Helping Gulf Coast Employers Build a Stronger Workforce

Helping Gulf Coast Employers Build a Stronger Workforce

In this episode of the WFSGC podcast, Crosby Brito walks through the support available to Gulf Coast employers, from recruitment and hiring events to On-the-Job Training, incumbent worker training, registered apprenticeships, labor market insights, regional partnerships, and transition support during layoffs or restructuring. Whether a business is hiring, managing turnover, planning for growth, or navigating change, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast connects employers to talent, resources, and workforce strategies that support long-term success.

Housing, Education & the Data Behind Getting Ahead

In this episode of the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast podcast, Parker Harvey unpacks what regional data reveals about housing, education, career pathways, and financial stability across the Gulf Coast. Even with a steady job, getting ahead can feel difficult when housing, childcare, and education costs continue to rise faster than wages. The conversation also explores why a four-year degree is not the only path to opportunity, and how technical training, certifications, apprenticeships, and skilled trades can lead to high-demand careers with less debt.

Hire Gulf Coast Youth: Internships, Summer Jobs & Career Pathways

Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast is helping connect young people across the region to meaningful career opportunities through Hire Gulf Coast Youth. In this conversation, LaToya Casemere shares how HGCY supports youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 through internships, paid work experiences, summer jobs, pre-apprenticeships, career exploration, and training opportunities. She also explains the importance of the Power of One campaign, which encourages employers to hire, mentor, or host just one young person. One opportunity can help a young person build confidence, gain workplace experience, grow their professional network, and take the first step toward long-term economic mobility. Employers can get involved by offering internships, summer jobs, mentoring, career exploration opportunities, or other work-based learning experiences. Learn more: wrksolutions.com/hgcy Follow Hire Gulf Coast Youth on Instagram: @hiregulfcoastyouth

¿Qué es Workforce Solutions?

En este episodio de Workforce Solutions, Crosby Brito conversa con la Dra. María Franco sobre los servicios disponibles para la comunidad en la región de la Costa del Golfo. Workforce Solutions ofrece apoyo sin costo para personas que buscan empleo, desean cambiar de carrera, necesitan capacitación o certificaciones, o enfrentan barreras como transporte, cuidado infantil o desafíos financieros. También cuenta con servicios especializados para veteranos, personas con discapacidades, trabajadores mayores, jóvenes, estudiantes y personas afectadas por despidos o cambios económicos. En esta conversación aprenderás sobre: Apoyo en la búsqueda de empleo Ayuda con currículos y preparación para entrevistas Programas de capacitación y certificaciones Conexiones con empleadores e industrias que están contratando Servicios de apoyo para superar barreras al empleo Oportunidades para jóvenes, estudiantes y trabajadores en transición Para más información, visita: www.wrksolutions.com También puedes seguir a Workforce Solutions en Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn y YouTube.

Apprenticeships Work!: Building a Stronger Workforce

Most people still believe the only path to a successful career runs through a four-year college degree. But what if there’s another way? In this episode of the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast podcast, we explore how apprenticeships are creating real pathways into high-demand careers without student debt. As the Gulf Coast region experiences rapid growth across construction, healthcare, and infrastructure, the demand for skilled workers is rising fast. Major projects are underway, billions of dollars are being invested, and employers are facing a critical challenge: finding and keeping talent. So what’s the solution? Apprenticeships. Joined by workforce leaders and industry experts, this conversation breaks down how registered apprenticeship programs are helping employers build talent from the ground up while giving individuals the opportunity to earn a paycheck, gain hands-on experience, and develop in-demand skills at the same time. You’ll hear directly from employers, workforce leaders, and individuals who have gone through the system, offering a real look at how apprenticeships work, why they matter, and how they are transforming lives and businesses across the region. From solving the skills gap to redefining what career success looks like, this is a conversation about access, alignment, and the future of work. What You’ll Learn * What a registered apprenticeship program is and why it matters * How “earn while you learn” creates a debt-free career pathway * Why employers are struggling to find talent—and what’s changing * The real skills gap (math, communication, and workplace readiness) * How apprenticeships combine classroom learning with real-world experience * The difference between apprenticeship-trained workers and traditional hires * Why the four-year degree is no longer the only path to success * How to get started as a job seeker or employer Timestamps  0:00 – Rethinking the path to a career  0:40 – The workforce shortage and regional demand  1:30 – Meet Crosby Brito  2:00 – What employers are facing today  4:00 – Workforce Solutions support for employers  6:00 – Apprenticeships as a talent strategy  8:30 – The real skills gap  11:00 – Transition to industry perspective  12:00 – What a registered apprenticeship is  15:00 – Earn while you learn explained  17:00 – Real story: from apprentice to business owner  20:00 – The difference in apprenticeship-trained workers  22:00 – Regional growth and opportunity  24:00 – Apprenticeships vs. college  25:30 – How to get started Guests Featured * Juliet Stipeche – Executive Director, Gulf Coast Workforce Board * Crosby Brito – Senior Manager, Employer Engagement * Paul Puente – Executive Secretary, Houston Gulf Coast Building & Construction Trades  * Martin Trevino – CEO, All Team Services Connect to Opportunity Looking for a job, training, or a new career path? Visit: www.wrksolutions.com [http://www.wrksolutions.com] Call: 888-469-5627 For apprenticeship opportunities:  Visit: www.houstonconstructioncareers.com [http://www.houstonconstructioncareers.com] Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast offers free resources to help you get started. About the Podcast This podcast was created to close the gap between what workforce systems do and what people understand about them. Each episode highlights real conversations, real challenges, and real opportunities.