CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When looking for a job, your chances of finding one remain better in Texas than in most states in the country, and even though we have seen a slight increase in the unemployment rate here in the 11 county Coastal Bend region, there is still much to be optimistic about.
Each month, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend shares job numbers. In their most recent report, the unemployment rate here went up from 4.5 percent to 4.7 percent. Communications Manager at Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend Xena Mercado said its not a big jump, but enough to warrant at least a second look.
“That reflects almost 12,000 people who are either unemployed or looking for work,” Mercado said. “But on the other side, there are a lot of jobs that are available. In ‘Work in Texas,’ there are almost 13,000 jobs.”
Many of those jobs represent seasonal offerings, providing extra opportunity in tourism towns for those willing to work in hospitality and retail. Other jobs can be found in healthcare or public service.
Have you seen a job opportunity you like but don’t meet all the qualifications? Workforce Solutions may be able to help you get the training you need for a new career.
“If there is room for an upskill opportunity or a training opportunity, if they want to change career fields, we have resources for that as well,” Mercado said.
One of the areas that continues to see the highest need for workers is the construction industry.
That makes the Construction Training Program offered by Del Mar College an attractive alternative, as they will teach you the basic skills needed to work as a plumber, carpenter, cabinet maker and electrician.
“The builders cannot get enough craftsmen and women,” Del Mar Associate Vice President Dr. Leonard Rivera said. “The Plumbers Union needs more plumbers. We don’t have enough plumbers to meet just the residential demand, and we’re not even talking about the commercial end of the spectrum. Then, of course, electricians are always in short supply.”
The classes are covered by a Texas Workforce Commission grant, meaning they are free for anyone 18 or older and can be completed in about 4 to 6 weeks. Del Mar even offers help with finding a job after the course is finished.
“Getting a job is not going to be an issue,” Rivera said. “It’s selecting which job they want that will be the bigger issue that students will have after they complete this program.”
The next opportunities to get into that program are May 11 and 18. To learn more, just go to the Del Mar College website or call (361) 698-1328.