AUSTIN, TX — TDIndustries’ Central Texas branch just began a new skilled-trades training program, the only regional program of its kind for its merit shop employees.

In a partnership with North Texas’ Construction Education Foundation (CEF), TD provides this 20-week training program for HVAC and plumbing employees as their first step of their apprenticeship. Participants can learn the basics of pipefitting, plumbing and sheet metal work in the first course, and they receive advanced training in subsequent semesters.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has certified this program. Ten certified field leadership partners teach these courses.

The first class began January 23 and runs through June 11. Currently, 17 partners are enrolled in the first semester, and numbers are expected to grow as the program continues. All credits transfer to any region accepting NCCER certification.

“Before we created this program, Central Texas skilled tradespeople had to travel to San Antonio, Dallas or Houston every week to receive this level of training,” said Scott Staton, TD’s Austin Operations Manager. “That’s cost- and time-prohibitive for many people seeking to improve their career. We are committed to improving our employees’ futures, and this is one great way we can do that.”

Staton joined TD’s Austin branch from Northern California in 2019. There, he saw the motivation, experience and education provided by other skilled-trades programs. Similarly, other TDIndustries leaders have long worked with CEF in Dallas, and have recognized the training it provides.

“Many of our DFW-area partners (employee-owners) are adjunct professors at North Lake College where they teach craft training courses,” he said. “We have our own training center in Fort Worth, and although it is new, has already shown a great return for us — and our partners.”