WSST Committed to Help Texans Find Work, Training and Resources

LAREDO ⎯ Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 13.6 percent in April 2020. As expected, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the South Texas economy. This represents an increase of 7.9 percent in comparison to March 2020.

The State’s rate rose to 12.8 percent, below the national average of 14.7 percent, according to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

“The COVID–19 pandemic has had a great impact on our economy. The Country, the State and our Region are facing historic levels of unemployment. The unemployment system of Texas was overwhelmed with the numbers of people trying to file for unemployment this last month,” said Rogelio Trevino, Workforce Solutions for South Executive Director. “Our workforce centers here in Laredo, Zapata and Hebbronville provided guidance and assistance to thousands of impacted workers in South Texas and helped them navigate the unemployment insurance claim process.”

The South Texas area, serving Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties, reported a Civilian Labor force of 110,079, with almost 15,000 receiving the unemployment insurance benefits. This means that 95,097 people are still employed in our area.

Essential Jobs reported an increase in the employment by industry, such as the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (1.0 percent), Information (0.5 percent), Education and Health Services (3.8 percent), Leisure and Hospitality (0.7 percent), Other Services (2.8 percent), and Public Administration (0.8 percent).

Industry reporting losses were the following: Natural Resources and Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, Financial Activities, and Professional and Business Services.

Designated as essential businesses, these industries were needing to hire more supervisors, retail salespersons, cashiers, customer service representatives, and pharmacy technicians as well as many other occupations.

Our Workforce Solutions system will continue to work with all businesses as we begin the recovery process we will also offer services to job seekers as we start up the process of helping get South Texas Back to Work.

WSST went a 100-percent virtual at the end of March to continue assisting essential employers and job seekers, as well as the Child Care providers.

The Business Services Unit helped employers seeking applicants by creating and sharing job postings in WorkInTexas.com and through our Social Media Platforms.

Also, on May 14th, a Workforce Solutions Town Hall meeting was hosted by TWC Commissioner representing employers, Aaron Demerson, and representatives from the Governor’s 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.

Laredo, TX (Monday, January 27, 2020) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 3.6 percent in Laredo, and at 3.7 percent in the South Texas area for December.

The December 2019 Laredo MSA (metropolitan statistical area) Labor Market Highlights reports a Total Non-Farm Jobs of 107,300.

“As the 2019 year closes out, Laredo and the South Texas Region continue to maintain strong economic growth and unemployment levels equal to or less than those of the rest of the country,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas.

In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate experienced an increase of 0.1 percent. In December 2019, the Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 3.3 and 3.4 percent, respectively, with a 0.1 percent change in our country in comparison with a year ago.

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that, “Texas employers added 342,800 jobs over the year. Total non-farm annual employment growth was at 2.7 percent in December and has held at or above 2.0 percent since February 2018.”

“Job orders from local and regional employers have continued to come in, and Workforce Solutions for South Texas continues to provide referrals and placement assistance for our local employers,” Trevino said.

In the Laredo MSA area, the top five industries are:

• Total Trade, Transportation + Utilities Jobs: 32,600
• Total Government Jobs: 23,400
• Total Education and Health Services Jobs: 17,300
• Total Leisure and Hospitality Jobs: 11,600
• Total Professional and Business Services Jobs: 10,600

The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 125,375 of which 120,699 are employed and 4,676 reported as unemployed.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions Center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with telephone number 956-794-6500. For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with telephone number 956-765-1804; and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library) with telephone number 361-231-7071.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for January is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 3, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

LAREDO, Texas — (July 2019) — The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 3.9 percent in Laredo and South Texas during June, according to the Texas Labor Market Information released by the Texas Workforce Commission. This represents an increase of 0.7 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.

“Although there were several hundred jobs added in June the civilian labor force grew by over 900 job seekers. These fluctuations are typical during the summer months as we see more individuals entering the labor force for summer employment,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “However, with an unemployment rate below 4%, some economists say we are at full employment.”

Laredo added 400 jobs in June, with the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry adding 300 jobs, while the Professional and Business Services, and the Education and Health Services each added 200. But, on the other hand, the Leisure and Hospitality and the Government industries 300 fewer jobs in total.

In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate had a decrease of 0.4 percent. In June, the Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 3.6 and 3.8 percent, respectively, with changes of 0.7 and 0.4 percent in comparison with May 2019.

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that “In June, the Texas economy added 45,000 seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm positions. After shattering the all-time low in May of 2019, the unemployment rate fell again to 3.4 percent.”

“The State of Texas continues to show job growth and employers in our region continue to offer job opportunities for our job seekers,” Trevino said. “It is vital that our workforce programs continue to prepare our youth with necessary job skills as they come through the pipeline and enter the labor force.”

The top three industries are the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries with 31,700 employees, followed by Government with 23,500, and the Education and Health Services at 17,400.

