CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
In just one year, the state of Texas added over 302,000 jobs to the workforce. Of those jobs, 78,000 were added in August of 2024 alone.
At the height of the pandemic, the Coastal Bend saw an unemployment rate of almost 15%. Current unemployment rates sit at just 4.9%.
Workforce Solutions of the Costal Bend says our area recovered well year after year. Xena Mercado, with Workforce Solutions says that can be attributed to the number of jobs the area has been able to create due to its growing workforce.
She adds that since August of last year, our area has seen an increase in 6,000 new jobs.
"We're seeing an increase in jobs throughout the Coastal Bend, specifically in professional and business services, construction, utilities. And a lot of these industries are overlapping, and they all tie together," Mercado said.
Those aren't the only industries that have grown. Mercado says jobs in professional skills and trade industry have also increased and continue to dominate in the Coastal Bend. She adds that tourism also plays a role in the year's growth.
"Also in retail, hospitality and leisure. You know, we're a tourist town. Even during the winter months people come out here and they're looking for a good time at a restaurant and hotels are always hiring in the area," she said.
To make sure everyone who's looking for a job find what they're looking for, Workforce Solutions offer labor market information and training scholarships to those looking to get their foot in the door.
All of their resources are free and could help you become a part of the growing Coastal Bend workforce.
"The bridge expansion, port expansion... there are so many new projects that are happening here and a lot of new businesses, so lots of opportunities," Mercado said. "All these businesses, we're working to find out what their needs are and to work with the community to work up the training programs and offer the resources."
If you're looking for a job or a career change, Workforce Solutions' biggest hiring event of the year is just around the corner.
The Hiring Red, White and You event is happening on Nov. 2. Employers from different industries will be at the American Bank Center ready to interview and hire on the spot. To sign up for the event as an employer or job seeker, click here.