TWC’s Summer Earn & Learn Program Connects Students with Disabilities to Work Opportunities

Texas Workforce Commission • May 17, 2023

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the kickoff of this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program for students with disabilities aged 14-22. Through work-based learning, students earn a paycheck while acquiring new skills and gaining professional experience. Employers participating in SEAL benefit from the addition of engaged and enthusiastic team members.


SEAL, is a partnership between TWC, Workforce Solutions Boards, and local employers who partner to create meaningful work opportunities. Students participating in SEAL attend work readiness training to prepare them for successful employment through the summer program.


“Most of us can remember the excitement of our first summer job and the beginnings of our career,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC provides students with disabilities a rewarding experience of a first job with a well-earned paycheck with the Summer Earn and Learn program.”


In the summer of 2022, the SEAL program hosted 2,516 students across the state at 1,263 employer sites. See how pre-employment services like SEAL help Texans like Bennett gain workplace skills and experience at CVS in an "earn-while-you-learn" structure.


“Texas employers continue to participate in Summer Earn and Learn and other valuable vocational rehabilitation programs because it is a rewarding experience to work with the true problem-solvers of our society,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “A broad range of Texas employers, large and small, participate in these pre-employment programs, in order to find their hardworking workforce.”


The SEAL program has grown to include a variety of both private and public sector employers, such as Typhoon Texas in Houston, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, the City of Shepherd, Odessa College in Odessa, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, Sea World San Antonio and Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Grand Prairie.


Through the program, students learn about the employer’s industry and develop specialized knowledge and talents. Upon completion of the work experience, some students have had the opportunity to become employed full time.


“Summer Earn and Learn is an exciting and beneficial program for students with disabilities to experience their first job and expand their future career opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This is another excellent example of how an earn-while-you-learn path helps build skills and confidence for youth.”


Success Story One:

This past summer, SEAL participant Neil Milton explored his interest in a science-related career while working at the Science Spectrum interactive museum in Lubbock. Not only has he learned some of the basic principles of engineering, but he has also gained other soft skills.


“I’ve really learned how everything works and operates. I’ve basically learned what it means to be a good employee,” said Milton, “I want to major in wind turbine tech. That includes helping to build wind turbines, fixing parts that are broken, and replacing parts to keep the wind turbine in good condition.” 


Watch Milton’s story here: https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/latest/summer-program-giving-students-with-disabilities-in-west-texas-opportunities-to-develop-job-skills/


Success Story Two:

For several years, Lubbock-area business Mighty Wash has welcomed several students for summer employment through SEAL, and also hired several of those students as full-time employees. Mighty Wash’s Trainer and Training Director Montae Barber is supportive of hiring students with disabilities through SEAL.


“The summer work program that we took part in involved several great working employees at several of the Mighty Wash locations. The kids that wanted to work at the site locations were an awesome help and several are still great team members at the stores,” said Barber. “We would recommend that any business get on board with the Summer Earn and Learn Program at any chance and we look forward to the opportunities in the future.”


Success Story Three:

Open Trail Ranch in Boerne provides a welcoming path to employment to their SEAL participants. The nonprofit provides equine assisted services to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, and say their SEAL trainees bring hardworking attitudes and bright smiles.


“Our SEAL trainees have been a great asset to our facility as we hope we have been to them!” said Open Trail Ranch Program Director Amber Wodarz-O'Hara. “We are so extremely proud of our SEAL trainees and everything they have accomplished so far and we can’t wait to see how they continue to excel!”


Students or employers interested in participating in SEAL should contact their local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office.


