Middle school students from all around the area gathered in Levelland at the Mallet Event Center & Arena for Jobs Y’all, an annual event that focuses on connecting students with multiple different career opportunities.
Students moved between booths throughout the event, speaking with representatives from various industries about career opportunities, education requirements, and the skills and training needed to enter the workforce.
Dr. Ben Alexander, CEO of Workforce Solutions South Plains, said the event targets middle school students to expose them to career possibilities before they begin making decisions about high school courses, college, or technical training.
“It is specifically dedicated to the middle school age group in order to expose them to career exploration,” Alexander said.
Jobs Y’all has been held during the fall since 2018, with Workforce Solutions partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission to fund the career explora- tion event.
Introducing students to potential careers is only one part of Workforce Solutions South Plains’ role in developing the area’s workforce. Workforce Solutions South Plains serves 15 counties across West Texas, providing employment resources, workforce training, and funding while partnering with businesses, school districts, and higher education institutions.
Through five workforce centers, individuals can search for job openings from participating employers and receive career readiness assistance, including resume preparation and interview tips.
Financial assistance is also available for eligible individuals seeking training in high-demand fields. Alexander said some programs, including welding training, can have tuition fully covered for those who qualify.
The organization also partners with area businesses looking to expand their operations or hire employees, providing funding and training opportunities to help workers develop skills needed for available positions.
Workforce Solutions knows that there are obstacles that get in the way of entering the workforce comfortably. One of the biggest barriers for some job seekers, Alexander said, is finding affordable childcare. Workforce Solutions provides childcare subsidies to eligible parents, which can help people who otherwise face a choice between going to work and staying home with their children.
While many of these challenges are far off for the middle school students attending Jobs Y’all, Alexander said exposing them to career opportunities now can help prepare them for decisions they will eventually face.
“We’re looking at the next generation of our workforce,” Alexander said.