Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas hosts job fair for veterans

TEXARKANA, Texas (KSLA) — Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas, which serves nine counties, was looking for employees just before Veterans Day.

“It’s nice things are specifically designed for veterans,” said Matthew, a Marine veteran who attended the job fair Thursday, Nov. 10.

Area veterans got the first opportunity Thursday morning to look for employment at the annual Red White and You job fair in Texarkana, Texas.

“Yes, I hope I find a job today. I think so. ... I’ve already talked to a few tables and I think there are some good opportunities,” Matthew said.

And opportunities there were. Leaders with Northeast Texas Workforce Solutions said more than 80 employers attended and more than 1,500 jobs were up for grabs.

“We’ve got manufacturing, healthcare, office jobs, finance, retail, hospitality, really a large variety to connect a veteran to a job,” said Bart Spivey, of Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas.

Spivey said veterans can do a lot to secure employment.

“They need to be able to sell themselves and show employers how their experience in the military can translate into the work force.”

Thursday’s event was not just for veterans, though. Local high school students also got an opportunity to see what job opportunities are out there.

Landon Kade was encouraged by what he found.

“I feel like it’s a pretty good event. They got a lot of job opportunities and just being here for the last 10 minutes, I’ve learned a lot,” Kade said.

“With a lot of job openings and we are just trying to make those connections with our veteran population,” Spivey said.

This is the 11th year for the Red White and You job fair.

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