When comparing June 2019 to May 2019, several industries showed no change such as the Mining, Logging, and Construction (4,300), Manufacturing (600), Information (800), Financial Activities (3,800), and Other Services (2,400 jobs).

In the Laredo area, there are 107,100 people in Total Nonfarm positions, a yearly percent change of 2.2%. On June 2018 the Total Nonfarm was at 104,800.

The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 125,151 of which 120,223 are employed and 4,928 reported as unemployed.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions Center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with phone number 956-794-6500.

For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with phone number 956-765-1804; and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library), with phone number 361- 231-7071.

The One-Stop Centers provide referrals to jobs and job matching services, job readiness classes, resume writing, support services, and work experience for all job seekers. For employers, the centers offer hiring events, interview rooms, Labor Market Information, and recruitment.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 16, 2019.

LAREDO, Texas — (MAY 2019) — Laredo added 600 jobs during April, according to the Texas Labor Market Information revealed Friday morning.

Workforce Solutions for South Texas announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 3.2 percent in Laredo, and at 3.3 percent in the South Texas area during the month of April.

This represents a decrease of 0.6 percent for the Laredo MSA and of 0.5 percent for the South Texas area.

The Mining, Logging and Construction industry, as well as the Professional and Business Services, and the Leisure and Hospitality, each added 200 jobs.

In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate had a decrease of 0.3 percent. The Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 3.0 and 3.3 percent, respectively, with changes of 0.5 and 0.6 percent in comparison with March 2019.

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that “growth in the Texas economy continued in April, with 28,900 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell once more to 3.7 percent, returning to an all-time record low last held in December of 2018.”

“Laredo and South Texas continue to show job growth and increases in employment opportunities. We remain optimistic and will continue to monitor hiring rates by employers as we do anticipate an increase in the labor force as younger job seekers enter the job market,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas.

The top three industries are the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries with 31,600 employees, followed by Government with 23,600, and the Education and Health Services at 16,900.

When comparing March 2019 to April 2019, besides the Trade, Transportation and Utilities industry, several others showed no change such as the Manufacturing (600 jobs), Information (800), Financial Activities (3,800), and Other Services (2,400 jobs).

The Education and Health Services, as well as the Government industry, reported 300 fewer jobs in total. In the Laredo area, there are 106,600 people employed in the labor force.

“The summer months have usually had increases in the labor force, and we anticipate the same this year,” said Trevino. “We remind Laredo and South Texas that our Workforce Centers provide referrals to jobs and job matching services for employers and job seekers. In particular, we do emphasize that we have Work Experience opportunities for youth who are out of school.”

The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 124,908 of which 120,809 are employed and 4,099 reported as unemployed.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions Center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with phone number 956- 794-6500.

For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with phone number 956-765-1804; and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library), with phone number 361-231-7071.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for the month of May is scheduled to be released on Friday, June 21, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

LAREDO, Texas — (March 2019) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 4.3 percent in Laredo, and at 4.4 percent in the South Texas area during the month of January.

This represents an increase of 0.6 percent for both the Laredo MSA and the South Texas areas.

Laredo had a total of 300 jobs added during January. Of those, 200 jobs were added by the Professional and Business Services industry, while the rest was added by the Leisure and Hospitality industry.

In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate had an increase of 0.3 percent.

The Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 4.2 and 4.4 percent, respectively, with changes of 0.6 and 0.7 percent in comparison with December 2018.

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that “The Texas economy saw more positive employment growth to begin 2019, with 15,400 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added in January. After holding at a historic low for five consecutive months, Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.8 percent.”

“Although, for the first time in many months, there was a slight increase in the unemployment rate we remain optimistic with the current rate of job growth and submitted job orders from our regional employers,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas.

The top three industries are the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries with 31,900 employees, followed by Government with 23,200, and the Education and Health Services at 17,100.

When comparing December 2018 to January 2019, several local industries showed no change such as the Mining, Logging, and Construction (4,100 jobs), Manufacturing (600 jobs), Financial Activities (3,800), and Other Services (2,400 jobs).

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, the Information, the Education and Health Services, and the Government industries reported 1,100 fewer jobs in total.

Also, there are 105,900 people employed in the labor force in the Laredo area.

“A slight increase in the unemployment rate was eventually expected. The amount of people currently employed still remains at very high levels. We foresaw some adjustments to the labor market after so many months of constant growth and decreasing unemployment rates,” Trevino said. “We are hopeful that as we approach the summer months hiring rates will increase and will maintain our employment levels around the 4% rate.”

The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 126,090 of which 120,514 are employed and 5,576 reported as unemployed.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with phone number 956-794-6500.

For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with phone number 956-765-1804); and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library), with phone number 361- 231-7071.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for February is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 22, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

LAREDO, Texas — (December 2018) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas announced that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.5 percent in Laredo, and at 3.6 in the South Texas area, during the month of November.

