Workforce Development
Training, Apprenticeship, and Education for a Thriving Construction Workforce
Building Skilled Careers and Strengthening the South Texas Construction Industry
At ABC South Texas, our Workforce Development mission is simple: build a safe, skilled, and future-ready construction workforce for our region. Through nationally recognized training, hands-on education, and strong partnerships with employers, we provide career pathways that elevate individuals, strengthen companies, and support the long-term growth of the South Texas construction industry.
A Complete Training Pipeline for South Texas
ABC South Texas offers one of the region’s most comprehensive training ecosystems, combining classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and industry credentials. Whether you are launching your career or advancing your skills, we provide the structure and support needed to succeed.
- 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with sponsor employers
- Industry-recognized curriculum updated regularly to meet current standards
- CORE Foundation Training covering Basic Safety, Hand/Power Tools, Construction Math, Communication & Employability Skills
- Earn while you learn – apprentices remain employed throughout their studies
- Career pathways leading to journeyman certification and beyond
Our curriculum, aligned with NCCER standards and developed by national Subject Matter Experts, offers training options across various trades. As an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor, we award globally recognized credentials upon completion, certified by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Carpentry
Average Salary: $56,877 annually ($26.92/hour)
Carpentry
Carpenters are essential to construction projects of all types, from residential homes to commercial buildings, highways, bridges, and power plants. Our carpentry program teaches students to measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, fiberglass, and drywall for commercial and industrial applications.
Learn MoreElectrical
Average Salary: $67,269 annually ($30.87/hour)
Electrical
Electricians install and maintain electrical and power systems for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Our electrical apprentices learn to work with everything from basic residential wiring to complex industrial systems including motors, transformers, generators, and electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots.
Learn MorePipefitting
Average Salary: $62,697 annually ($30.18/hour)
Pipefitting
Pipefitters plan and install detailed pipe systems for commercial and industrial projects. These critical systems carry water, chemicals, or gases to essential building operations. Pipefitters must work to exact specifications, using specialized tools to cut and bend pipes precisely.
Learn MorePlumbing
Average Salary: $59,627 annually ($28.67/hour)
Plumbing
Plumbers do far more than fix sinks and toilets. They design and install complex piping systems that distribute water, remove waste, and connect heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. Our program covers water distribution, blueprint reading, local codes and regulations, mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, and welding.
Learn MoreSheet Metal
Average Salary: $58,160 annually ($27.96/hour)
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal workers cut and mold sheets of metal into products for installing and repairing ventilation and air ducts. They also work on automobiles, airplanes, and other metal products. Modern sheet metal fabrication shops are highly computerized, and workers often program control systems on various equipment.
Learn More
ABC apprentices graduate with real skills, real experience, and real opportunity.
Hands-On Discovery of Construction Careers
Why Train With ABC South Texas?
Training with ABC South Texas means joining a community committed to your success. Our programs are designed to be affordable, accessible, and built around the real needs of today’s workforce.
Benefits for Apprentices
State & federally approved programs that meet industry standards
Paid on-the-job training with reputable South Texas contractors
Little to no personal cost compared to traditional college
Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits honored, including tax-free stipends for eligible veterans
Career advancement opportunities with clear pathways to journeyman status
College credit opportunities through recognized learning frameworks
A valuable industry network, connecting you with top professionals across the region
Carpentry
Why Choose a Career in Carpentry?
Carpenters bring ideas to life—framing homes, crafting interiors, and building the world around us. From residential construction to commercial projects, skilled carpenters are always in demand.
Benefits:
Strong earning potential with opportunities to grow
Specialize in framing, finish work, cabinetry, or concrete forms
Hands-on work that blends creativity and precision
Job stability in both new construction and renovation projects
Clear path to becoming a licensed contractor or starting your own business
Electrical
Why Choose a Career in Electrical?
Electricians power the world—from homes and schools to hospitals and high-rises. As technology evolves, the need for skilled electrical professionals continues to grow
High earning potential with steady opportunities to advance
Specialize in areas like solar, automation, or industrial systems
Work on a variety of job sites—both indoors and outdoors
Strong job security, especially with the rise of renewable energy
Clear path to licensure and potential to own your own business
Pipefitting
Why Choose a Career in Pipefitting?
Pipefitters are essential to the systems that keep industrial and commercial facilities functioning safely and efficiently. From power plants and manufacturing facilities to refineries and large-scale mechanical systems, pipefitters install and maintain the critical piping networks that move steam, chemicals, water, and gases throughout complex environments.
Benefits:
High demand and strong long-term career stability
Opportunities in energy, industrial, commercial, and manufacturing sectors
Hands-on work with advanced piping, welding, and fabrication systems
Ability to specialize in areas like steam systems, industrial maintenance, or advanced welding
Clear advancement path toward leadership roles or contractor licensing
Plumbing
Why Choose a Career in Plumbing?
Plumbers keep homes, businesses, and entire communities running. From clean water systems to advanced piping in commercial buildings, plumbers play a critical role in modern infrastructure.
Benefits:
High demand and excellent earning potential
Work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings
Learn a skill that’s essential and recession-resistant
Opportunities to specialize in green plumbing, pipefitting, or medical gas systems
Clear path to becoming a licensed contractor or business owner
Sheet Metal
Why Choose a Career in Sheet Metal?
Sheet metal professionals create and install the systems that keep buildings comfortable, efficient, and structurally sound. From HVAC ductwork to architectural metalwork and industrial fabrication, sheet metal workers combine craftsmanship with precision, working with metal to shape the built environment.
Benefits:
Strong demand across commercial, residential, and industrial projects
Work with cutting-edge tools, fabrication equipment, and advanced technologies
Opportunities to specialize in HVAC systems, architectural metal, welding, or custom fabrication
A career that blends hands-on craftsmanship with technical problem-solving
Clear pathways to becoming a foreman, estimator, fabricator, or independent contractor
Your Competitive Edge in Workforce Development
Why Employers Choose ABC Apprentices
Partnering with ABC South Texas is one of the most effective ways for contractors to grow a skilled, loyal workforce—without the high cost of recruitment.
Employer Advantages
Immediate access to a reliable applicant pool, reducing hiring expenses
Registered apprentices help meet prevailing wage requirements
Reduced turnover, as employees in structured training stay longer and perform better
Increased productivity, driven by motivated workers with clear growth paths
A diversified and flexible workforce with trade-specific skill development
NCCER-trained apprentices who meet national standards for safety and quality
Apprenticeship isn’t just a training model – it’s a workforce solution.
Elevating Employee Benefits for ABC Members
Strengthening South Texas Through Education
Workforce development is more than training—it is the foundation of economic growth. ABC South Texas partners with:
Local contractors
School districts and career centers
Workforce boards
Veterans organizations
Employers across the region
Together, we’re expanding career access, raising industry standards, and preparing the next generation of construction leaders.
Your Path Starts Here
Whether you’re an individual seeking a career or an employer ready to strengthen your workforce, ABC South Texas has the programs, resources, and support you need.
Start building your future today.
Contact us to learn more about apprenticeship, training, and workforce development opportunities.
