What Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas does

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas is a publicly-funded workforce development board established in 2002, designated by the Texas Workforce Commission to serve Workforce Development Area 18 — Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties. It operates a service-coordinator model rather than a technology-product model: delivering no-cost employment and training services through four physical workforce centers (Beaumont headquarters, Port Arthur, a new 12,000 sq ft Orange location opened in 2024, and Hardin County / Silsbee), supplemented by bi-weekly virtual job fairs, the annual Youth Career Expo (3,000+ students from 39 schools), the Teacher Externship Program (70 teachers in 2024), veterans job fairs, and industry-specific business forums.

The organization's product portfolio spans a job-matching and training suite (JobsConnector, Skills & Job Training, Career Planning, Vocational Rehabilitation, On-the-Job Training wage reimbursement up to 50%, Child Care Services, Veteran Services), two productized digital platforms (the Economic Prosperity Dashboard — built by eIMPACT and aggregating Lightcast, BLS, Zillow, LAUS, and TWC labor market data; and the Local First Portal — a customized talent acquisition portal built for the Golden Triangle Polymers $50B facility construction), a Bi-weekly Brazen-powered virtual job fair ("Virtual Thursdays"), and a branded Southeast Texas Works! podcast series. Marketing spans podcast, newsletter (JobBRIEF), blog, social media, in-person events, and a "Make Macy Do It" KFDM/FOX4 media partnership.

The entity has no traditional revenue model. It is funded primarily through Texas Workforce Commission-administered federal WIOA Title I grants and state workforce allocations, supplemented by project-specific grants ($260,000 ApprenticeshipTexas; $297,120 Texas Talent Connection; $351,202 Texas Talent Connect grant; $150,000 TWC awards for Registered Apprenticeship Expansion and Vocational Rehabilitation Integration; $200,000 from Golden Triangle Polymers for Local First) and industry partnership contributions. All services are delivered free to job seekers and employers; service pricing model is therefore Freemium in user-facing terms while the operating budget is grant-funded and not commercially monetized. Customers are organized into dual segments: individual job seekers (across personas including youth ages 16-24, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and childcare-need parents) and employer entities across petrochemical, refining, healthcare, maritime, manufacturing, and construction sectors.

Name

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas

Legal name

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas

Website

https://setworks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas is a publicly-funded Texas Workforce Commission workforce development board (est. 2002) serving Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties, providing free job placement, training, vocational rehabilitation, childcare, veteran, and youth services through four physical workforce centers and digital platforms for job seekers and regional employers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Educational Support Services (611710), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Employment Services (5613)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Workforce development
• Job placement services
• Career training
• Employer services
• Labor market data

Headquarters

HQ city

Beaumont

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Funding: Primary revenue from federal and state workforce development grants administered through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Receives WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Title I funding for workforce programs serving job seekers and employers.
2. Industry Partnership Contributions: Golden Triangle Polymers Company (joint venture between Chevron Phillips Chemical and QatarEnergy) contributed $400,000 total for Local First initiative, with $200,000 allocated to Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas for portal development and management.
3. ApprenticeshipTexas Grant: $260,000 grant for registered apprenticeship expansion to recruit and enroll 130 new apprentices in high-demand craft occupations through partnership with Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of Local 211, Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and Electrical Training Alliance of Southeast Texas.
4. Texas Talent Connection Grant: $297,120 grant for student internships and teacher externship initiatives, providing paid internship opportunities ($15/hour, 20 hours/week for 8 weeks) and $1,000 stipends for teachers completing externship programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas is a publicly-funded workforce development board that provides free employment and training services to job seekers and employers across Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties. It operates four physical workforce centers offering job search assistance, career counseling, skills training, vocational rehabilitation, apprenticeships, and employer recruiting support, funded primarily through Texas Workforce Commission grants.

