E53: Protecting the Petrochemical Heartland: RTFC's Vital Role in Southeast Texas
Release Date: 05/17/2024
E77: Driving the Future: Careers in Automotive Technology
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode, we explore the growing demand for skilled automotive technicians and why this high tech, high opportunity field is becoming one of the most overlooked career paths today. Leaders from Bolton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram share what they are seeing on the ground, from the rapid evolution of vehicle technology to the urgent need for a new generation of talent. You will learn how today’s technicians use laptops and software as much as traditional tools, and the training pathways available for those just starting out. Whether you are a student, job seeker, or employer, this...
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E76: Beyond the X-Ray: Your Path to a Career in Radiologic Technology
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode, we sit down with Robyn Whitney and Erynne Dryden from the Baptist Hospital School of Radiologic Technology to explore one of Southeast Texas’ best kept healthcare career secrets. With a legacy dating back to 1951, this hospital-based program offers a unique, hands-on pathway into the high-demand field of radiologic technology. You’ll learn what a typical day looks like for an X-ray technologist, what it takes to complete the intensive 24-month associate degree program, and why workforce demand is creating strong job opportunities. For more information visit
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E75: Inside Dow’s Apprenticeship: Earning, Learning, and Advancing
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode, you’ll hear from Milton Briggs, Apprenticeship Program Leader at Dow, who offers an inside look at how Dow is building strong, sustainable talent pipelines through its apprenticeship and early-career programs in Southeast Texas. Milton shares how Dow’s operations transform natural gas into essential products used in everything from infrastructure to healthcare, while also investing deeply in community partnerships, education, and workforce development. Discover how Dow’s “earn while you learn” apprenticeship model works, what qualities the company looks for in...
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E74: Bechtel Builds Workforce Using Apprenticeship Model
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Anthony, Workforce Development Specialist at Bechtel, one of the world’s largest and most significant engineering, construction, and project management firms. Patrick shares how Bechtel is building the future through its Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs, which combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience, use NCCER credentials to create portable career pathways, and help close the growing skills gap across major projects in Southeast Texas. We’ll explore the skilled trades and career pathways available, the...
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E73: Skills That Pay: Your Pipeline to a High-Demand Career with Local 211
Southeast Texas Works!
Get ready for a deep dive into a high-demand career path, as we sit down with Jeff Broussard, Business Agent/Organizer, and Joseph Karcher, Assistant Coordinator for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, to explore the Pipefitters Local 211 Registered Apprenticeship Program. We discuss the critical work pipefitters perform across Southeast Texas industries, the key skills needed for success, and how the region's industrial growth is shaping the demand for skilled workers. Our guests walk us through the apprenticeship requirements, the intensive training and classroom...
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E72: Southeast Texas Labor Market Trends: An In-Depth Economic Update
Southeast Texas Works!
Southeast Texas has faced a challenging road since 2020, but the region’s labor market has made a strong comeback. In this episode, Texas Workforce Commission Economist William Lutz provides an in-depth economic update, highlighting the banner year of job growth in 2024, how our unemployment rate has tracked closer to the state average, and why industries like construction and manufacturing continue to drive opportunity in the Golden Triangle. We also explore current hiring trends, wage comparisons, and the outlook for 2025, giving both employers and job seekers valuable insight into where...
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E71: Growing Leaders in Construction: Inside Apache Industrial’s Workforce Development
Southeast Texas Works!
Discover how Apache Industrial is building the future workforce through hands-on training, leadership development, and community outreach. In this episode, Zeke Smith, Director of Leadership & Workforce Development at Apache Industrial, shares how apprenticeships open doors to rewarding careers, why safety is central to the industry, and how programs are empowering youth, women, and veterans to succeed in the trades. Explore the career pathways that turn hard work into opportunity and leadership in one of the nation’s most vital industries.
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E70: Rave Financial Shares Insights on Careers in Finance and Smart Money Management
Southeast Texas Works!
Daniel Marshall and Lori Higgins of Rave Financial share how the credit union is expanding career opportunities in the finance industry while empowering individuals to take control of their money. From the Money Better program that teaches practical budgeting skills, to the Rave Partner Program that helps employers reduce financial stress in the workplace, Rave is shaping a financially stronger Southeast Texas. The conversation also highlights Rave’s outreach to youth—bringing real-world financial lessons into high schools and inspiring future careers at the Workforce Solutions Youth...
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E69: Resumes That Get Noticed: Insider Tips from an HR Pro
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode of Southeast Texas Works, we sit down with Kevin Cline, a seasoned HR professional from Unique HR, to uncover what really makes a resume and interview stand out. Discover practical tips on avoiding common resume mistakes, how to tailor your application using AI without losing authenticity, and why soft skills like communication, problem solving, and time management are just as important as technical know-how. Kevin also shares advice for job seekers with a criminal background, the importance of professional presentation, and how to follow up after an interview. Whether you’re...
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E68: How Teacher Externships Fuel Student Futures
Southeast Texas Works!
In this episode, we explore how the Southeast Texas Teacher Externship Program connects classrooms to local industries, giving educators firsthand experience inside companies like Valero. By job shadowing professionals across maintenance, safety, engineering, and more, teachers gain valuable insights they can bring back to their students—showing them that rewarding careers exist right in their own community. We also discuss how these partnerships strengthen community ties, challenge outdated perceptions of refinery work, and open doors for young women in STEM and skilled trades. Tune in to...
info_outlineThis 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