Employment Outlook in Corpus Christi

Every couple of years, the Workforce Commission in Corpus Christi decided to take a picture of the labor force for the state of Texas and work on making predictions for what will happen in the near future. According to analysts, there are going to be several changes within the industry, which includes changes to come for both technology practices and business practices. It is believed that specific staffing patterns will begin to emerge as well and will continue to do so for the next ten years or so. Prior to this, the most recent prediction came during a time when the recession started, back in 2008. At that point, the Coastal Bend Workforce Development Area made predictions that job growth would occur. In fact, they predicted that by the year 2018, there would be a total of 14.3 percent more jobs. This means that at least 38,000 positions would be added.

When these predictions were made, there were certain sectors that seemed to shine the most. Those specific sectors included the healthcare sector, education sector and social services positions, all of which were expected to see the largest overall gains. Certain titles amongst these sectors, including home health aide and elementary school teachers were expected to see an increase in the number of positions available. Back in 2008, this is what the state labor officials predicted was going to happen for the region.

In 2008, the first well ever was drilled in a specific rock formation that was located directly near Corpus Christi. Ever since this well was drilled, the production of oil and gas has increased and millions of barrels of oil have been produced even now in 2012. There have been 38.6 million barrels of oil already produced within the first few months of 2012 which is almost as much oil that was produced for all of 2011. With such an increase in activity, more jobs are being made available in the Texas area. An economics professor for the Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Jim Lee, has said, “The impact tends to be spreading over sectors other than the mining sector.” A study from the University has provided insight on the impact of Eagle Ford oil drilling, showing that it has helped to create thousands of jobs and positions which has helped unemployed individuals to find work. Lee says, “We’re seeing growth, and you see for oil and gas extraction, a lot of it is because of the whole industry, not just local factors.”

A new 10-year prediction and outlook will shortly be released, providing insight on what is expected to happen with the workforce in Texas. A spokeswoman for the workforce commission, Lisa Given, has made it clear that the outlook is being released soon.