Laredo, TX – May 2, 2024 – Everything is set to present the Shop Local Initiative and Job Fair on Friday, May 10, 2024. The event, featuring participation from nearly 50 companies and organizations, was unveiled during a press conference held at WSST on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

This event marks a collaboration between the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), WSST, the City of Laredo Economic Development Department, Webb County Economic Development Department, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, and Laredo College.

Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for WSST, emphasized the significance of this partnership in fostering economic growth: “Economic development is pivotal for our community as it attracts businesses and creates jobs. As a workforce development agency, we are committed to filling vacancies and meeting the needs of our local businesses and employers.”

More images can be found here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=workforcestx&set=a.757788596526139

Established in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Economic Development Week aims to recognize the vital contributions of economic development organizations and professionals to their communities. The event showcases programs, best practices, and individuals positively impacting community life.

Gene A. Lindgren, President & CEO of the LEDC, highlighted the opportunities the job fair presents: “Companies will showcase programs, services, and employment opportunities, with many offering on-the-spot hiring. This event promises significant opportunities for job seekers and employers alike.”

In support of economic development, Dr. Victor D. Treviño, Mayor of the City of Laredo, stressed its role in job creation and business sustainability: “Job creation and business are the foundation of our community. They connect us through jobs, investment, and quality of life, offering hope to our youth.”

Webb County Commissioner Precinct 2, Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, emphasized the importance of job availability in community advancement: “Job availability enhances self-esteem and enables individuals to pursue their aspirations.”

The 2024 Economic Development Week schedule includes:
Monday, May 6th: Proclamation Day in collaboration with the City of Laredo Economic Development Department at City Hall (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.), and with Webb County at Webb County Commissioners Courtroom (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
Tuesday, May 7th: State of Transportation and Infrastructure (By invitation only).
Wednesday, May 8th: Small Business Forum and Award Ceremony, sponsored by PNC Bank, held in conjunction with the Women Entrepreneurs Rock Series; LEDC Membership Spring Mixer (By invitation only).
Friday, May 10th: Shop Local Initiative and Job Fair from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo Event Center, Second Floor (In front of Coach).

The Shop Local Initiative and Job Fair are sponsored by The Outlet Shoppes and Pinnacle Industry Center.

Laredo College, in partnership with Workforce Solutions for South Texas and the City of Laredo Economic Development Department, will once again host the 2024 Laredo CARES Spring Job Fair at LC Maravillo Gym on Thursday April 25, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Recognizing the ongoing employment needs within our community and the importance of sustaining economic growth, our three agencies saw the opportunity to expand our collaboration,” Director of Workforce Development Center Denise Flores said. “This project stemmed from the successful Laredo CARES initiatives in spring 2023, where we witnessed the impact of bringing together over 50 employers and hosting more than 500 visitors.”
The event is free and open to Laredo College students, alumni and the Laredo community.
This year, approximately 60 employers across various industries including Peg Energy, Techflex, Laredo ISD, the City of Laredo, Jamco, among many others, will be in attendance. This partnership
is a natural alliance as both LC and Workforce Solutions have the same goals established and the services offered complement each other.
“Laredo College is our primary training provider; they provide the skills and educational training to the local job seekers and Workforce Solutions for South Texas offers support services and placement services to the job seekers and we serve as the connection to employers,” Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas Rogelio Treviño said.
Job applicants are recommended to bring their resumes and wear professional attire as they should expect to visit with employer booths and be ready for possible on-site interviews.
“More than anything, it’s about providing opportunity and hope for our community,” City of Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño said. “City of Laredo will host a hiring booth sponsored by the Human Resources Department and community support programs will be in attendance supported by the City of Laredo Health Department.”
Laredo College understands that by matching individuals with the right jobs, not only are immediate needs addressed, but it leads to long-term prosperity and opportunity for all.
“Our goal with the Laredo Cares Job Fair is to provide meaningful employment opportunities to our community members,” Flores said. “We are proud to continue this partnership and remain dedicated to serving the needs of our community.”

