The grant is presented to Skillpoint Alliance by the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.
MIDLAND, Texas – Fast, free training that prepares graduates for a well-paying career has proven successful in the Central Austin area. Now, Skillpoint Alliance is bringing those same opportunities to the Permian Basin, and it’s getting some help, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, the philanthropy arm of O’Reilly Auto Parts.
By 2032, the Permian Basin workforce board projects a need for nearly 22% more electricians, 21% more HVAC technicians and nearly 13% more plumbers. Skillpoint Alliance provides free, fast training for the skilled trades, along with job placement assistance and 12 months of follow-up support, helping bridge the gap between workforce training and long-term employment in these high-demand fields.
“Skillpoint Alliance continues to serve more students each year, with high program graduation rates, job placement, and a real difference in take-home pay,” said Julie Gray, president of the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. “It’s an impressive track record, and we’re excited that its proven model in Austin is at work in other parts of Texas and New Mexico. We’re pleased to help support such a successful program.”
Sonny, a graduate from the Permian Basin region, had just gotten out of jail and was trying to support himself with odd jobs. His probation officer told him about Skillpoint Alliance, and he signed up for the Pre-Apprentice Electrical program. The day he graduated, he landed a new job. “Looking at where I was last year, I never thought I’d be where I’m at today,” he said. “This class changed my whole life and gave me a new set of goals to look forward to.”
The organization focuses its efforts on training adults with limited access to economic opportunity, helping create pathways to stable careers while reducing poverty and strengthening our local regional economies.
“This grant marks an important investment in Skillpoint Alliance’s mission to meet Texas’ growing demand for skilled trades professionals,” said Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of Skillpoint Alliance. “As communities across the state continue to grow, so does the need for fast-track, hands-on training that connects students to real opportunity and employers to the workforce they need. With support for HVAC and plumbing training, we can expand access to high-demand career pathways and help more Texans build stable, rewarding futures.”
Skillpoint Alliance welcomes volunteers, donors and business partners who want to help expand access to career training and economic opportunity. To learn more, support the mission or apply for an upcoming program, visit skillpointalliance.org
Skillpoint Alliance’s grant is part of a year-end round of giving for the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, which awarded nearly $1.5 million across 50 nonprofits nationwide in 2025. It’s the largest distribution of funds from the foundation since its founding in 2020.
About O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.
The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as a dependable community partner, supporting organizations and programs that address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. The Foundation concentrates its giving in the areas of economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services and disaster relief.
About O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
Since 1957, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., has grown from a family-owned company to a leader in the automotive replacement parts industry. It supplies equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to professional service providers and do-it-yourself customers across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. With more than 6,500 store locations and growing, the O’Reilly Professional Parts People deliver excellent customer service, knowledge and value to the communities they serve.
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 the nine-county area in and around Austin. Skillpoint Alliance has been named one of the top ten job training programs in the country by Jobs for the Future and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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. www.skillpointalliance.org