Workforce Solutions East Texas to Re-Open Centers Fully to the Public

Workforce Solutions East Texas • June 8, 2021

No Appointment Needed Starting June 14

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce its workforce centers will fully open to the public and no longer require an appointment starting on June 14. WSET has primarily served clients virtually throughout COVID-19 and began offering in-person services by appointment in June 2020. The centers will be open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Longview Workforce Center has moved recently and is temporarily operating in our Mobile Workforce Center parked at the Kilgore College-Longview campus.


"Our appointment calendars have been full, and job seekers are getting back to work," said WSET Center Director Mary Ann Rojas. "We are grateful to our community for supporting us throughout the year and so thankful to be able to turn the locks, open the doors, and greet our customers at 8 a.m. on June 14th. "

 

"East Texas has been through a brutal 2020 of COVID. Right now, East Texas employees need training, skills, and child care. East Texas employers need people who are ready to work. We can provide the first. Our friends and neighbors are the second. Together we can rebuild our economy. Whether you want a new job or a stronger career, join us to launch a new and better 2021," said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock.


What services does Workforce Solutions provide for job seekers?

  • Job listings and referrals
  • Resume assistance
  • Veterans services
  • Community resource information
  • Child care information
  • Copier, fax machine, telephone, and computer access
  • Internet access
  • Labor market information
  • Career exploration and planning
  • GED information & referral
  • Job search workshops
  • Occupational training information
  • Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and other partners


We assist businesses at every stage of their workforce needs:

  • On-site recruiting
  • Interviewing and hiring
  • Job Fairs
  • Internet-based job postings
  • Assistance with customized skill training
  • Wage and labor market information
  • Employee layoff assistance


Assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.

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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