WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
Job Brief

October 2024 ι VOLUME 15 ι ISSUE 10
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Employers! Hiring Red White and You! Veterans Job Fair

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Workforce Board News

The Workforce board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. hybrid via zoom and at 510 Park St. Beaumont, TX 77701. Visit setworks.org for details.
A New Chapter of Leadership: Mary Hammon Retires as Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas
After many years of dedicated service, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Executive Director Mary Hammon, will be retiring at the end of November. Throughout her tenure, Mary has led the organization with a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to improving the workforce landscape across Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties. Under her leadership, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas has consistently provided essential services to job seekers and employers while maintaining compliance with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Mary's contributions have been invaluable, particularly in expanding training programs, fostering partnerships with local businesses, and ensuring that the organization remained at the forefront of workforce development efforts in Southeast Texas. Her focus on innovation and responsiveness to the region's evolving employment needs has been critical to the success of many job seekers and employers alike. From specialized training to certification programs, Mary has overseen initiatives that have left a lasting impact on our community.

As we celebrate Mary's retirement, we are also excited to introduce Melanie Goudeau Williams as the new Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. Melanie, who has an impressive background in finance and workforce development, is well-equipped to build on Mary's legacy and lead the organization into a new era. With her expertise in workforce engagement and operational oversight, she will guide our efforts to continue delivering high-quality services to both job seekers and employers. Melanie will also be responsible for ensuring that Workforce Solutions remains in full compliance with the Texas Workforce Commission, a responsibility that is crucial to our ongoing success.

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Southeast Texas Works! Podcast Update: October and November Highlights

October Podcast: Semiconductor Manufacturing and AI in Southeast Texas

In the October episode of Southeast Texas Works!, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gavin Jones, Regional Director of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC). Gavin shed light on the growing opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing within Southeast Texas, a sector experiencing significant expansion as more manufacturers establish operations in the region.

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Workforce Connects: Building a Strong Workforce: Empowering Communities and Strengthening Industries

For over 12 years, the Golden Triangle Empowerment Center (GTEC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and other regional entities, has been equipping individuals for success in the construction trade industry through a comprehensive, two-phase learning experience. GTEC's hands-on training focuses on individuals from underserved communities in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange, preparing them for careers in industrial sectors.

Participants earn certifications such as NCCER Core, OSHA 10, and Motorized Equipment Training. Impressively, 70% of GTEC graduates secure employment within two weeks of graduation, earning $17 to $22 per hour or more.

Employers benefit from this program by accessing a ready-made talent pipeline of pre-trained, vetted green hands, saving approximately $12,500 per new hire and filling critical workforce needs.

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas remains committed to building a world-class, competitive workforce for the future.
Take Note: Job Fair Success

The Port Arthur Fall Job Fair, held on October 9, 2024, in partnership with the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, was a success! With 70 employers and over 500 job seekers in attendance, the event created meaningful connections and employment opportunities in our community. We host several job fairs throughout the year, providing employers with access to a diverse pool of job seekers, from healthcare professionals to those in industry. All our job fairs are free to attend, offering a great opportunity for businesses to connect with potential employees.

If your company has hiring needs, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas can help! We can host a customized hiring event for your business at any of our four workforce centers—completely free of charge. Contact our Business Services team today at 1(877)834-5627 to participate in our upcoming job fairs or to schedule your own hiring event.

Don't miss our next big event, Hiring Red, White, and You! Veterans Job Fair on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. at the Orange Workforce Center located at 2266 MacArthur Dr. Orange, TX 77630. While this event is targeted toward veterans and their families, it is also open to the public. Join us and take advantage of this excellent opportunity to connect with quality candidates! Click here to register for the 2024 Hiring Red, White and You! Veterans Job Fair.

Unemployment Rates


*Source: Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)/Texas Workforce Commission and Bureau of Labor Statistics

A World-Class Competitive Workforce for Southeast Texas.
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