Pre-apprenticeship training provided by Skillpoint Alliance gives West Texans a pathway to electrical careers
MIDLAND, Texas—The Central Texas Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors is expanding workforce opportunities in the Permian Basin with the launch of a new four-year electrical apprenticeship program in Midland, Texas—the first program of its kind in the region. Pre-apprenticeship training will be provided by Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit workforce development organization preparing individuals for careers in the skilled trades.
The program will begin enrolling participants this summer, with in-person classes expected to start in the fall. Designed to meet growing workforce demand across West Texas, the program offers a direct pathway into high-paying, in-demand electrical careers through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
“This program represents a major step forward for workforce development in the Permian Basin and reflects our commitment to building a strong pipeline of skilled electricians in the region,” David Johnson, executive director of CenTex IEC, said. “Through this partnership, we are creating new opportunities for individuals to enter the trades and for contractors to grow their workforce with well-trained talent.”
Skillpoint Alliance will deliver pre-apprenticeship training that equips participants with foundational electrical knowledge, hands-on skills and workplace readiness. The program focuses not only on technical instruction, but also on essential life and career skills such as resume development, interviewing and financial literacy.
“At Skillpoint Alliance, we believe access to opportunity starts with access to training,” Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, said. “This program creates a clear, supported pathway into the electrical trade, especially for individuals who are ready to re-enter the workforce or start a new career. By the time participants complete pre-apprenticeship training, they are prepared to succeed in a registered apprenticeship program and build a long-term career.”
Following completion of the pre-apprenticeship program, participants can transition into CenTex IEC’s U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, where they will earn while they learn. Apprentices attend classes one night per week while working full-time with a contractor, gaining technical expertise in electrical systems, safety and craftsmanship over four years. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to become licensed journeyman electricians in Texas.
The launch comes at a critical time for the industry. Demand for skilled electricians continues to rise across Texas, driven by population growth, infrastructure expansion and major investments such as data centers and energy projects. At the same time, a large portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement, creating an urgent need to train the next generation of electricians.
Apprentices in the program can begin earning competitive wages from day one, with entry-level pay starting around $17.50 per hour and increasing throughout the program. Licensed journeyman electricians can earn between $36 and $40 per hour, offering a strong, sustainable career path without the burden of traditional higher education debt.
Contractors in the Permian Basin are encouraged to participate in the program and enroll employees ahead of the fall launch. The program will initially support approximately 20 apprentices, with a hybrid learning model designed to meet both student and employer needs.
To learn more about CenTex IEC, visit https://centexiec.com. For more information about Skillpoint Alliance, visit https://skillpointalliance.org.
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About CenTex IEC
The Central Texas Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (CenTex IEC) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the electrical contracting industry through education, advocacy and community leadership. Founded in August 1996 by 12 independent contractors, CenTex IEC has grown into a strong network representing more than 150 contractor members, 40 associate members and 14 platinum partners across Central Texas. CenTex IEC is committed to enhancing member success, promoting ethical business practices and serving as a trusted industry voice through high-quality education, workforce development and government engagement. The organization supports more than 600 apprentices through comprehensive training programs and plays a key role in shaping safety standards and licensing policies that impact the region’s electrical industry. https://centexiec.com
About Skillpoint Alliance
Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. The organization partners with local industry to offer unique professional training and educational opportunities at no cost to participants. Skillpoint Alliance was founded in 1994 and has since become the premier provider of rapid workforce training in Austin and the Permian Basin. Skillpoint Alliance works continuously to build strong partnerships with local businesses, foundations, community-based organizations, and government agencies in order to grow and support its mission of connecting low-income individuals with career pathways in growing local industries. In 2018, Skillpoint Alliance launched a redesigned and customized Pre-Apprentice Electrical class, followed by a Pre-Apprentice Plumbing program in 2019—and concurrently offers HVAC Technician training, Certified Production Technician, and various other short-term and customizable training options. www.skillpointalliance.org