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May 2025
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The Southeast Texas Workforce board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Visit setworks.org for details.
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FAME Graduates Join Local Workforce
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is celebrating a major milestone—the first graduating class of the Golden Triangle Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. On Friday, May 16, students from the inaugural cohort received their Associate of Applied Science in Electromechanical Technology, officially stepping into the region's growing advanced manufacturing workforce.

The FAME program, launched locally in 2022, is a partnership between LSCO and several key industry leaders in Southeast Texas, including Cloeren Inc., United Rentals, ISS/Buna Electric Motor Service, and Chevron Phillips Chemical.

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Southeast Texas Works Podcast! Building Careers with Mason Construction

In the May episode of the Southeast Texas Works! podcast, we're joined by a powerhouse panel from Mason Construction, including Le Short, Vice President of Construction, Kyle Kibodeaux, Projects & Strategic Development Manager, and Butch Hart, Hydro-Excavation Manager. Together, they offer an inside look at one of Southeast Texas's most respected construction companies and their commitment to building both infrastructure and talent.

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Workforce Connects: Macy Explores the HVAC Industry

In this month's Make Macy Do It feature, Macy visited Innovative HVAC in Orange, Texas, to learn about the role of an HVAC Service Technician. With summer approaching and rising temperatures on the way, her visit highlighted the critical demand for skilled professionals in this field.

During her time at Innovative HVAC, Macy observed the responsibilities involved in maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. From diagnosing issues to ensuring efficient system performance, HVAC technicians play a vital role in keeping homes and businesses comfortable year-round.

HVAC is listed on Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas' Targeted Occupations List, reflecting the growing need for trained technicians in our region. Check out the segment here to see Macy's full experience and learn more about this in demand occupation.
Take Note: New Funding Helps Texas Employers Upskill Workforce

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is offering $6 million through its Upskill Texas initiative to help employers provide technical training to their current workforce. This funding supports businesses that are expanding, retooling, launching new services, or undergoing changes to avoid layoffs.

Eligible employers must have 100 or more Texas-based employees and provide a 50% match, which can include wages and benefits. Projects must range from $150,000 to $500,000, with up to $3,000 available per trainee for 100% technical training.

Businesses can designate a training partner such as a community college, third-party trainer, or workforce board. For more information, visit twc.texas.gov/initiatives/upskill-texas or email [email protected].



Unemployment Rates


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

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