Product overview

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas operates as a regional workforce development board funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), serving Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties. The organization functions as a service coordinator rather than a technology product company, offering a portfolio of workforce assistance programs including job placement services (JobsConnector), skills training, career planning, vocational rehabilitation, and specialized services for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Key programs include the annual Youth Career Expo, Teacher Externship initiative, On-the-Job Training employer incentives, the Economic Prosperity Dashboard for labor market data, and the Local First portal for Golden Triangle Polymers hiring. Services are delivered through four physical workforce centers, the Southeast Texas Works! podcast series, and Virtual Thursday virtual job fairs on the Brazen platform. The organization does not offer a technology product but rather facilitates connections between job seekers and employers through government-funded workforce programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• JobsConnector Job matching and connection service linking job seekers with available positions in Southeast Texas through the workforce center network.
• Skills & Job Training Training courses and programs to help job seekers return to work or enter new career fields, including vocational rehabilitation and apprenticeship programs.
• Career Planning Career guidance and planning services for students and job seekers, including research tools for career options and earning potential.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for individuals with disabilities to prepare for post-secondary education and employment, including the HireAbility Navigator program.
• On-the-Job Training Employer incentive program reimbursing up to 50% of worker wages during training period for eligible hires who already possess some job-related skills.
• Child Care Services Subsidized child care program providing care for over 1,500 children whose parents need childcare for work, training, or education.
• Veteran Services Specialized employment services for veterans including priority access, the Hiring Red White and You job fair, and connection to veteran-specific resources and tax credits for employers.
• Youth Career Expo Annual career exploration event connecting high school students with local employers, colleges, military recruiters, and training programs through hands-on demonstrations. Hosted at Ford Park in Beaumont with typically 3,000+ student attendance.
• Teacher Externship Program Week-long industry immersion program placing teachers at local businesses in petrochemical, healthcare, manufacturing, and maritime sectors. Teachers develop lesson plans aligned with real-world industry skills.
• Economic Prosperity Dashboard Interactive online labor market data visualization tool displaying job posting trends, industry employment data, top hiring companies, in-demand skills, occupation concentration, and housing market information. Developed by eIMPACT with data from Lightcast, BLS, Zillow, LAUS, and Texas Workforce Commission.
• Local First Portal Customized talent acquisition web portal prioritizing local employment for the Golden Triangle Polymers construction project. Includes employability screening, resume assistance, and connection to primary EPC contractors.
• Virtual Thursdays Bi-weekly virtual job fair events conducted on the Brazen platform, allowing employers to connect with job seekers through text and video chat from their home or office.
• ApprenticeshipTexas Expansions Grant-funded registered apprenticeship program connecting job seekers with approved training programs including pipefitters, plumbers, and electrical trades. Partners with Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and local unions.
• Human Resource Tools Resources and guidance for employers to define job descriptions, implement personnel development strategies, and access workforce development support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2023 Youth Career Expo: 3,312 students from 35 schools, 133 exhibitors - largest in event history since 2015
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.

• The Lee GroupsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 March 2024Marketing firm that developed and managed 2022 Marketing Strategy which won American Marketing Association Houston Crystal Award. Demonstrated impressive year-over-year engagement increases with both Employer and Job Seeker markets.
• Texas National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Texas Army National Guard stationed representatives at Beaumont Workforce center to recruit individuals ages 17-34 for military service. Offers ASVAB testing, basic training, and education financial assistance. Most in-demand jobs include mechanics, engineers, supply, and IT technicians.
• ExxonMobilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership on 409 Energy Scholars program introducing incoming Beaumont ISD seniors to petrochemical industry. Participants paired with mentors, gain petrochemical operations knowledge, soft skills, and identified for specific jobs with career paths. Annual collaboration providing comprehensive education and training.
• Lamar Institute of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Educational partner providing workforce training, hosting Teacher Externship participants, and nursing/allied health programs. Dr. Sidney Valentine serves as president emphasizing 'gold-collar' workers for industrial sector.
• Lamar UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Educational partner with College of Engineering ranked best ROI in Texas. Engineering students highly recruited by Southeast Texas companies. Dr. Brian Crain, Dean of College of Engineering, podcast guest.
• Vocational RehabilitationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024State VR program partnered with workforce services for HireAbility Navigator program expanding pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities. Recognized with $75,000 TWC award for VR Integration.
• SETX Strong Families CoalitionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Coalition focused on aligning community resources to strengthen families. Workforce Solutions participates in family events, Family Fun Day, and Family Summit bringing resources to hundreds of families.
• KFDM/FOX4secondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2023Media partnership for 'Make Macy Do It' segment featuring in-demand occupations in Southeast Texas. Airs third Tuesday of each month on KFDM Morning Show and 9pm on FOX4. Macy Meyer, KFDM-FOX4 Morning Anchor, showcases local jobs and career opportunities.
• Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of Local 211 (Pipefitters)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partnership with Pipefitters union for ApprenticeshipTexas grant to recruit and enroll 130 new apprentices in high-demand craft occupations. Apprentices are paid, full-time employees who earn while they learn.
• Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partnership for registered apprenticeship expansion to train plumbers in Southeast Texas through ApprenticeshipTexas grant funding.
• Electrical Training Alliance of Southeast TexascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partnership for registered electrical apprenticeship training through ApprenticeshipTexas grant targeting high-demand electrical trades workers.
• Digital Workforce Academy (DWA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partnership established 1999, operating in Southeast Texas since 2007, to provide NCCER pipefitter helper pre-apprenticeships. Funded by Local First donation from Golden Triangle Polymers. DWA provides comprehensive training preparing individuals for construction trades success with partnerships with local contractors.
• Lamar State College Port ArthurcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partner with workforce board to develop registered Nursing pathway and provide training facilities for workforce development programs.
• Workforce180secondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 February 2023Podcast production partner since series inception in 2021. Doug Foresta, Director of Podcast Services, handles guest scheduling, recording comfort, and editing for Southeast Texas Works! podcast series.
• Industry of Southeast Texas (ISET)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Industry association representing petrochemical sector. Brought blue mobile ROBOTiC to Youth Career Expo with ability to detect harmful gases. ISET's Women in Industry initiative works with education and workforce partners to introduce petrochemical careers.
• Southeast Texas Building and Construction Trades CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023Apprenticeship programs for plumbers, sheet metal and iron workers, electricians, and pipefitters. Platinum sponsor of Youth Career Expo 2022. Board members Trey Berryman and Justin Cooper advocate for apprenticeships.
• eIMPACTsecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Technology vendor that developed the Economic Prosperity Dashboard displaying labor market data in graphs, charts, and tables that employers can download in graphic or spreadsheet format.
• BrazencoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Virtual job fair platform used for bi-weekly Virtual Thursday events. Enables employers to create virtual booths with company information, links, videos, and job descriptions for remote recruiting.
• Southeast Texas Coalition for the Homeless (SETCH)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Community services division of Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission working to identify gaps in homeless services and connect community organizations providing aid.

