If you are looking for employment, you may have asked yourself “Just where are all the jobs in the Gulf Coast region?” That is an interesting question, and one that can be answered based upon what your skills, education and experience are, as well as what the local labor market looks like.
Our Workforce Board produces information about the local job market, which can be found on the Workforce Solutions Career Exploration page. If you are in a hurry to get into a job quickly, please look at the document “Where The Jobs Are.” This is a comprehensive list of occupations projected to offer the largest number of employment opportunities now and in the immediate future. This is a fantastic resource to use if you are interested in locating occupations that present the greatest employment opportunities. Before you look at it, can you guess which occupation has the highest number of job openings? If you guessed food prep and serving related occupations, you would be correct. The projected annual number of openings for our region in food services is more than 19,500. Not for you? The next highest number of job openings is in office and administrative occupations, with an average annual number of openings of more than 17,600. This list also gives details about average wages for the various occupations as well as the education needed, so feel free to check things out for yourself.
Another great document is the “High-Skill, High-Growth Occupations” list. The occupations on this list represent jobs in the Gulf Coast region that have projected growth and pay salaries greater than the average. Workforce Solutions provides scholarships to eligible candidates for the high-skill, high-growth occupations that are most critical to our local economy. The list also gives a good snap shot of the education and training required for the positions, along with median wages and potential for growth. You will find that the top three occupations include accountants, teachers, and registered nurses. Of course they all require post-secondary degrees, but the return on investment gives a job seeker greater opportunities for the future.
Can you see the value of using “Where The Jobs Are” and the “High-Skill, High-Growth Occupations” lists in your job search? Whether you need a job TODAY or are looking for a future with growth and earnings that will support you and your family, the career exploration information found on our website can be an invaluable resource for you!
Velta Worley is a member of the Regional Navigator Team specializing in training, educating, and assisting community partners, Workforce Solutions staff, and job seekers throughout the 13 county region with adult education and literacy, and employment for people experiencing homelessness. She has over 8 years corporate management experience, and over 8 years with Workforce Solutions as a Facilitator, Technical Assistant, and Office Manager, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University.
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