AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and Tri-Agency partners, will host statewide career exploration events for middle and high school students as part of Careers in Texas Industries Week during September 25-30, 2017.

The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative established by Governor Greg Abbott challenged the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) with developing strong links between education and industry, with the goal of helping Texas grow in economic prosperity. Careers in Texas Industries Week was identified as an initiative to promote statewide and regional industry clusters and objectives that support a variety of businesses and job creation.

“If Texas is to maintain its standing as the best state for business, investing in our middle schools and high schools to create a world-class workforce of tomorrow is of critical importance,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful to the Texas Workforce Commission for establishing Careers in Texas Industries Week, and look forward to building on this exciting new program to provide our students with the skills needed to compete in a 21st century economy.”

The week is designed to increase awareness among students, parents and counselors about the opportunities of in-demand careers in Texas industries. The events will enable students to explore careers and provide employers with opportunities to showcase the exciting and rewarding careers in their industries.

“Texas employers in our dynamic industries compete and succeed in the Texas economy, creating a broad range of jobs that offer wonderful career opportunities for students in our state,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The continued growth, innovation and success of employers in Texas industries depends on sustained partnerships and strategies that inform and inspire students to explore and pursue the rewarding and exciting careers available in our state. I ask stakeholders to join us during Careers in Texas Industries Week.”

Careers in Texas Industries Week encourages students to explore career opportunities including in-demand careers, networking, internships, apprenticeships and other applied learning opportunities. These events will also encourage parents and counselors to understand their special role in helping children in their career exploration journey.

“I want to encourage our Texas employers to participate in our Careers in Texas Industries Week to educate our students about the diverse range of career opportunities and the skills needed to acquire these jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Reaching out to the talent pipeline of the future is key to keeping our Texas economy strong, and this event will pave the way for our youth to contribute to the economic sustainability of our great state.”

Careers in Texas Industries Week will showcase available labor market information tools, including Texas Reality Check, Texas Career Check and Texas Internship Challenge, which assist youth in exploring career opportunities in different industries and plan for their futures.

“Careers in Texas Industries Week provides a forum for students to utilize labor market information tools that will help them explore in-demand careers across various industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “These events will help students discover new interests and possibilities in planning for their future careers.”

The Careers in Texas Industries Week website provides students and employers with event information, outreach materials and links to career exploration tools. TWC will also connect students, educators and employers through the TWC blog, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. For more information about Careers in Texas Industries Week, go to texasworkforce.org/careerstxindustries.