Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Honored with $200,000 Grant for Future Excellence in Innovation

Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 2, 2021

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was awarded a grant for future excellence in innovation during the recent 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded WSET and South Texas, Northeast Texas, Gulf Coast, and North Texas Workforce Development Boards, each a $200,000 award. These funds will allow each board to create permanent programs, building upon some best innovative practices initiated and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.


WSET's award was received for a new program launched in 2020 entitled Rural, Set, Go!, which kicked off a series of rural economic development forums to seek input from local employers, businesses, and community members on rural economic and workforce development issues. This grant award will allow WSET to expand Rural, Set, Go! to further engage community and business leaders and the broader community in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs, particularly in-demand skills as identified by employers.


"These awards recognize the importance of providing excellent customer service at a time when Texans needed our services the most," said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. "The spirit of innovation our boards display every day helps to strengthen the Texas economy."


"Workforce Solutions East Texas exists to supply talented and qualified workers to our regional employers when they're needed. To prepare the valuable individuals who comprise our inventory, we need employers' input as we build our inventory. Rural, Set, Go helps us engage employers to learn their requirements, both for today's and tomorrow's requirement," said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock.


Since the program launch, WSET has held twelve Rural, Set, Go! events with local employers, chamber of commerce, and economic development representatives. The events have been well received by attendees, who were provided local data on the labor market in each area and the opportunity to engage in discussion with subject matter experts on available workforce training, child care services, and other useful resources.


Rural, Set, Go! events are scheduled to return in February 2022.

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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