Job seekers looking to break into the growing field of computer science have an opportunity to connect with industry experts and employers this week. ABC13, in partnership with Workforce Solutions – Gulf Coast, hosted an in-person job fair on Thursday, June 26 aimed at those interested in professional, scientific, and technical careers.
Attendees had the chance to meet directly with employers hiring in high-demand sectors like computer and information technology. ABC13 hosted a livestream of the event featuring conversations with industry professionals about career pathways and how to enter the field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information technology offer strong earning potential and long-term growth. The average annual salary in the field is around $105,000, more than twice the national average across all occupations. Over the next decade, the sector is projected to offer approximately 350,000 job openings each year.
One local organization helping bridge the digital divide is Compudopt, a Houston-based nonprofit that refurbishes donated computer equipment and distributes it for free to eligible families. Speaking to ABC13, Marie Arcos, Compudopt’s chief government affairs officer, explained the group’s approach.
“Sometimes you have to put a fresh screen on it, or a new keyboard, or it’s kind of like Frankenstein. We take a piece of this one, and a piece of that one and we put them together,” Arcos said.
In addition to providing hardware, Compudopt supports access to technology careers—often without requiring a four-year degree. Certifications that can be completed in a matter of months can help candidates get hired.
“You don’t have to have background in it,” Arcos told ABC13. “You just have to be willing to say, ‘Yes, I’m willing to step into a career, I can show up on time, I’m going to ask questions, and I’m going to be curious.’”
The job fair is part of ABC13’s ongoing effort to connect the Houston community with career resources, especially in fast-growing industries like tech.
For more details on upcoming hiring events or to access job listings, visit www.wrksolutions.com.
