
In The News
Skill Up Cameron
No Cost Online Courses for Cameron County Residents
Metrix Learning
Brownsville, TX – Cameron County residents have an opportunity to enroll for online courses through the Skill Up Cameron initiative to upgrade or learn new skills at their own pace from any computer with internet access. This Metrix Learning initiative sponsored by Workforce Solutions Cameron, the local workforce development board, offers general workplace courses that complement any work environment to continue furthering an individual’s employment skills.

SteelCoast Wins Award at Texas Workforce Conference
Award honors local employer for excellence in Texas
Brownsville – Workforce Solutions Cameron is proud to recognize SteelCoast, LLC as the region's 2022 Local Employer of Excellence. SteelCoast accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 25th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held November 30–December 2, 2022, in Dallas. The award honors private-sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and make a positive impact on workers, the community, and the state.
Workforce Solutions Cameron honored at the Texas Workforce Commission Board Awards
March 2, 2021 (Brownsville, TX) Virtual – Workforce Solutions (WFS) Cameron was honored at the Texas Workforce Commission’s Board Awards presentation that was held virtually on January 12, 2021. WFS Cameron was among three boards that were recognized with the Texas HireAbility Award. The Award honors Boards that have successfully promoted employment opportunities for talented and dedicated Texans with disabilities. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding local HireAbility campaign efforts that have benefitted both job seekers with disabilities and employers who hire them.

AV Lopez Supermarket Honored at Texas Workforce Conference Virtual Employer Awards
TWC Employer Awards - AV Lopez Supermarket received the Local Employer Award of Excellence at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 24th Annual Texas Workforce Conference Employer Awards held Virtually on December 9, 2020. The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers, and their community.
Broadband Planning for Brownsville, TX
August 26, 2020 (Brownsville, TX) – The City of Brownsville, in partnership with seven strategic local stakeholders (Brownsville Public Utilities Board, Port of Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Greater Brownsville Incentives Cooperation, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, and Brownsville Independent School District) have announced a new campaign to help bring faster internet and better internet access to online Brownsville citizens.
Virtual Town Hall
Workforce Solutions Cameron in partnership with Texas Workforce Commission hosted a VIRTUAL TOWN HALL via ZOOM to discuss Workforce Solutions services for Employers and to address updates on employment regulations, business services, and resources amid COVID‐19.
A Call to Action: A New Standard of Clean
Grant Funded Program aims to tackle COVID-19 with new initiative
Cameron County Education Initiative (CCEI), a non-profit career training school recently collaborated with the “Breaking Bad” actor and philanthropist RJ Mitte and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), a member of The Texas A&M University System, to create a disinfectant and cleaning-training program. The program, to be funded in part by 200 scholarships from Workforce Solutions Cameron through a Texas Workforce Commission grant program, which aims to safeguard working and living conditions as communities begin to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three part program consists of online or web based instructor led training for workers (2 hours) and leaders (4 hours). There is a decal system to showcase “new standard of clean” training was completed; however, to earn the decal the workers and leaders must have successfully completed the training.
RJ Mitte, a resident of Cameron County who lives with cerebral palsy, was instrumental in the program development and has become a passionate advocate on this topic. “This Call to Action is vital in that it allows us to keep Texas open safely and raise the standard of clean for healthier communities” stated Mitte.
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL via ZOOM
Workforce Solutions Cameron in partnership with Texas Workforce Commission is hosting a VIRTUAL TOWN HALL via ZOOM to discuss Workforce Solutions services for Employers and to address updates on employment regulations, business
services, and resources amid COVID‐19. Please submit your questions in advance for discussion during the Virtual
Town Hall Meeting. Registration and Questions must be submitted by June 5, 2020.
Despierta Brownsville Workforce Development Update

Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for an early morning opportunity to chat about the great things going on at Workforce Solutions Cameron!
Workforce Solutions Cameron strives to meet the needs and demands of our workforce community by educating, employing and empowering for a better quality of life. Pat Hobbs, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Cameron, will give an update regarding
- An overview of Texas Workforce Commission Grant opportunities for employers
- Review workforce services available for employers at Workforce Solutions Cameron offices
- New industries locating to the area
Opportunities for new training programs and apprenticeships
Workforce Solutions Cameron and Texas Pack Honored at Texas Workforce Conference
Dallas- Texas Pack received the Employer Award of Excellence for the Workforce Solutions Cameron area at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 23rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held December 4-6 in Dallas, Texas. The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.