Press Release by Laredo College.

Laredo, TX – April 17, 2024 – Workforce Solutions for South Texas, in collaboration with Laredo College and the City of Laredo, announced the Laredo Cares Spring ’24 Job Fair, aimed at connecting job seekers with opportunities in various industries, during a press conference.

It is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm at Laredo College’s Fort McIntosh campus, Maravillo Gym.

The event will feature participation from over 50 employers representing key industries such as Logistics, Healthcare, Transportation, Government, and Education. Employers attending the fair are eager to engage with potential candidates and offer rewarding career opportunities.

“Amidst the evolving landscape of the job market, the Laredo Cares Spring ’24 Job Fair serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community,” remarked Mr. Rogelio Treviño, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “We are committed to fostering meaningful connections between job seekers and employers to drive economic growth and prosperity.”

Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of Laredo College, emphasized the significance of education and workforce development in shaping the region’s future. “The job fair is an integral part of our efforts to support our students and community members in achieving their professional goals.”

Dr. Victor D. Trevino, Mayor of the City of Laredo, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative initiative. “By bringing together employers and job seekers, we are strengthening our local economy and fostering a resilient workforce.”

Job seekers attending the fair can expect to interact with employers, submit resumes, participate in on-the-spot interviews, and explore career opportunities across diverse industries. They are encouraged to pre-register at bit.ly/caresfair. Admission to the Laredo Cares Spring ’24 Job Fair is free.

For more information about the Laredo Cares Spring ’24 Job Fair, including a list of participating employers and preparation tips for attendees, please visit www.southtexasworkforce.org.

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded $50,000 to Workforce Solutions for South Texas through a Child Care Employment Connections Award. This performance-based award recognizes local workforce development boards (Boards) for their work in connecting at-risk parents with sufficient employment.

“We are honored to be recognized for this Child Care Employment Connections Award. Workforce Solutions for South Texas is committed to its mission to focus on increasing our community’s economic development by providing resources and connecting job seekers and employers,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director at Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “Our goals include preparing our area workforce and training individuals to meet the needs of local employers and become successfully employed in meaningful jobs. We will continue to help all of our clients to ensure they are employed in meaningful employment.”

The Child Care Employment Connections Awards recognize Boards that were the most successful in helping make employment connections for unemployed parents whose children are receiving childcare assistance.

This award will provide additional funding to expand or improve the quality of childcare services in the region. Only two other Boards in the state also received the award: Workforce Solutions Rural Capital and Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

TWC’s Child Care Services program provides eligible parents with up to three months of child care assistance while looking for a job. Parents who find sufficient employment can receive childcare benefits for a full year.

In Texas, 28 Boards operate more than 170 local Workforce Solutions offices. In addition to administering child care services, local offices aim to place people in jobs and equip workers with skills that foster economic development. Local offices also help employers recruit, hire, and retain qualified workers.

For more information about TWC’s Child Care Services programs, visit the Child Care & Early Learning Program – Texas Workforce Commission.

Original press release was created by the Texas Workforce Commission ###emd

LAREDO, TEXAS — The Laredo Metropolitan Statistical Area has seen a slight increase in the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to 4.3 percent in May 2023. This represents an increase of 0.5 percent from the 3.8 percent reported in April. According to figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) on Friday, June 16, the South Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force reported was 124,907. Although the unemployment rate increased, the number of employed was 119,437.

Despite the slight increase in the area unemployment, the TWC report states that “Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 51,000 positions over the month—adding more jobs than any other state—to reach a 20th consecutive series-high job counts at 13,918,700 total nonfarm jobs and achieved 27 consecutive months of growth.”

“The employment numbers for the area and the state and country are back to pre-pandemic levels,” said Rogelio Treviño, Executive Director at Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “Our Labor force has also grown back to the same levels we were before the pandemic, so jobs are being filled, and employers continue to submit job orders which are all good signs for our economy.”