Laredo had a total of 900 jobs added during November 2018. Of those, 500 jobs were added by the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry.

In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate remained steady with no increase reported.

The Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 3.5 percent, with no changes comparing it to October 2018.

“Very good news to see the unemployment rate remain at these historically low percentages,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “In particular, with the additional hiring during the holiday season, we did expect the rates to remain constant.”

Besides the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry, the Professional and Business Services added 200 jobs, while the Leisure and Hospitality and the Government industries added 100 jobs, each one. Only the Other Services industry reported 100 fewer jobs.

In total there are 105,300 people employed in the labor force in the Laredo area.

The top three industries are the Trade, Transportation, and Utility industries with 31,600 employees, followed by Government with 23,600, and the Education and Health Services at 16,100.

When comparing October 2018 to November 2018, several local industries showed no change such as the Mining, Logging, and Construction (3,700 jobs), Manufacturing (700 jobs), Information (800 jobs), Financial Activities (3,900), and the Education and Health Services as mentioned above.

“As we prepare to close out the year we anticipate in a surge in job seekers looking for employment for the New Year,” Trevino said. “We will continue to work closely with our local providers in providing training programs to prepare those individuals who will be looking for employment in 2019.”

The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 122,896 of which 118,532 are employed and 4,364 reported as unemployed.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with phone number 956- 794-6500.

For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with phone number 956-765-1804); and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library), with phone number 361-231-7071.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for December is scheduled to be released on Friday, January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.

Workforce Solutions for South Texas Recognized Employers for Their Support

LAREDO, Texas — (December 2018) — Workforce Solutions for South Texas hosted their Annual Employer Awards Banquet Thursday morning, which honored employers that have participated and supported a diversity of programs and events during the year.

These collaborations make possible the preparation and employment of the local labor force.

“Our number one priority is to ensure that our local employers have a trained and skilled workforce. We are extremely grateful for the partnership and support our employers provide us in helping them find and hire skilled, trained, and productive employees,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas.

The following businesses were honored for their outstanding service:

• Employer of the Year: ALFA (Association of Logistics & Forwarding Agents, Inc.)
• Employer of Excellence Award: Jett Bowl North / Pla-Mor Entertainment Center
• Collaboration Award: United South High School Mobile Unit
• Pacesetter Award: Convergys/Concentrix
• Newcomer of the Year: DD’s Discount
• Service to Veterans: Mastar Supply Chain & Logistics
• Service to Rural Community: Zapata County Tax Office
• South Texas HireAbility: SERCO of Texas

“The employers we work with throughout the year are always receptive to our hiring events and annual projects; this is the time we take to appreciate them for everything they do for our community,” said Andrea De La Garza, Project Director. “We look forward to an even better year this 2019 so we can place Laredo on the map of employment!”

Guests who attended the banquet at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Laredo had a chance to hear the success stories from the different companies who were recognized, and the reason why they were selected.

The Employer of the Year Award is presented to a business that has a firm commitment to excellence in its engagement with Workforce Solutions for South Texas and the local community.

The Employer of Excellence Award is presented to one private-sector employer whose efforts and initiative, in the relationship with the Workforce Solutions for South Texas, had a positive effect on the employer, workers, and the community.

The Collaboration Award is presented to a business that demonstrates initiative through collective efforts and has successfully teamed up with Workforce Solutions for South Texas to benefit local job seekers.

The Pacesetter Award is presented to a business or organization that provides unique ideas that result in innovative program delivery services.

The Service to Veterans Award is presented to a business that demonstrates continuous efforts to expand employment opportunities for veterans.

The South Texas HireAbility is presented to a business that demonstrates its efforts to hire people with disabilities while highlighting contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce.

The Service to Rural Community Award is presented to an organization whose innovation helps the community living in the rural area.

“As we close out this very successful year we are proud to recognize those businesses and partners that excelled in helping employ our local labor force. Workforce Solutions for South Texas is committed to helping all of our regional employers find and hire the employees that will best meet their company’s needs,” Trevino said. “We are excited to continue to help our regional businesses grow and remain productive and competitive. This year we have seen historically low unemployment rates in our area we will continue to partner with our educational institutions to train and prepare our labor force to meet the needs of the business.”

Lupita R. Canales, Board Chair for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas, along with Treviño, recognized and handed out the awards to the selected employers.

For the first time, the Workforce Solutions for South Texas awarded guests who participated in the “Friday with Friends on Facebook Live” program. The friendly competition saw 38 guests reading a job posting actively in the workintexas.com website. According to the votes received on Facebook, the first three places were for Rogelio Trevino; officers Noemi Cienfuegos and Tycola Moses-Himes; and Viky Garcia.

The Keynote Speakers were Roberto Delgado, who invited employers to hired people with disabilities, and Naomi Duran Mercado from Productos Doña Blanca, an employer with more than 100 years operating, preparing and packaging their “gourmet dried beef” in the United States.