Jon Davis, COO, and Jacquetta Alleman, Director of Marketing, at H.B. Neild Construction join the show to talk about the company's history, in-demand jobs, and career pathways in the Southeast Texas construction industry. Learn about the skills needed, opportunities for growth, and future trends shaping the field. The company's new Orange location is also discussed. For more information about careers at H.B. Neild Construction, visit https://hbneild.com/careers/.

This episode features an interview with Robert Grimm, Emergency Management Coordinator for Jefferson County, Texas. Robert discusses his role in preparing for and responding to various emergencies, with a focus on hurricane preparedness. He explains the steps taken by the county when a hurricane is approaching, including evacuation procedures, resource staging, and damage assessment. He also touches on other emergency scenarios like industrial incidents and mass casualty events. The conversation covers topics such as the Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN), the importance of having an emergency plan, and recent hurricane activity in the area. For more information about Jefferson County Emergency Management visit https://co.jefferson.tx.us/em.htm

This episode features a conversation with Ana Pereda, Executive Director of Workforce at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Ana discusses her role in managing and developing LIT's non-credit training programs, emphasizing their responsiveness to community workforce needs. She also highlights innovative approaches such as integrating English as a Second Language (ESL) components with technical training, and details various in-demand programs including CDL training, appliance repair, and leadership courses. Discover how LIT is adapting its programs to meet the evolving workforce demands of Southeast Texas. To learn more, visit: https://www.lit.edu/workforce-continuing-education

In this episode of the Southeast Texas Works podcast, we speak with Carrie Phillips, plant manager at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Orange plant. Carrie shares her unique journey to becoming a plant manager, the importance of mentorship, and her day-to-day responsibilities in ensuring the safety of her team and the community while producing high-quality plastic products. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the jobs in high demand within the petrochemical industry, and her advice for young students, particularly women, interested in pursuing careers in this field. Tune in to learn more about the vital role of the petrochemical industry in our everyday lives and the exciting career opportunities it offers.

This episode features a conversation with Paul Swetish, Fire Chief, and Brian McDonald, CEO and President of Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC). They discuss the unique aspects of industrial firefighting and how RTFC, founded in 1948 in response to the deadly Texas City industrial fire, has become the largest non-profit industrial firefighting organization in the U.S. Chief Swetish outlines the career pathway and rigorous training to become an RTFC firefighter and reveals RTFC's specialized equipment, unified command structure, and emphasis on safety. Discover the strong need for new recruits to join RTFC as industrial firefighters in the growing Southeast Texas region. To learn more, visit: www.rtfc.org

Tune in for a conversation with Dana Espinal, Director of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With over 30 years of experience as a small business owner and trusted advisor, Dana shares her wealth of knowledge on how the SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southeast Texas. From one-on-one consulting and training programs to navigating SBA loans and certifications, Dana provides invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners. She also discusses the importance of community engagement, youth entrepreneurship, and supporting local businesses to foster a thriving small business ecosystem in the region. For more information, visit: https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/sbdc/Lamar_State_SBDC.asp

Join Dr. Johanna Boult, Department Chair, and Chelsea Lyles, Director of SLP Clinical Services in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at Lamar University, as they discuss the diverse career opportunities available in speech-language pathology and audiology. Gain valuable insights into the training programs offered and learn how they can prepare you for a rewarding career in speech and hearing sciences. Whether you're considering these professions or seeking to advance your current career, this podcast provides essential guidance for navigating the field with confidence. For more information visit https://www.lamar.edu/fine-arts-communication/speech-and-hearing-sciences/

Join us as we sit down with Sgt. Jeremy Kempt, a dedicated Career Counselor for the Texas Army National Guard. From discussing the recruitment process to understanding the Guard's pivotal role in disaster response, Sgt. Kempt sheds light on the diverse array of careers within the Guard and shares insights into his recent participation in the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Youth Career Expo. Tune in as we uncover the opportunities, challenges, and invaluable experiences within the Texas Army National Guard, and how it intersects with workforce development. For more information visit https://www.nationalguard.com/texas

Beaumont City Manager Kenneth Williams shares the dynamic vision for downtown Beaumont, discussing how innovative projects like a food truck park and river walk could reshape the city's landscape while fostering economic growth and community vibrancy. Also, learn about collaborative efforts addressing pressing workforce challenges and ensuring a skilled workforce. For more information about the Downtown Plan, visit https://beaumontvision2035.com, and for more about the city of Beaumont, visit www.beaumonttexas.gov.