Visit: www.easttexasworkforce.org/vocational-rehabilitation-services

Call: 512-936-6400

Email: carolyn.garrett@easttexasworkforce.org

Workforce Solutions East Texas Staff Empower the Next Generation Through Workforce Education Events

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • May 27, 2025
At Workforce Solutions East Texas, developing a skilled and prepared talent pipeline is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff are deeply committed to connecting with students and communities across the region, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Recently, our team had the privilege of participating in two impactful events designed to equip East Texas students with essential workforce skills. Mock Interview Event – Westwood ISD In partnership with Westwood Independent School District, Workforce Solutions East Texas staff participated in a Mock Interview event that provided high school students with valuable, real-world experience. Our team, along with various local employers, assisted in conducting one-on-one interviews with students, offering feedback on their resumes, professional demeanor, and interview responses. The event served as a crucial stepping stone for students preparing to enter the job market, boosting their confidence and sharpening their skills. Students also had the opportunity to visit employer booths and ask questions about the industries and careers available at each company. This initiative is just one example of how we work closely with local schools to ensure students are ready for success after graduation. By simulating the interview process in a supportive environment, students gained critical insight into employer expectations and how to best present themselves for future opportunities. Adulting 101 – Carthage High School Another standout event took place at Carthage High School, where Workforce Solutions East Texas staff joined forces with educators for the school’s "Adulting 101" day. Designed to introduce students to essential life skills, the event featured sessions on job readiness, financial literacy, and career planning. Our team led workshops that helped students explore various career paths, understand the local labor market, and learn how to create effective resumes. We also provided guidance on workplace professionalism, soft skills, and setting long-term career goals—key components in preparing students for the transition from school to the workforce. Continuing the Mission These events underscore our ongoing mission to support youth education, career exploration, and workforce preparedness throughout East Texas. By engaging directly with students in school settings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to play a role in developing a resilient, skilled, and adaptable future workforce. We extend our thanks to Westwood ISD and Carthage High School for their collaboration and dedication to student success. Together, we are building strong foundations that will empower the next generation of East Texas talent.

Texas Labor Market Achieves Five Consecutive Months of Record High Jobs with More Than 37,000 Added in April

May 27, 2025
The Texas labor market reached record highs in both total jobs and the size of the civilian labor force in April. Texas added 37,700 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,320,100 nonfarm jobs. The state added 215,500 jobs over the year, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.5 percent, which outpaced the national growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,814,400 after adding 35,900 people over the month and marking 58 of 60 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 292,400 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “The positive trends in the Texas labor market show the Lone Star State’s efforts to invest in the success of the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Focusing on things like skills development, innovation, and strategic partnerships, TWC continues our efforts to offer funding and support for both employers and job seekers.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in April after adding 10,900 jobs. Private Education and Health Services added 7,400 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,300. In addition, the Mining and Logging industry grew by 1.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 2.2 percentage points. “Texas’ strong focus on innovation and economic growth is driving a growing demand for skilled workers across many industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “At TWC, we’re committed to meeting that need through programs like ApprenticeshipTexas and Upskill Texas, which help Texans build the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce and in the careers of the future.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in April, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 2.7 percent. “The Texas labor market continues its strong upward trajectory, adding more than 37,000 jobs in April and building on months of growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide employers with the resources and support needed to grow their businesses and create more opportunities 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 . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for May is scheduled to be released on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

Over 26,000 Jobs Added as Texas Labor Market Continues Growth Streak

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • April 21, 2025
Texas' economy continued its strong performance in March, with the labor market achieving record highs in both total jobs and the size of the civilian labor force. Texas added 26,500 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,282,600 nonfarm jobs. The state added 192,100 jobs over the year, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.4 percent which outpaced the national growth rate by 0.2 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,778,500 after adding 8,400 people over the month, marking 57 of 59 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 301,400 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “Texas continues to lead the nation and break records for economic growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With 26,500 positions added in March, TWC continues to connect job seekers and employers to keep Texas working.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in March after adding 9,500 jobs. Construction added 8,500 jobs over the month, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,100. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 3.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 1.6 percentage points. “The robust Texas economy continues to create opportunities for our workforce, as evidenced by over 544,000 job postings in March, despite record employment,” noted TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is committed to ensuring Texans can capitalize on this economic momentum by providing services like career counseling, job search assistance, and skills training, helping them develop a clear path to career success.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in March, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.1 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.1 percent. “Texas is outpacing the nation in various industries, reinforcing the state’s reputation across the world as the best for doing business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC is committed to investing in innovative programs and partnerships that ensure Texas employers have the workforce to grow in today’s evolving market.” 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 April is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
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