Advertise on podcast: Southeast Texas Works!

Is your next career move or hiring strategy backed by real data? Average weekly wages in Southeast Texas have broken $1,400, but knowing where the demand is actually growing is what matters most. Join Economist William Lutz as he uncovers the 2024–2034 Texas Workforce Commission Occupational Projections. Lutz highlights top-paying, high-demand roles across SETX and explains how you can access labor market data tools for free at https://texaslmi.com/andhttps://texaswages.com/.

ABC Construction Training Center's President & CEO Shandi Conner and Director of Community Outreach Esther Esquivel highlight how new Workforce Innovation Funding through Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas is fully covering tuition to earn essential NCCER Core and OSHA 30 safety credentials. Want to get started in the Construction Industry? These two credentials are what Construction employers are looking for in newcomers to the industry. Tune in to discover how ABC's evening schedule allows you to upskill at night, and how their Job Find Program connects students directly with over 200 local industrial contractors. To take advantage of this training opportunity or learn more about upcoming enrollment, visit abcsetx.org, call 409-724-7886, or stop by the ABC Construction Training Center facility at 2700 N Twin City Hwy, Nederland, TX 77627.

Turner Industries Regional Vice President Alan King Jr. discusses the workforce needs shaping Southeast Texas' industrial sector, the careers currently in demand, what employers look for in job candidates, and how training, safety, and certifications can help launch a successful career. Whether you're a student, job seeker, or considering a career change, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the region's largest industrial employers. To learn more about Turner Industries or explore current career opportunities, visit https://www.turner-industries.com/job-openings/

Mackenzie LaHaye, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Nederland, discusses career opportunities in the financial services industry, the skills and qualifications needed for success, and the many pathways available for students, job seekers, and career changers interested in pursuing a career in finance. The conversation also explores the firm's Financial Fitness program, which helps individuals build knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. To learn more about Edward Jones' Financial Fitness resources, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2s4xthtz For information about careers with Edward Jones, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4xwr99p7

Kasey Sloan, HR Recruiter for The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, discusses the hospital's new ownership, expanding healthcare services, and the growing demand for healthcare professionals across the region. The conversation highlights career opportunities ranging from CNAs and LVNs to Registered Nurses and non-clinical hospital roles, while also exploring how The Medical Center is investing in workforce development and community outreach throughout Southeast Texas. For more information about careers at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, visit https://medicalcentersetexas.isolvedhire.com/jobs/

Craig Llewellyn, Public Affairs Manager for Sempra Infrastructure, shares an inside look at the $25 billion Port Arthur LNG Project and its growing impact on Southeast Texas. The conversation highlights project progress, global energy exports, and the wide range of local careers supporting construction and future operations. For more information about careers at Port Arthur LNG visit https://portarthurlng.com/workwithus/

In this episode, we explore the growing demand for skilled automotive technicians and why this high tech, high opportunity field is becoming one of the most overlooked career paths today. Leaders from Bolton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram share what they are seeing on the ground, from the rapid evolution of vehicle technology to the urgent need for a new generation of talent. You will learn how today's technicians use laptops and software as much as traditional tools, and the training pathways available for those just starting out. Whether you are a student, job seeker, or employer, this conversation offers a clear look at how the automotive industry is changing and why it offers a stable, rewarding future for those ready to step in.

In this episode, we sit down with Robyn Whitney and Erynne Dryden from the Baptist Hospital School of Radiologic Technology to explore one of Southeast Texas' best kept healthcare career secrets. With a legacy dating back to 1951, this hospital-based program offers a unique, hands-on pathway into the high-demand field of radiologic technology. You'll learn what a typical day looks like for an X-ray technologist, what it takes to complete the intensive 24-month associate degree program, and why workforce demand is creating strong job opportunities. For more information visit https://www.bhset.net/services/school-of-radiologic-technology/

