As Workforce Solutions prepares to welcome the military-connected community to VetConnect Day – Houston Fleet Week Edition, this year’s event is focused on one clear mission: building a direct bridge between military talent and Houston’s strongest workforce pipelines.
Designed specifically for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses, VetConnect connects military experience to high-demand civilian careers, particularly in petrochemical, maritime, logistics, and skilled trades industries.
Event Details
- Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Location: San Jacinto College – Central Campus, LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology, 7901 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507
- Event Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fleet Week Houston VetConnect is intentionally structured to align military skillsets with Houston’s high-growth industries. With active participation from the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard during Fleet Week, the event focuses on employers whose workforce needs closely match Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and technical training common within those branches.
Participating industries are expected to include:
- Petrochemical and energy operations
- Maritime and port-related careers
- Industrial maintenance and skilled trades
- Logistics, transportation, and supply chain
- Safety, compliance, and operations management
The goal is clear: help veterans and service members translate their discipline, technical expertise, and leadership into civilian roles where those skills are in high demand.
A High-Impact Hiring Environment
This year’s Fleet Week Houston VetConnect is expected to create a powerful workforce exchange:
- 45 employers, alongside state agencies and nonprofit partners
- Approximately 500 service members and veterans
That mix creates an intentionally “high-impact” environment, large enough to generate real hiring outcomes, yet focused enough to allow meaningful one-on-one conversations, networking, and next-step opportunities.
Rather than simply submitting a résumé, attendees will engage directly with employers who understand military experience and are actively recruiting military-connected talent.
A Coordinated Workforce Effort
What distinguishes VetConnect from a traditional job fair is its coordinated approach. The event brings together employers, workforce agencies, education providers, and veteran-serving organizations to support not only immediate hiring but also long-term career success.
Standout partners include:
- Combined Arms: Connecting veterans to coordinated resources and career navigation support.
- Texas Workforce Commission: Aligning statewide workforce initiatives with veteran employment priorities.
- Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast: Driving regional hiring pipelines and supporting direct job placement.
- Texas Veterans Commission: Integrating employment services with broader veteran support systems.
- San Jacinto College: Showcasing certification programs, apprenticeships, and fast-track training tied directly to industry needs.
As Mia Garcia, Executive Director of Texas Veterans Network powered by Combined Arms, explains:
“Fleet Week Houston VetConnect captures the heart of our mission at Combined Arms, where service members aren’t just thanked for what they’ve done — they’re actively supported in what comes next,” said Garcia. “Houston is full of opportunities in petrochemical and maritime careers, and this event helps veterans chart a new course: sailing toward their next mission with employers who are ready to hire their talent.”
Together, these partners ensure VetConnect is a coordinated workforce initiative designed to equip veterans with knowledge, connections, and confidence as they transition into their next chapter.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top employers and advance your career. Register for the VetConnect Day – Houston Fleet Week Edition today to secure your spot and access career resources.