2019 Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Hiring Fair to Take Place November 7
AUSTIN – For the eighth year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, Nov. 7. TWC’s eight annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking the exceptional skills of veterans and their spouses.
WFS Cameron to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month
HARLINGEN, TX – Workforce Solutions (WFS) Cameron announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "The Right Talent, Right Now"
Texas Workforce Commission Partners with Workforce Solutions Cameron, Lower Rio Grande Valley and the U.S. Department of Labor for $1,225,502 Re-entry Project
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) was recently awarded a $1,225,502 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for the "Texas Pathways to Re-entry" project to offer career pathway options for former offenders in high demand sectors in South Texas using a combination of basic skills, technical skills, and post-secondary opportunities toward successful employment.. The project, a partnership alongside two regional Boards: Workforce Solutions Cameron and Lower Rio Grande Valley, kicked off with an announcement event (and tour) in Weslaco attended by TWC Commissioner of Labor Julian Alvarez.
3RD ANNUAL FOSTER SUCCESS YOUTH CONFERENCE
Conference to Empower Foster Youth
BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Workforce Solutions Cameron, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Preparation for Adult Living Division (DFPS-PAL), the Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB) and the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA), will host the 3rd Annual Foster Success Youth Conference on August 8th from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Brownsville Event Center located off Paredes Line Rd.
Rio Grande LNG Project
BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- A high demand of workers at the Port of Brownsville. According to a recent workforce summit, approximately 9,000 jobs or more are expected in the Brownsville area. Pat Hobbs with Workforce Solutions Cameron said this about the current and upcoming employment landscape in the region.“I would say it's a high demand. We're hurting for a skilled trades workforce.” The port is projecting growth and is now in the process of looking for workers to fill new jobs. Most positions said have an emphasis in skilled labor and come as a result of upcoming projects such as ship building. A major dredging project and if approved, the arrival of the LNG facilities.
TEDC Presents Workforce Excellence Awards at 2019
The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) has announced the recipients of our 2019 Workforce Excellence Awards. The awards will be presented at a special awards breakfast held Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the TEDC’s Mid-Year Conference in Rockwall, Texas. The two and one half-day conference was held June 12-14, 2019, at the Hilton Rockwall Hotel.
GenTX Decision Day 2019 set for May 3
Austin, Texas, April 26, 2019 — The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), creators of the Generation Texas (GenTX) college-going movement, announced that GenTX Decision Day 2019 will be held on May 3 in support of a statewide, daylong celebration to inspire students to pursue and achieve a higher education. The first goal is to have at least 1,200 Texas High Schools accept the challenge and register for #GenTXDay to support students with activities, events and outreach across the state. The second goal is to prepare graduating seniors to make better financial decisions.
Julian Alvarez Presents $322,033 in Grant Funding to Rio Grande Valley-Area

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded three individual grants: a $49,900 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant to Workforce Solutions Cameron in collaboration with Harlingen Economic Development Corporation; a $155,721 Skills Development Fund grant to Texas State Technical College – Harlingen in partnership with a manufacturing consortium; and a $116,412 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. These grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions area of Cameron.
“Today reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to employee development and helping Texas workers find rewarding,
Valley Regional Medical Center Partnership with TSTC

AUSTIN ⎯ Valley Regional Medical Center has partnered with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to provide job training using a $202,162 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Cameron area.
“The partnership between Valley Regional Medical Center and Texas State Technical College on this Skills Development Fund grant will benefit both the local community and its workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Our labor force is among the most talented and skilled in the world, and we continue to seek and implement strategies to improve the skills of Texas workers.”
1st Annual CTE Signing Day Event

Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day event! On Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. Representative James White will be reading resolution HR 241 on the House Chamber Floor designating a Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day for the next 10 years. A Signing Ceremony will follow with Lamar Institute of Technology and four students who will receive scholarships. Please look for more to come on this on TWC social media channels
Spectrum Honored at Texas Workforce Conference
AUSTIN – Spectrum received the Employer Award of Excellence for the Workforce Solutions Cameron area at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 22nd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Nov. 28 – 30 in Houston. The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office (SBA) in collaboration with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Texas Workforce Solutions and Workforce Solutions Cameron present the "Work Opportunity Tax Credit Seminar".
Workforce Solutions Cameron Press Release
Workforce Solutions Cameron today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
Governor's Proclamation
The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, proclaimed October 2018 to be Careers in Construction Month. Each year, October is dedicated to increasing public awareness and appreciation of the construction industry. During this month, employers, trade associations and schools are encouraged to conduct job fairs, panel discussions and community events to inform students of the industry’s many employment opportunities.

Cameron County Education Initiative Inc. and Workforce Solutions Cameron have partnered to establish a pre-apprenticeship construction program in Cameron County. The program is part of the Texas Industry Partnership initiative and will help up to 25 eligible participants gain skills in use of basic hand and power tools, trades math and blueprints. Some participants also receive certification in first aid and forklift driving. This customized training is made possible using a $50,000 TIP grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Cameron area.
Texas Workforce Press Release
AUSTIN –The new WorkInTexas.com website will have a user-friendly mobile design, offer modern communications capabilities, and increased access to jobs and workforce talent. The site will also enable Texas Workforce Solutions to significantly enhance service delivery, offering employers and job seekers another reason to connect with their local workforce development boards. Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) core mission is to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. Economic prosperity is directly tied to the ability of employers to recruit and retain qualified employees and for job seekers to easily search and apply for jobs.
Job Fair for Former Felons
Jesús Peña had a very tough time looking for a job. No one would hire him. However, many people like Peña, who were convicted of a felony, eventually found a job.
For those convicted of a felony it can be very challenging to get a job once they're out of jail. But some employers who hire them say they're actually their best employees. It ends up being a win-win for both the employee and the employer.
Peña now works at a septic tank collection business in Brownsville. He says it's a dirty job, but the grimes of the job is way better than his past.

MCALLEN, RGV – An absorbing conversation took place at a Texas Workforce Commission Regional Stakeholders Meeting about whether too much emphasis has been placed on getting students to take four-year degree programs, rather than learn technical skills.
As in the past, the catalyst for the discussion was Pat Hobbs, executive director of Workforce Solution Cameron. After listening to the remarks of local industry leaders and educators whose job it is to align courses with the needs of the workplace, Hobbs said he was where things appear to be headed.
“I am sitting here really heartened by the fact the world has finally come full circle.
BROWNSVILLE, TX - It’s a $2.2 million investment expected to bring nearly $7.7 million annually as an economic impact for the Brownsville Region.
This April, Greyhound begins retrofitting a facility at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. The company expects 70 new jobs created in Brownsville with the announcement. The project has been in the works since 2016 between Greyhound Lines, Inc and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.Greyhound plans to open a refurbishing and final assembly operation in Brownsville.

WESLACO, RGV – A tour of the Rio Grande Valley, stretching over three days, has just finished for five site selectors from Germany.
The selectors specialize in helping European manufacturing companies expand into North America and they were given their first tour of the Valley, comprising 21 different stops, by Rio South Texas Economic Council (RSTEC).
As well as seeing what the Valley has to offer, the tour allowed the site selectors to build relationships with Valley leaders in the sectors of international trade, economic development and higher education. According to Stefan Aengenheyster, director of European Affairs for the European American Investment Council (EAIC), the site selectors were suitably impressed.
AUSTIN – Vermillion Restaurant and Watering Hole (Vermillion) received the Employer Award of Excellence for the Workforce Solutions (WFS) Cameron area at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 21st Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 in Dallas. The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.