In this episode, you'll hear from Milton Briggs, Apprenticeship Program Leader at Dow, who offers an inside look at how Dow is building strong, sustainable talent pipelines through its apprenticeship and early-career programs in Southeast Texas. Milton shares how Dow's operations transform natural gas into essential products used in everything from infrastructure to healthcare, while also investing deeply in community partnerships, education, and workforce development. Discover how Dow's "earn while you learn" apprenticeship model works, what qualities the company looks for in candidates, and how these programs create pathways to long-term careers, leadership opportunities, and upward mobility within a global organization.  To apply for an apprenticeship visit: https://tinyurl.com/4whckpd2

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Anthony, Workforce Development Specialist at Bechtel, one of the world's largest and most significant engineering, construction, and project management firms. Patrick shares how Bechtel is building the future through its Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs, which combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience, use NCCER credentials to create portable career pathways, and help close the growing skills gap across major projects in Southeast Texas. We'll explore the skilled trades and career pathways available, the importance of mentorship and pride in craftsmanship, and how Bechtel engages young people and partners with local colleges to make construction a desirable, long-term career. Listeners will also learn how apprenticeships can lead to high-demand careers and how to connect with Bechtel's current opportunities. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2pdm6yt3

Get ready for a deep dive into a high-demand career path, as we sit down with Jeff Broussard, Business Agent/Organizer, and Joseph Karcher, Assistant Coordinator for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, to explore the Pipefitters Local 211 Registered Apprenticeship Program. We discuss the critical work pipefitters perform across Southeast Texas industries, the key skills needed for success, and how the region's industrial growth is shaping the demand for skilled workers. Our guests walk us through the apprenticeship requirements, the intensive training and classroom instruction provided, and how the wages and benefits stack up. We also explore how AI is affecting the pipefitting workforce. More information about the apprenticeship program can be found at: https://www.pipefitterslocal211.com/apprenticeship.aspx.

Southeast Texas has faced a challenging road since 2020, but the region's labor market has made a strong comeback. In this episode, Texas Workforce Commission Economist William Lutz provides an in-depth economic update, highlighting the banner year of job growth in 2024, how our unemployment rate has tracked closer to the state average, and why industries like construction and manufacturing continue to drive opportunity in the Golden Triangle. We also explore current hiring trends, wage comparisons, and the outlook for 2025, giving both employers and job seekers valuable insight into where the Southeast Texas economy is headed. For the latest Southeast Texas labor market information visit our website: https://setworks.org/labor-market-information/. You can also visit  https://texaslmi.com/.

Discover how Apache Industrial is building the future workforce through hands-on training, leadership development, and community outreach. In this episode, Zeke Smith, Director of Leadership & Workforce Development at Apache Industrial, shares how apprenticeships open doors to rewarding careers, why safety is central to the industry, and how programs are empowering youth, women, and veterans to succeed in the trades. Explore the career pathways that turn hard work into opportunity and leadership in one of the nation's most vital industries.

Daniel Marshall and Lori Higgins of Rave Financial share how the credit union is expanding career opportunities in the finance industry while empowering individuals to take control of their money. From the Money Better program that teaches practical budgeting skills, to the Rave Partner Program that helps employers reduce financial stress in the workplace, Rave is shaping a financially stronger Southeast Texas. The conversation also highlights Rave's outreach to youth—bringing real-world financial lessons into high schools and inspiring future careers at the Workforce Solutions Youth Career Expo.

In this episode of Southeast Texas Works, we sit down with Kevin Cline, a seasoned HR professional from Unique HR, to uncover what really makes a resume and interview stand out. Discover practical tips on avoiding common resume mistakes, how to tailor your application using AI without losing authenticity, and why soft skills like communication, problem solving, and time management are just as important as technical know-how. Kevin also shares advice for job seekers with a criminal background, the importance of professional presentation, and how to follow up after an interview. Whether you're new to the workforce or reentering it, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you become a stronger, more confident candidate