Southeast Texas Works!

This episode features a conversation with Ana Pereda, Executive Director of Workforce at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Ana discusses her role in managing and developing LIT's non-credit training programs, emphasizing their responsiveness to community workforce needs. She also highlights innovative approaches such as integrating English as a Second Language (ESL) components with technical tr...

In this episode of the Southeast Texas Works podcast, we speak with Carrie Phillips, plant manager at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Orange plant. Carrie shares her unique journey to becoming a plant manager, the importance of mentorship, and her day-to-day responsibilities in ensuring the safety of her team and the community while producing high-quality plastic products. She discusses the challeng...

This episode features a conversation with Paul Swetish, Fire Chief, and Brian McDonald, CEO and President of Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC). They discuss the unique aspects of industrial firefighting and how RTFC, founded in 1948 in response to the deadly Texas City industrial fire, has become the largest non-profit industrial firefighting organization in the U.S. Chief Swetish outlines the...

Megan Romero Layne, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, joins the podcast during Economic Development Week for an insightful discussion on the multifaceted role of economic development in driving growth, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life in Orange County. Megan shares her expertise on attracting major projects like the Golden Triangle P...

Tune in for a conversation with Dana Espinal, Director of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With over 30 years of experience as  a small business owner and trusted advisor, Dana shares her wealth of knowledge on how the SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southeast Texas. From one-on-one consulting and training programs to navigating SBA...

Join Dr. Johanna Boult, Department Chair, and Chelsea Lyles, Director of SLP Clinical Services in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Lamar University, as they discuss the diverse career opportunities available in speech-language pathology and audiology. Gain valuable insights into the training programs offered and learn how they can prepare you for a rewarding career in speech and he...

Join us as we sit down with Sgt. Jeremy Kempt, a dedicated Career Counselor for the Texas Army National Guard. From discussing the recruitment process to understanding the Guard's pivotal role in disaster response, Sgt. Kempt sheds light on the diverse array of careers within the Guard and shares insights into his recent participation in the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo. T...

Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams shares the dynamic vision for downtown Beaumont, discussing how innovative projects like a food truck park and river walk could reshape the city's landscape while fostering economic growth and community vibrancy. Also, learn about collaborative efforts addressing pressing workforce challenges and ensuring a skilled workforce. For more information about the Do...

We sit down with Paul Blackburn, Customer Service Manager at Entergy Texas, and discover the diverse career opportunities within the energy sector. From utility line workers to customer service roles, learn about the pathways to pursue these rewarding careers. Also, Paul shares insights into Entergy Texas' resilient response to hurricanes, freezing temperatures, and other challenging weather condi...

Explore the dynamic world of engineering excellence in Southeast Texas with Dr. Brian Craig, the Dean of the College of Engineering at Lamar University. In this episode, discover diverse career pathways to becoming an engineer, gain insights into the pivotal role of education, and hear inspiring stories of success. Join us as we delve into the latest technological advancements and navigate the thr...

In this episode of Southeast Texas Works, Captain Andrew Guidry from the Sabine Pilots Association provides insights into maritime careers, detailing training, and the pivotal role of marine pilots in ensuring safe navigation of commerce through the Sabine Neches Waterway. Captain Guidry highlights the symbiotic relationship between the maritime industry and the Southeast Texas economy, especially...

This episode explores the importance of skilled trades and craft training for the local Southeast Texas economy. Tune in to learn about the various training programs offered by ABC Southeast Texas to fill high-demand jobs like electrical, instrumentation, welding, and more. You'll also gain insight into how ABC partners with industry to keep training aligned with the latest technology and safety s...

From the "Best of" Southeast Texas Works!  Jo Ikard, District Supervisor - Gulf Coast, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), joins this SPECIAL EPISODE for VETERANS, ahead of Veterans Day.  Ms. Ikard, a USMC vet, talks about how the TVC helps veterans transition from military to civilian life. Website:   www.tvc.texas.gov  

This episode highlights the Golden Triangle Polymers project, a new multi-billion dollar joint venture between Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) and QatarEnergy being built in Orange, Texas. Heather Betancourth from Chevron Phillips Chemical reveals details about the project and its Local First initiative, which aims to prioritize hiring local talent and sourcing local vendors and suppliers. Heat...

In this episode, you'll get an inside look at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. Tune in to hear details about CHRISTUS' teacher externships, and the range of healthcare professions beyond just doctors and nurses. Discover how the pandemic affected hospital staff and what CHRISTUS does to retain employees. Michelle Hammerly, Director of Education, and Jennifer Strope, Director of HR Strategy...

Two rising workforce development stars share their journey from Lamar University to the Southeast Texas Workforce Board. They also reveal their top strategies for choosing a career path, maximizing your college experience, and launching a rewarding career in workforce development. Tune in to hear from Alexis Miller, outreach liaison, and Caden Moran, Workforce and Labor Market Analyst, both of Wor...

Tune in for a conversation with Roy West, Mayor of Beaumont, as Mayor West shares his personal and professional journey and reveals insights about the future of workforce development in Beaumont. Mayor West shares some of the unique benefits of Beaumont, including its strategic location and proximity to nature. He also reveals how his vision for Beaumont extends beyond its geographic advantages, h...

Stan Odenthal, Workforce Development Strategist with the Odenthal Group, joins the show to talk about the upcoming Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Industry Forums. Stan discusses the importance of the forums as an opportunity for employers to share their workforce needs and concerns and also hear updates from industry leaders on important topics affecting them. The forum schedule is as follows...

ExxonMobil Beaumont Area Public & Government Affairs Advisor Andrew Ortiz joins the show to talk about the company's 409 Energy Scholars program. The two-week program introduces incoming Beaumont ISD seniors to the petrochemical industry and provides information about available careers at the Beaumont-area operation.  Participant Brian Godina, senior at West Brook Senior High School, also joins th...

Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) President Dr. Sidney Valentine joins the show to talk about the college's new Workforce and Allied Health Training Center and nursing program. Dr. Valentine also emphasizes the importance of blue-collar workers, whom he describes as "gold-collar," to the ever-growing industrial sector of Southeast Texas. For more information about LIT, visit   www.lit.edu

Hear how Southeast Texas industry leaders created a local Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter to enhance training and career options for students while building a pipeline of skilled workers to support the manufacturing industry. The panel of guests includes Stacey Nichols, Golden Triangle FAME president; Tony Davis, National Director, FAME USA and Dereck Cloeren, Operat...

In Part 2 of our discussion with Chris Kirkendall, the Hardin County Commissioner discusses labor and broadband needs, tips for transitioning veterans, and his vision for the county moving forward.

In Part 1 of Southeast Texas Works conversation with Hardin County Commissioner Chris Kirkendall, we discuss economic development, commerce, and how Silsbee ISD Career and Technical Education is helping prepare the workforce of the future for in-demand and promising career opportunities.

Dr. Janeal White from Southeast Texas Coalition for the Homeless joins the show to talk about the issue of homelessness in our area. Dr. White's organization, a community services division of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission, connects community organizations that provide services and aid for the homeless and collects local data on the homeless population, which can be a difficult t...

Raquel Ochoa and Erika Banda Meza of the Hispanic Business Association of Southeast Texas join the show to talk about the needs and accomplishments of Hispanic businesses in our area. Their organization strives to uplift Spanish-speaking employers and entrepreneurs, educate them, and provide tools for growth. The two sisters also share their personal stories of how they became successful entrepren...