WACO, April 30, 2025 –Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas (Workforce Solutions) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Day on April 30 by spotlighting the life-changing opportunities apprenticeships create for individuals and employers in its six-county region.
Apprenticeship programs offer a proven pathway to success—helping participants earn while they learn through paid, hands-on training, expert mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials.
Workforce Solutions Director of Business and Industry Initiatives Jose Palacios said their apprenticeship opportunities in plumbing and pipefitting and early childhood education build critical skills and strengthen the regional workforce by directly aligning training with the needs of local industries.
“Apprenticeship programs are vital to the growth of our regional workforce,” said Palacios. “They provide real-world training that leads to lasting careers, while helping employers build the skilled talent pipelines they need. In the Heart of Texas, these programs are opening doors for students and job seekers—and strengthening the industries that keep our communities moving forward.”
Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3)
The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) program is a grant-funded training that prepares individuals for registered apprenticeship programs in high-demand, skilled trade occupations including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, structural iron and steel workers, sheet metal workers, welders, and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
2024 MC3 students
The program prepares apprentices for careers in high-demand trades including electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC mechanics, helping address critical workforce shortages while offering competitive wages and a strong career foundation.
In partnership with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 72 (IBEW Local 72), Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 529 (UA Local 529), and McLennan Community College (MCC), participants complete a rigorous two-week program featuring hands-on training and entry into registered apprenticeship pathways.
“The MC3 program is a chance to show young people available careers that they probably never knew existed,” said Craig Miller, IBEW Local 72’s business manager.
Early Education Apprenticeship (EEA)
The Early Education Apprenticeship (EEA) program—the first registered apprenticeship of its kind in the region—graduated its inaugural cohort of 11 students in May 2024. There are more than 20 apprentices in the 2025-2026 EEA cohort, which will begin classes in June.
2025-2026 EEA cohort apprentice working with children
Created in partnership with Workforce Solutions, MCC, and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, program participants benefit from one-on-one coaching, up to 15 credit hours at MCC, wage increases, milestone stipends, and Child Development Associate (CDA) Level I and Department of Labor (DOL) certifications upon program completion.
“The apprenticeship opportunities we are able to provide wouldn’t be possible without our business and industry partners,” said Palacios. “They open their doors to talent, share their expertise, and play a direct role in shaping the future workforce of the Heart of Texas. These partnerships are what turn opportunity into impact for both employers and job seekers.”
For more information on all Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas apprenticeship programs, visit https://www.hotworkforce.com/