MARSHALL — In Texas, 31 percent of the workforce is in the oiland gas industry, bringing in $16 billion of the gross staterevenue, experts say.
Job seekers in the industry were able to connect with companiesSaturday at a job fair in the Marshall Convention Center
“This was the biggest job fair we have had yet. Right now, weare at 30 companies, and we are expecting at least 1,200 to 1,500participants,” said Tom Norman for sponsor Town Square Media, whichhas radio stations in Tyler-Longview and Shreveport.
Norman said applicants have called from as far away asLafayette, La., and companies have traveled from as far asHouston.
“Honestly, I was expecting it to be this large,” Norman said.“There is a need, and everyone wants to better themselves so thisis an opportunity for people to build a better resume.”
Several of the job seekers brought portfolios and resumes, andNorman said he expected a good number of participants to walk awayfrom the fair with a career.
“Companies would not be here if they weren’t looking foremployees,” he said.
Several colleges and institutions were among the recruiters.
“Many of the careers now require employees to have theircommercial driver’s license,” Norman said. “So there are collegessuch as Texas State Technical College and Panola who provide theservices for those seeking to obtain a CDL.”
Virginia Menking, staffing specialist for CJ Energy Services inHouston, said she was looking for employees who had commercialdriver’s licenses.
“We are growing and expanding, and there is so much need fortalent, it is critical we participate in these fairs,” Menkingsaid.
“We have seen a lot of experienced participants,” she said.
Brandon Mitchell of Tyler, 26, said he recently graduated fromAngelina College and was seeking a career as an electrician.
“I have been unemployed since I graduated from college inDecember, so I am hoping to find a job today,” Mitchell said.“Being unemployed and hunting for a full-time job is a full-timejob.
“I just want somebody to give me a chance,” Mitchell said. “Ihave had a lot of people picking up my resume, so I amhopeful.”
Harrison County unemployment rate in December was 7.3 percent,above Panola County at 6.5 percent, Gregg County at 5.8 percent andRusk County at 6.1 percent, according to a report from the TexasWorkforce Commission.
Marion County’s unemployment rate was 8.4 percent, while UpshurCounty was at 8 percent.
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