As the end of the school year approaches, many high school and college students are beginning the search for job opportunities. Experts emphasize the importance of early preparation to improve employment prospects after graduation.
According to the most recent report from Workforce Solutions, the Houston area added 5,700 new jobs during the month of March. Although the growth is considered low, there were positive signs in six of the eleven industries monitored, including Leisure & Hospitality and Health Services.
Early Preparation Is Key for Students
Dr. Pablo Troncoso, economics professor at the University of Houston, recommends that students start preparing for the job market before completing their degrees.
“We prepare the students, we have talks every semester,” Troncoso said. “We tell them, look, you have to graduate with a résumé that is completely ready.”
He advises students to set aside time during their studies to polish their résumés and update their LinkedIn profiles. Participating in job fairs and attending company panels held at universities are also important steps.
Workforce Solutions Offers Summer Program for Youth
To support young job seekers, Workforce Solutions will host a summer workshop for individuals aged sixteen to twenty-four. The registration deadline is May 3, and the program will run from June 16 through August 8, offering over eight weeks of intensive training across various technical fields.
Participants will receive compensation ranging from $10 to $16 per hour, depending on the career path they choose. For example, students interested in fields like plumbing or air conditioning will have the opportunity to work and study simultaneously, earning up to $500 a week.
All services offered by Workforce Solutions are completely free of charge. For more information about available workshops and job opportunities, students and graduates can visit the Workforce Solutions website.
