UT Tyler, Workforce Solutions East Texas Partner to Train Businesses and Employees to Properly Sanitize During COVID-19

Workforce Solutions East Texas • January 15, 2021

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is working with The University of Texas at Tyler to provide up-to-date COVID-related information for businesses and individuals interested in working in the environmental safety industry. 


COVID: Safety & Sanitation for Business teaches participants how to maintain a healthy and safe environment for employees and patrons. 


The trainings will be held virtually over Zoom from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the following dates. The class fee is $225.


  • February 1, 2, 4, 5
  • March 15, 16, 18, 19
  • April 19, 20, 22, 23
  • May 3, 4, 6, 7


"Our goal when we approached this partnership was to increase East Texas' resiliency and viability by providing an enduring response to the COVID- 19 pandemic. The training provides mitigation not only for the spread of this disease but also helps businesses locally to reduce the risk for the Flu and common cold seasons," said WSET Business Services Manager, Tim Smith.


"This course will be of benefit to employees and businesses alike through the understanding and practice of safe sanitation techniques. Workforce Solutions East Texas is thankful to UT Tyler for their partnership and sharing their knowledge and expertise to develop the curriculum," said WSET Center Director, Mary Ann Rojas.


The course is instructed by UT Tyler nursing clinical instructor Anna Hanson and was developed by UT Tyler Department of Health and Kinesiology professors Dr. Julie Hebert and Dr. Fletcher Njorarai.


Topics include:

  • Are you ready and prepared to return to work?
  • COVID-19: The disease process
  • Infection Control: Preparing the workplace and reducing transmission with public area cleaning and sanitizing
  • Proper PPE use
  • Maintaining a healthy work environment and business operations
  • Legal aspects of re-opening and getting back to work
  • Busting myths and conspiracy theories
  • Challenges of the post-pandemic world


To register, visit https://healthandwellness.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT


For more information, contact the UT Tyler LUC at 903.663.8100 or continuinged@uttyler.edu.

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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