Youth Opportunity Expo Hiring Event to Connect Teens with Employers April 7

Workforce Solutions East Texas • April 4, 2022

250 students and 39 employers are signed up to participate

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is proud to partner with Region 7 Education Service Center to host its second annual Youth Opportunity Expo, a job fair for teens age 16 and up who are looking for summer jobs, paid internships, or their next career. This year's Youth Opportunity Expo will take place on Thursday, April 7, at Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.


"Every successful entrepreneur tells teens it's not where they started, but the skills they earned in those first jobs which put her or him on the path to achievement," said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock. "Employers invest in our teens, as much for the long-term payoffs as for the immediate frontline workers. We appreciate employers' willingness to engage, are thrilled to see the launch of new careers and are confident of great results!"


Approximately 250 students and 39 employers are signed up to participate in the event. Independent school districts, home school programs, and employers are invited to join the event by contacting the WSET business services team or registering online. 


"This event gives students the chance to speak directly with employers about opportunities within their companies, ask questions, and explore avenues of pipeline possibilities. Employers are getting a chance to market their company to the future workforce and increase awareness of all areas of employment opportunities. It is our distinct pleasure to collaborate with our schools, Region 7 Education Center, and our employers in helping provide a connection for our workforce in East Texas," said WSET Business Service Manager Kim Stacy.


"Education doesn't stop after graduation. It is our job to ensure that students have a successful transition into the next chapter of their lives," said Region 7 Specialist Carrie Chandler. "The Youth Opportunity Expo is a great opportunity to secure that transition for students prior to graduating. We are excited to be able to offer this event in person this year and look forward to a great turnout."


To participate in the hiring event, register to attend by visiting https://www.easttexasworkforce.org/youth-expo.

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Texas Annual Growth Rate Outpaces Nation as Labor Force Adds 15,800

October 27, 2026
Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs after shedding 11,100 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 154,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 3,600 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.” The Manufacturing industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs over the month while Information added 1,400. “The 15.9 million Texans in our labor force drive our economy, and TWC is dedicated to fueling their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in September. It was followed by the Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, which registered at 3.5 percent. “TWC is focused on ensuring that every Texan can find a rewarding career that allows them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool.” 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 September is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
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