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.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

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Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

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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).

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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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