To The Leader

 

     BEAUMONT, Texas – Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and Entergy Texas have partnered with the Region 5 Education Service Center to provide local out-of-school youth with education and training — including paid work experience in the energy, petroleum and chemical products industries. The program is part of the Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) initiative contract from the Texas Workforce Commission for $100,000 and another $100,000 from Entergy Texas. 

   The funds are used by Region 5 Education Service Center, under the guidance of Brenda Schofield, to operate the local Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. They operate the only out-of-school JAG program in Texas and while the program has received a number of awards, they most importantly have successfully changed many lives.  

     Marilyn Smith, executive director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas, stated this grant is a leading example of how workforce and industry can come together to create real opportunity for area job seekers. “The skills training and paid work experience offered through this program will help local individuals learn valuable job skills and earn experience that qualify them for high-growth and high-demand jobs.”

   Ryan McGee, manager of Industrial Accounts, with Entergy Texas, also commented that “Entergy is proud to sponsor the JAG program and that it is necessary to cultivate our local workforce with programs like JAG in order to match our unprecedented growth.”  

     In presenting the grant to local Workforce Solutions board members, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, Aaron Demerson stated, “Texas is fortunate to have Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas, Entergy, and Region 5 ESC collaborating to provide workforce training with assistance of this Texas Industry Partnership grant.  This partnership reflects an ongoing commitment from this community that will continue to benefit individuals in the Southeast Texas area.”  

For more on this training program, businesses are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions office or visit the Texas Industry Partnership Program webpage.

The Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Board is a business-led group of volunteers that evaluates and oversees the delivery of all workforce training and employment services in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties.  The board’s overall mission is to identify opportunities and create partnerships that effectively link employers and job seekers to improve the economic future of the area. Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas brings together a myriad of programs for easy access for employers and job seekers.