Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas- American Job Center Network

10/25/2026

🌟 WSDET Pathways Leadership Team Members Attend October TRPN Convening in San Angelo, TX

The Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN) is a statewide initiative that strengthens education-to-career pathways by aligning regional efforts across K–12, higher education, and industry. TRPN supports cross-sector teams in designing and implementing pathways that equip students with the skills, credentials, and experiences needed to succeed in high-wage, in-demand careers. Through strategic planning, peer learning, and access to state resources, TRPN fosters scalable, sustainable systems that drive regional economic growth and student success.

Thank you to Crystal Eason, Leslie Reed, Eddie Hopkins, and Carrie Chandler for attending and bringing back exciting new ideas and connections to help Deep East Texas students grow!

🔗 For more information from TEA about the Texas Regional Pathways Network, please visit https://tea.texas.gov/student-readiness-and-high-school/college-career-and-military-prep/texas-regional-pathways-network-trpn

10/23/2026

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas partnered with the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries, Deep East Texas College and Career Academy, EduReach Collegiate Edu-Nation, and Communities Unlimited for the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Business & Career Expo. 🤝

The event welcomed more than 300 attendees, bringing together community members, students, job seekers, and local businesses to explore career opportunities, apply for jobs, participate in on-site interviews, and build valuable connections.

WSDET shared information about available workforce programs and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training opportunities, helping individuals connect with resources to support their career development and employment goals.

Thank you to all who attended, participated, and visited with us! 🌟

10/22/2026

Register with the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce today to secure your seat. See you Friday, November 6, 2026! 🌟

Join us for November's First Friday Lufkin, presented by Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company, on November 6 at 12 PM at Crown Colony Country Club.

This month's program features Dr. Ty Cauthen with Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas- American Job Center Network, who will share a strategic update on the region's workforce and economic infrastructure. Learn about the opportunities, challenges, and initiatives shaping the future of business and economic growth across Deep East Texas.

Plus, attendees will have a chance to win $100, courtesy of Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches!

Be sure to register to attend!

10/22/2026

Over the last couple of weeks, WDSET staff had the privilege of sharing stories and resources with participants at Christian Women's Job Corps of Nacogdoches.

Our Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer Maribel Soto led a special inspirational session titled, “Your Beginning Does Not Define Your Future.” Thank you, Maribel, for sharing your story and encouraging others to persevere and find their purpose.

Leslie Pless, Brittiany Avery, and Tanya Agnew shared skills development resources with participants in their respective sessions.

Thank you for allowing us to connect and share inspiration and advice for those who are still working toward their goals! We are so grateful for the work that you do in our community. 🤝

10/21/2026

Rooted In Excellence: Community partnerships make a difference! 🤝

At Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, our mission is to provide solutions for quality workforce development. That mission comes to life through the businesses, educators, colleges, community partners, and leaders who work together to create opportunities and strengthen our region.

Our Rooted in Excellence reception was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations making a difference across Deep East Texas. Thank you to every guest who took the time to join us, recognize these outstanding achievements, and celebrate the partnerships that move Deep East Texas forward.

A special thank you to the community partners who helped bring the evening together: Wise Tree Service for the wood decor, Earth N Stone for the plants, V-Photobooth for the beautiful backdrop for our photo booth, A-1 Party Rentals of Lufkin for the tablecloths, and Grandough Baking Co. for the outstanding dinner.

From the decorations to the dinner and every detail in between, your support helped make the evening memorable!

We’re grateful for everyone who made this celebration possible and proud to be part of a community that continues to invest in its people, its workforce, and its future. Thank you for being part of the progress happening in Deep East Texas! 🌟

10/21/2026

Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas would like to extend a special thank you to Texas Workforce Commissioner Brent Connett and his team, Brice Corkill and Steven Sager, for taking the time to travel to Lufkin to join us for Rooted in Excellence! 🌟

As the Commissioner Representing the Public at the Texas Workforce Commission, Commissioner Connett plays an important role in strengthening Texas’ workforce and expanding opportunities for employers and workers across the state. We especially appreciate his interest in the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural communities like those throughout Deep East Texas.

Thank you, Commissioner Connett and TWC staff, for your time, your commitment to public service, and your willingness to listen and connect with our employers, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders. We’re grateful to welcome you back to Deep East Texas and appreciate your continued interest in our region! 🤝

10/21/2026

Thank you to the student volunteers from Daphne Minter's Culinary Class at Lufkin High School who served dinner to attendees at our Rooted in Excellence reception.

Your hard work, hospitality, and willingness to serve helped make the evening a success. We’re grateful for you and proud to see our future workforce putting their skills into action! 🌟

10/20/2026

Good news! There is still time to register! 🌟

Please join us in Polk County on Thursday, October 22, 2026 for a FREE National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) business networking event to learn ways to recruit, retain, and support a diverse and inclusive workforce. Lunch will be provided. 🧩🤝

Registration required. Please register by the end of the day tomorrow, October 21, 2026.

🔗 form.jotform.com/262584686429069

10/20/2026

Rooted in Excellence: Celebrating 5 Years of Service! 🎉

Strong organizations are built by people who show up, adapt to change, and keep the mission moving forward. Today, we’re proud to recognize two valued members of the Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas team who have reached five years of service!

Help us congratulate Charles Jones, Network and Systems Administrator, and Lauren Phipps, Senior Director of Operations, on this important milestone!

Workforce development is no small undertaking; there are countless conversations, decisions, deadlines, and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep everything moving. Five years of service brings plenty of experience, dedication, and impact along the way.

Charles and Lauren, thank you for the talents, commitment, and care you bring to our mission. We’re grateful for all you do to support our team, serve our region, and create opportunities throughout Deep East Texas. Congratulations on five years! 🌟

10/20/2026

Congratulations to Tyane Dietz, Recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Workforce Leadership Award! 🎉

For nearly three decades, Tyane has been a dedicated champion for workforce development in Deep East Texas. Since joining the Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas Board in 1997, she has helped guide our organization through changing industries, evolving workforce needs, and new opportunities for growth.

Her thoughtful leadership, commitment to collaboration, and unwavering belief in the potential of our region have strengthened our board, supported our mission, and helped expand opportunities for employers, workers, and communities across Deep East Texas.

As we celebrate 30 years of workforce development in our region, we are especially grateful for leaders like Tyane, whose lasting impact is measured not only in years of service, but in the lives changed and opportunities created along the way.

Tyane, thank you for 29 years of extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication to Deep East Texas. This recognition is so well deserved! 🌟