Southeast Texas Works‪!‬ Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas

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

Megan Romero Layne, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, joins the podcast during Economic Development Week for an insightful discussion on the multifaceted role of economic development in driving growth, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life in Orange County. Megan shares her expertise on attracting major projects like the Golden Triangle Polymers facility, fostering strategic partnerships, developing a skilled workforce, and improving quality of life factors. Join us as we explore the collaborative, multidimensional nature of economic development and its potential to transform a region's economic landscape. To learn more about the Orange County Economic Development Corporation and their initiatives, visit https://orangecountyedc.com/.

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