Unlocking Your Career Success: An Introduction to Career Club Connections

Workforce Solutions East Texas • February 24, 2023

Are you feeling stuck in your current job or unsure of what career path to take? Do you want to discover new opportunities and achieve your career goals? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then Career Club Connection may be just what you need!


Career Club Connection is a training series designed to help job seekers like you find the resources and support they need to succeed in their careers. Whether you're looking for a new job, exploring different career options, or simply seeking guidance and advice, Career Club Connection can help you get on the right track.


During these monthly events, Workforce Solutions East Texas provides job seekers with the basic resources needed to start their journey towards a fulfilling career. These resources include access to resume and cover letter templates, interview tips and strategies, job boards, and other online resources to help you stand out from the competition.


Our events feature workshops and networking sessions designed to help job seekers build their skills, develop new connections, and gain valuable insights into their chosen fields.


To further assist in the search for a new career path, a virtual job fair takes place at the end of the series. This is an excellent opportunity for members to meet with potential employers, learn about job openings, and make valuable connections that can help them land their dream job.


At Career Club Connection, we understand that job searching can be overwhelming and stressful, especially in today's job market. That's why Workforce Solutions East Texas is committed to providing East Texans with the support and motivation they need to stay on track and achieve their career goals.


If you're ready to take the next step in your career and join a community of like-minded job seekers, we invite you to join us at the Career Club Connection and job fair!


Upcoming March 2023 Dates:

  • Thursday, March 9 (Marshall Workforce Center - 1:00 PM)
  • Tuesday, March 14 (Tyler Workforce Center - 1:00 PM)
  • Wednesday, March 15 (Athens Workforce Center - 1:00 PM)
  • Monday, March 27 (Longview Workforce Center - 1:00 PM)
  • Friday, March 31 (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) (Join the virtual job fair HERE)

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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