HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A July jobs shakeup across the Houston area, as Workforce Solutions data shows there were more than 30,000 job losses last month.<\/p>\n
Workforce Solutions data shows the reality is, job losses are typical during July due to what they call end-of-the-school-year layoffs, but say this year it’s more than normal.<\/p>\n
However, despite the field, people tell ABC13 they are still hopeful that they’ll soon secure their dream job.<\/p>\n
Data from Workforce Solutions shows 30,500 jobs lost last month, with the government sector employment taking the hardest hit, which includes jobs at public schools and universities.<\/p>\n
“It’s like I apply to a lot of jobs, maybe over 50 jobs, no replies,” job fair attendee, Robert Lagard, said.<\/p>\n
Lagard is just one of hundreds who attended the Workforce Solutions Bytes and Hires job fair on Thursday to improve his career, but he says it hasn’t been easy.<\/p>\n
“It’s tough, it just seems like you put them in and it just goes to nothing, I don’t know,” Lagard said.<\/p>\n
And Lagard is not alone- the data also shows Houston’s July unemployment rate, up from June, with nearly 175,000 Houstonians unemployed in July, compared to 167,000 in June.<\/p>\n
“I was building a home until I got laid off,” Charlie Garcia, job fair attendee, said.<\/p>\n
Garcia is another person impacted by the current economy – he said he’s been looking for work for six months.<\/p>\n
Now, Garcia and Lagard have faith that something will come soon.<\/p>\n
“I can do commercial\/residential work, and I’m just hopeful this place will help me find something,” Garcia said.<\/p>\n
“Management information systems degree, I studied at Texas Southern University, so I am just looking to expand my opportunities and see what this job fair has to offer out here,” Lagard said.<\/p>\n
Workforce Solutions data also shows Houston’s unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is higher than the statewide average but just below the national average.<\/p>\n
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