Scale indicators25 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast: Houston-area TWC workforce development board serving 13 counties with job seeker, employer, and youth services. Operates under identical WIOA mandate and TWC oversight structure, making it the closest direct counterpart to Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas in scale, regulatory framework, and service portfolio.
• Workforce Solutions for North Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth TWC workforce board serving a large multi-county region. Comparable in regulatory mandate (TWC-designated WIOA board) and service mix (JobsConnector-style portals, job fairs, apprenticeship programs), though operating in a substantially larger and more diversified metro economy.
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area: Austin-area TWC workforce development board providing job seeker, employer, and youth services under the same WIOA framework. Directly comparable in operating model, regulatory mandate, and service portfolio, differing primarily in industry mix (tech/healthcare-heavy vs. petrochemical-heavy).

Broad incumbents

• Texas Workforce Commission: State-level oversight agency that funds, regulates, and administers all 28 Texas workforce development boards including Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. While not a direct peer in service delivery, TWC sets strategy, allocates WIOA funds, and operates complementary statewide programs like WorkInTexas.com that overlap with board services.
• ManpowerGroup: Global staffing and workforce solutions firm operating temporary, permanent placement, and workforce development services across all U.S. markets including Texas. Competes with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas on employer talent acquisition, but does not replicate WIOA-funded free services, youth programs, or VR services, and is the dominant commercial incumbent.
• Robert Half: Major U.S. staffing and placement firm specializing in professional, finance, and administrative roles with offices across Texas. Comparable in employer-side placement and job-matching service, but operates as a fee-based commercial firm rather than a free public provider, and skews toward higher-skilled white-collar roles.

Emerging players

• Goodwill Industries International: Non-profit workforce development operator providing job training, placement, and career services for disadvantaged populations across the U.S. Comparable in mission (workforce reentry, barrier removal) and target population, but operates as a private non-profit rather than a government board, with broader geographic reach and revenue diversification through retail.
• ResCare / Sevita: Large private provider of vocational rehabilitation, employment, and community-based services for individuals with disabilities. Overlaps with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas's HireAbility Navigator and Vocational Rehabilitation programs, but operates under contract with state VR agencies rather than as a WIOA board.

Regional players

• Apprenticeship Carolina: South Carolina state apprenticeship expansion program modeled on the same federal apprenticeship framework that funds Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas's ApprenticeshipTexas program. Comparable in apprenticeship recruitment, sponsor matching, and registered apprenticeship promotion, but operates in a different state with different industry mix.

Others

• Workforce180: Workforce communications and podcast production partner used by Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. While not a peer in service delivery, Workforce180 supports the board's content marketing and employer engagement channels, illustrating the ecosystem of vendors that support workforce boards.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SETWORKS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@workforcesolutionssoutheas6712
• Facebookfacebook.com/wfssetx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/workforce-solutions-southeast-texas
• Instagraminstagram.com/wfsetx

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas