Transforming Ambition into Achievement through WIOA

Workforce Solutions East Texas • January 8, 2024

Christopher Ramos, an Upshur County resident, embarked on a journey toward a career in Information Technology (IT) through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. With a short-term goal of entering the IT field and a long-term vision of becoming a network maintenance specialist, Ramos set his sights on gaining professional experience. 


The initial career pathway assessments highlighted Ramos's business and clerical skills and a strong interest in science and technology. Placed in an On-the-Job Training role at Jarvis Christian University, Ramos thrived as an Information Technology Technician. Under the mentorship of Christopher Watson, the IT Director, he honed his skills, mastering programming, development, installation, and assessing technology needs within the organization.


Ramos credits his success to the referral by Jessica Yates from Workforce Solutions East Texas. Her guidance and introduction to the WIOA program paved the way for his enrollment, pushing him toward an enriching experience at Jarvis Christian University. 


Continuing his journey with Jarvis Christian University, Ramos remains dedicated to his chosen career path in IT. His story is a testament to the transformative power of programs like WIOA and the significance of supportive networks in realizing one's ambitions. As he thrives in his role, Ramos embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, showcasing how access to the right opportunities and guidance can shape a promising career. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.


Workforce Solutions East Texas can provide many services to adults with barriers to employment through our WIOA Program. This program allows us to provide job skills for our future job seekers. We can do this by providing paid work experience, on-the-job training, work readiness courses, and scholarships for school! Apply at www.easttexasworkforce.org/apply.

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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