So, you recently graduated from high school, summer is over, and you still don’t have any post-high school plans, huh? I know all too well the predicament you face because I was once in your shoes. You have many burning questions going through your mind as to what the perfect career path is for you. The constant pressure from peers, relatives, and parents who ask you “so what are you going to do now that you graduated?” does not help either. At times you may feel as if the walls are closing in on you because you hardly considered a plan up until this point. Some of you may have obtained a summer job to fill the void, but ask yourself: “Is this where I want to be for the rest of my career?”
Whether you answered yes or no, have no fear, Workforce Solutions is here! Workforce Solutions is a federally funded employment organization that will have you get on track to reach your career path and excel so you are ready to enter the workforce.
The moment you enter one of our centers, you will be greeted by a staff member who will inquire what brings you into the office. Many young adults do not know the great services that Workforce Solutions has for you, so just a simple “I’m looking for a job” should suffice, and we will take on the rest. You may not know what your calling in life is, and that is okay. We have staff at Workforce Solutions that are equipped and knowledgeable on how to get you where you want your career path to go. You will sit with an Employment Counselor and/or a Personal Service Representative who will spark a conversation with you, and assess you to determine what your interests are, what industry is best suited for your knowledge, skills, and abilities, and what occupation is a great fit for you!
Whether you decide to go straight to work or go back to school, keep in mind that you want to enter a field that is projected to be in demand in the next few years that also pays a living wage in the Gulf Coast region. We can familiarize you with the High Skill High Growth booklet to determine what growing jobs have openings, how much they pay, what education is required, and whether we provide scholarships to help you jumpstart your profession. If there is an occupation that piques your interest, but you don’t know whether it is the right path for you, then you may be interested in participating in our On-the-Job training (OJT) program. OJT is a great opportunity for you to get hands-on experience with new technologies, production, service, and/or additional skills at worksites all while getting paid a decent wage! The goal is for you to apply yourself and learn because this opportunity may turn to full-time employment!
Whether you decide you want to develop your skills by entering the workforce directly, or if you decide you want to go back to some form of higher education or training, do not stress! Our 27 full-service career offices around the Houston-Galveston region have friendly staff that are here to help you. In addition to assessing you to determine your interests, we are knowledgeable in assisting you with referrals through workintexas.com, resume assistance, interview preparation, and office equipment to jumpstart your career. So, come by any time from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. We will gladly help you integrate into the Gulf Coast region workforce and change your life for the better!
Omar Martinez is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston – Galveston Region. Prior to joining the team, Omar served as a resource specialist helping customers get back into the workforce by reviewing current labor market information, job-readiness skills, and community resources. Omar’s continued driving force is to help customers get a job, keep a job, or get a better job by conducting job skills seminars throughout the 13 counties of the Gulf Coast region. He holds a B.S. in Psychology and a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston.
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