Success Story: Renika Williams

Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 12, 2024

How a change in her career path led her to becoming the new Workforce Solutions Mobile Unit Driver

Renika Williams found herself at a turning point in life. With her children growing older, she knew it was time for a change—a change that would not only offer stability but also give her the freedom to balance her family life and career. After spending years working in customer service, Renika realized that she needed something more—a new path that would allow her to thrive and provide better opportunities for her and her family. That’s when she stumbled upon Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and the beginning of a life-changing journey.


From the moment Renika enrolled in the WIOA program, it was clear that she was ready to take on the challenge. She approached everything with a sense of excitement and eagerness. Her determination was undeniable, especially when she aced the initial assessments with flying colors, impressing everyone with her dedication and drive. It wasn’t long before Renika was enrolled in the CDL program at TSTC, marking the first big step toward her dream.


The journey wasn’t always easy, but Renika embraced each hurdle with an open heart and mind. Her favorite part of the training was the hands-on experience—driving the trucks, physically shifting the gears, and learning to handle the vehicle with confidence. It was in those moments, behind the wheel, that she felt a sense of empowerment she had never experienced before. She was no longer just dreaming about change; she was making it happen.


Throughout her training, Renika remained focused on her goal. She was excited, motivated, and passionate about her future. She knew that with each passing day, she was building the foundation for the life she had always envisioned. And when she completed her CDL training, she didn’t stop there. She took her newfound skills and applied for a Mobile Unit Driver position with WSET—the same company that had guided her every step of the way through her career journey.

And to her delight, she got the job!



Now, Renika enjoys the stability for which she had longed. She has the work-life balance she desired, with more time to spend with her family. The long hours of customer service are behind her, and in their place is a fulfilling career that brings both financial security and the joy of helping others. She is proud of the life she’s built and the steps she’s taken to transform her future.


“Just go for it!” Renika says, reflecting on her journey. “Set no limits on what you can accomplish. Don’t hold yourself back. The opportunities are there—you just have to grab them.”


Renika’s success story is not just about a career change; it’s a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and the support of a program and people that truly care about their participants. From a woman eager for change to a confident, thriving Mobile Unit Driver, Renika Williams has proven that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She didn’t just change her career—she transformed her entire life and now works alongside the very team that helped her make it happen. 

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.
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