BEAUMONT, Texas — Unemployment in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area rose slightly between June and July, according to the latest Texas Labor Market Information data.

The region’s unadjusted unemployment rate reached 5.4% in July, placing it just below cities like McAllen and Brownsville. While the rate increased over the summer, it remains significantly lower than last year’s 6.2% in July 2024.

On this Labor Day, we’re digging into the stats and talking about what this means for job seekers overall.

Local workforce leaders say technical schools are playing an important role in addressing labor shortages. Travis Woods with T&L Solutions told 12News that training programs are preparing students for high-demand trades in the area.

“These technical schools are training people for welding

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