The three-county Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) area of Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in May, which represents an increase of 0.5 percent compared to April, which was at 3.9 percent. The 4.4 percent unemployment rate in the South Texas area represented 5,470 residents seeking employment in May.

While the State of Texas reported a 4.1 percent unemployment rate, the national unemployment rate was reported at 3.4 percent, according to the TWC report.

Essential Jobs reported an increase in employment by industry, such as the Natural Resources & Mining (3.0%), Education & Health Services (3.7%), Manufacturing (1.8%), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1.7%), Financial Activities 2.5%), Public Administration (0.1%), and Other Services (0.9%). However, the Construction, Information, Professional, and Business Services, and Leisure and Hospitality industries reported losses.

“The fluctuations in the unemployment numbers are usually seen at this time of the year (Jan. – May) as part of the labor force returns to school and is not seeking and applying for jobs; however, as we enter the summer months, we do expect to see an increase in summer opportunities and also an increase of people in the labor force which should lead to decreases in the unemployment rate,” said Treviño.

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.

For those looking for a job, we invite them to visit our One-Stop center in Laredo located at 1406 Jacaman Road, Suite A. Customers can also give us a call at 956-794-6500 or send us a text message at (888) 984-4826. We are also available to help in Hebbronville and Zapata, Texas. Send us a text for more information. For a complete list of Hiring Events and Job Fairs, please visit https://southtexasworkforce.org/event/.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for June is scheduled to be released on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) is preparing for the Holiday Season, which includes certain days off for the staff.

WSST recognizes the daily efforts of Workforce Centers of South Texas employees located in the center in Laredo, Texas, and the satellite office in Zapata, Texas.

“On behalf of the Workforce Solutions for South Texas Board of Directors, we want to wish the best for all of our clients and customers during the Holiday season. We are most grateful to all of the employees that manage and operate the Workforce services in South Texas. We wish them the best during the Holiday season,” Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director, said.

For the Holiday Season, the schedule will be as follows:

Thursday, November 24, 2022 — Thanksgiving Holiday. CLOSED

Friday, November 25, 2022 — Day After Thanksgiving. CLOSED

Friday, December 23, 2022 — Day before Christmas Eve. OPEN

Monday, December 26, 2022 — Day after Christmas. CLOSED

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 — OPEN

Friday, December 30, 2022 — OPEN

Monday, January 2, 2023 — OPEN

“I want to recognize the commitment and passion the staff has in serving the community of South Texas. I wish them all happy Holidays,” Patricia Barrera, Project Director, said. “We invite our customers and clients to consider the Holiday schedule when making plans to reach out to us. Workforce Solution for South Texas is working on increasing our community’s economic development by providing resource for employers and employees on this coming year 2023. We wish you all a splendid Holiday Season.”

For those who need to continue their job search during the days off, the TWC pages WorkInTexas.com and MyTXCareers.com will continue operating 24/7, unless a maintenance process is scheduled, which would be announced with time on both websites.

Information about the services, hiring events, and job fairs, can be found by visiting www.southtexasworkforce.org.

LAREDO, Texas — Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) will host the Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the One-Stop center, 1406 Jacaman Road.

The event is an initiative from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) with the purpose of connecting veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers seeking the exceptional skills of veterans, service members, and their spouses.

The event will be open to everyone to visit more than 60 booths, between employers and providers, between 10 am and 1 pm.

“We are extremely grateful to our veterans because they gave much to our country. We celebrate so many freedoms and so much happiness in our country because of all the things the veterans have done for us,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas during a press conference celebrated on Tuesday, November 1st. “Although we know our veterans come back to civilian life with fantastic skills and so much training, at times it is difficult for them to find employment back in civilian life. So, we want to facilitate that for them and make it easier for them.”

According to TWC, over the past ten years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 114,000 job seekers, including more than 40,000 veterans to 20,000+ employers and over 3,000 same-day hires.

Trevino said the employers participating in the job fair are offering meaningful and substantial wages so that the veterans can live comfortable lives.

“These employers are offering jobs that start off at $14 an hour and up. That’s something that we definitely wanted to ensure that we are offering our veterans meaningful jobs.”

Gabriel Lopez, a veteran and Assistant Director for the Texas Veterans Leadership Program, explained that employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows them to receive up to $9,600 on federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups of veterans.

“It’s a win-win for everybody. The veteran gets hired, and the employer gets some credit on their taxes”, said Lopez.

He added that there are many reasons why employers should hire a veteran.

“The transition is very difficult. Is hard to compare the job we do in the military to the civilian workforce,” Lopez said. “But what is transferable is the leadership qualities, the skills they earned while they were on service, the organizational skills, team building.”

For more information about the 11th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair, visit the South Texas Workforce Board website at www.southtexasworkforce.org.

LAREDO, TEXAS — The Laredo Metropolitan Statistical Area saw a decrease in the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropping to 4.2 percent in April. That represents a decrease of 0.1 percent from the 4.3 percent reported in March, according to figures released Friday, May 20, by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

The three-county Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) area of Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.4 percent in April which represents a decrease of 0.1 percent in comparison to March which was at 4.5 percent.

The 4.4 percent unemployment rate in the South Texas area represented 5,371 residents seeking employment in April. The total reported Civilian Labor Force was 123,411, meaning that 118,040 people are employed.

The State of Texas reported a 3.7 percent unemployment rate, while the national unemployment rate was reported at 3.8 percent, according to the report by TWC.

“The unemployment rates for March are getting close to the levels we had prior to the pandemic; however, because of lessons learned our businesses have changed the way they manage human
resources,” said Rogelio Treviño, WSST Executive Director. “The employers we are serving are still indicating frustrations with being able to find skilled employees to meet their workforce needs and that’s because the labor force numbers have not returned to levels we had prior to the pandemic.

“As Workforce boards, we are analyzing and creating theories on how to respond to the pandemic created losses to our labor force,” Trevino said. “The South Texas Workforce development board will continue to assist employers and job seekers match up and filling available jobs and we are exploring innovative ways to partner with both employers and job seekers to fill available and future job openings.”

Essential Jobs reported an increase in employment by industry, such as the Natural Resources and Mining (7.0%), Information (4.5%), Education and Health Services (4.4%), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (3.5%), Manufacturing (1.8%), Other Services (1.5%), Leisure and Hospitality (1.0%), Financial Activities (0.4%).

The Construction, Public Administration, and Professional and Business Services industries reported losses.

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 South Texas Workforce Development Board is proud of the partnerships it has developed and will continue to partner with local economic development organizations and educational partners to ensure that the skills levels and educational levels of our labor force are at levels necessary to meet the current and future needs of our businesses,” Trevino said. “We highly encourage employers and job seekers to utilize our services and allow us to help them meet their workforce needs.”

Lock-In Evening
Workforce Solutions for South Texas is preparing a Lock-In Evening for young people, ages 16-18 years old. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 1, from 4 pm – 7 pm at 1406 Jacaman Road, Suite A, in Laredo.

The goals to achieve during this event will be to allow scholars to explore different career opportunities, help them to put together their resumes, and help them apply for a job.

Employers who have confirmed their participation are Domino’s, Elite Employment, Pump-N-Shop, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

We are available
For those looking for a job, we invite them to visit our One-Stop center in Laredo located at 1406 Jacaman Road, Suite A. Customers can also give us a call at 956-794-6500 or send us a text message at (888) 984-4826.

You can also visit our satellite offices located in Hebbronville and Zapata, Texas. Send us a text for more information and to sign-up to receive information about Job Fairs and Hiring Events.