Five years ago, the Houston region faced an employment crisis unlike any we had seen in recent history. In April 2020 alone, more than 300,000 residents lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At Workforce Solutions, we knew we had to act fast — and in partnership with ABC13, we launched the Who’s Hiring Job Fair to help our community reconnect with opportunities and start rebuilding.
What started as an emergency response has grown into something much more: a long-standing collaboration that continues to provide job seekers with career guidance, access to upskilling opportunities, and real-life stories of success and resilience.
One of those stories belongs to Antwyon Derouen. Like many others, Antwyon found himself uncertain about the future.
“I was sitting at home playing video games,” he told us, remembering what life looked like before he took his next step. After learning about a certification program in the oil and gas industry, Antwyon was ready to make a change — but financial barriers stood in the way. That’s when he turned to Workforce Solutions.
With our support, Antwyon secured the funding he needed to complete his training in just five weeks. Today, he’s not only employed — he’s thriving. Antwyon now represents his company at job fairs, encouraging others to take advantage of the same support that helped him transform his life.
“They’re willing to help you,” he said. “They’re willing to pay for your school. They’re willing to get you to do something besides sitting at home and playing video games.”
This month, our Who’s Hiring Job Fair is shining a spotlight on a fast-growing opportunity: teacher apprenticeships. In partnership with Deans for Impact, we’re promoting programs that offer college students a paid pathway into teaching — combining hands-on experience with high-quality preparation.
We’re proud to support this initiative by securing funding to help cover student wages. These programs not only open new doors for aspiring educators but also strengthen our schools and communities in the process.
Whether you’re looking to launch a new career, gain a certification, or explore the field of education, our job fairs are built to meet you where you are — and help you move forward.
At Workforce Solutions, we remain committed to connecting people with purpose — because when even one person finds their place in the workforce, our entire community moves forward.
