WESLACO – A local non-profit is working to drop the Rio Grande Valley’s unemployment rate, which is currently the highest in the state.

The unemployment rate in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area is 8.5 percent. That’s nearly 1 in 12 people looking for a job.

Mike Gonzalez with Workforce Solutions said there are companies across the Valley looking to add to their workforce.

“Well, we have decent paying jobs. As a matter of fact, the call center with Charter – all these jobs are great starting pay. Wonderful Citrus, for example, they provide benefits from day one,” he said.

Gonzalez said the types of jobs available are in specific fields.

“Most of the jobs here are in the customer/care service industry or hospitality, retail, etc.,” he said.

He said some companies are really hurting for new hires.

“Wonderful Citrus, for example, needs close to 80 positions filled. We need tractor operators, people working to get a little bit of pesticides on fields. We have those jobs available there,” he said.

When asked why the Valley’s unemployment rate is high, Gonzalez said people might not have the right resources available.   

Gonzalez said Workforce Solutions offers assistance with resumes as well as child care for people who need it.

“At one point or another, we’re all going to be looking for a job. We’re all going to be unemployed. If anyone has ever been in that situation, you know it’s not the best feeling,” he said.

Workforce Solutions will be holding a number of job fairs in the coming weeks. You can visit their website for more information.