is such a positive addition to the Kilgore campus, allowing easy access for those who are seeking to use their education to enter living-wage careers.”


TEXAS TECH ACCESS POINT

The Texas Tech Access Point location is located at 120 E. Austin Street, Jefferson, TX, and will be staffed every second Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM. WSET invites the public to join us for a partnership kickoff on November 16, 2020, at 10 AM.


These are the fifth and sixth Access Point locations to open since December, expanding service opportunities for job seekers. WSET also has partnered locations with Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Rains County Library in Emory, the Library at Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points, and St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler. Details on Access Point location service hours can be viewed on our Locations page. 

Texas Adds Jobs as Labor Force Grows by 21,700

December 15, 2025
Texas had a total of 14,343,800 nonfarm jobs after adding 4,600 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 168,000 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,879,000 after adding 21,700 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 164,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was stable at 4.1 percent. “Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide the resources and support needed to keep this momentum and ensure that Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,300 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,000 jobs over the month while Other Services added 1,500. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality posted an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent in September, which was the highest of any major industry. “TWC's investments are key to the success of Texas' resilient workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III. “Training programs, apprenticeships, and child care will enable Texans to prosper in our economy.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo and Midland MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent, followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “TWC is upholding Texas’ reputation as the best state to live and work by ensuring job seekers and businesses alike have the support and resources they need to find success in our robust Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” 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 .

Honoring Our Heroes: Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Veterans at Homeless Veterans Stand Down

November 20, 2025
In Tyler, Texas, veterans are never forgotten—and on November 13, 2025, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down hosted by CampV proved that in a powerful way. The event brought together community organizations, service providers, and volunteers to honor those who have served our country, offering a day of hope, resources, and connection for veterans experiencing homelessness. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was proud to be in attendance, providing veterans with guidance on employment opportunities, programs, and services, as well as explaining the priority of service available to every veteran we serve. Our staff met veterans where they are, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and helping them take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed purpose. The atmosphere was one of respect and gratitude. Each handshake, conversation, and shared smile reflected the deep appreciation our community has for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Veterans were able to connect with potential employers, learn about training programs, and explore the array of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Events like the Homeless Veterans Stand Down are more than outreach, they are a reminder that no veteran stands alone. They highlight the resilience, courage, and determination of those who have served, and the profound impact of a community willing to step up and support them. Workforce Solutions East Texas remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. By meeting veterans with empathy, respect, and actionable solutions, we help transform uncertainty into hope, and challenges into possibilities.  Through events like this, we are reminded that honoring our heroes is not just about words, it is about action, care, and unwavering support for those who have given so much for our nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: What does “Individualized Services” mean?

November 20, 2025
One key factor and benefit for individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services when seeking employment assistance. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? One of the key factors and benefits for individuals with disabilities in going through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program when seeking assistance with employment is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? Every person who comes to VR has a different goal, a different disability, and a different life experience. This means that two people with the same diagnosis (for instance, hearing loss) may receive vastly different services. If the first person to come in with hearing loss is in their 50s, has worked in a highly physical and loud environment their entire life, and is looking to get assistance so that they can keep their current job but hear over the radio or during safety meetings, they may receive counseling related to hearing aids, as well as how to protect their existing hearing and ensure that the hearing aids they do get are able to withstand high temperatures, won’t move around when they are sweating, and ensure that they are able to dry thoroughly at the end of each day. The second person may be attending school with the goal of going into the medical field. The challenges they face would be ensuring that they can hear their instructors and may require assistance from another student as a Note Taker, different styles of hearing aids that connect directly with medical equipment such as a specialized stethoscope, or even a microphone that can be clipped to the instructor or clinician to ensure the customer can hear them properly while learning. Even when looking into who is going to provide these services, whether it be Job Placement, Medical Assistance, Assistive Devices, or Education Assistance, each customer has the right to make an Informed Choice. Your counselor will review the recommended services, go over any pros and cons, and discuss the availability of providers that have existing contracts with the agency so that the person receiving the service or item is able to make the choice that suits them best with as much information as possible, rather than having no say in how their case will go. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!
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