Train in an industrial career for free…
Looking for a career? Get trained for free!
Who We Serve
We train individuals with no experience to get industrial apprenticeships from underserved communities in Beaumont & Port Arthur & Orange and other locations world-wide, then help them start their careers in the industrial industries. They are certified in NCCER Core and OSHA10 (upon selection) as well as Motorized Equipment training and more. Historically, 70% of our graduates are placed within 2 weeks of graduation, making $17-22 an hour or more.
It’s easy to apply. Fill out a short application, choose a time for a brief call to make sure you qualify, then come in a register for your classes. It’s that simple.
Our Pre-Apprenticeship Training
With a shortage of trained personnel, apprenticeship programs are becoming a golden opportunity. Offering hands-on training, many lead to well-paid, licensed industry roles. Our Pre-Apprenticeship programs give you the training you need to walk into these apprenticeship positions in only 10 weeks of night classes – with free tuition.
Digital Workforce Academy (DWA) is a Department of Labor recognized Pre- Apprenticeship program. Our Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship partner is MRSW Management, LLC. Under our affiliate, Global Triangle Empowerment Center, GTEC we train and place people across multiple crafts and multiple employers.
Pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs are a proven path to providing for your family and community: as an apprentice you’ll “earn while you learn,” earning wages above industry average while developing essential knowledge both in the classroom and on jobsites – for free.
How to Get Trained for Free Pre-Apprenticeship
2
Connect
We reach out to discuss your application & time frame to train
3
Register
You’ll come in to register for your classes and TABE
4
Train
We’ll train you for your pre-apprenticeship program in 10 weeks of night classes
5
Interview
We’ll match you to our Partners for job interviews
6
Onboard & Hire
You’ll accept onboarding and hire at the end to your apprenticeship
Train in an industrial career for free…
Our Industries & Programs
Industrial
Industry is actively diversifying its traditionally white-male workforce:
- We fully train those 18+ years old in local, underserved, English speaking communities, including single parents, aged out foster kids and those on unemployment and more.
- Only 2% were women in 2021, but initiatives targeting high schoolers, career changers, and veterans are in place to change this.
- Our partner employers have spots that they must fill from our local communities in order to keep certain standings and tailor our trainings to help you to fill those positions asap. (See Phases 1 & 2 Industrial below for more information on the training.)
Solar or Electrical
The demand for skilled electricians is skyrocketing as the US gears up for a greener future:
- With over 73,000 job openings expected annually over the next decade, electricians are becoming pivotal in the energy transition.
- With $400 billion dollars in grants going out to train underserved, local communities in emerging technologies to replace our dependency on fossil fuels, we provide job readiness skills, essential math skills, and a customized NCCER lecture and hands on curriculum.
- Train now for the skills to enter an electrician helper job with solar certification option. You’ll be ready to enter an electrical career or solar career. (See Phases 1 & 2 Electrical/Solar below for more information on the training.)
Digital
Nation-wide initiatives bring digital skills training for people impacted by the justice system:
- With the help of organizations across the country, we’re equipping formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted people with critical digital skills they can use to get a job or start a business.
- If you have been incarcerated, or anyone in your immediate family has been incarcerated, then you may be eligible for this free digital career training. Please apply now, spots are limited.
PHASE 1 - (2 WEEKS in class)
Life Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Anger Management
- Effective Communication
- Resume Writing
- Interviewing Skills
- Employability
Critical Thinking
- Problem solving
- Construction Math (Fractions/Reading a Tape Measure)
PHASE 2 Industrial - (8 WEEKS HandsOn)
- NCCER Core (Certified)*
- OSHA 10 (Certified upon selection)
- Safety
- Hand & Power Tools
- Intro to Pipe Fitting (inc tac welding)
- Intro to Carpentry
- Intro to Valves
- Intro to Basic Rigging
- Intro to Ladder & Scaffolding
- Motorized Equipment Training
*Students are tested and receive NCCER core credentials and their name is entered into the NCCER database upon successfully completing all modules before continuing to hand on training.
PHASE 2 Electrical or Solar - (8 WEEKS HandsOn)
- NCCER Core (Certified)*
- OSHA 10 (Certified upon selection)
- NABCEP PV (Certified)*
- Intro to Electrical
- Electrical Circuits
- Intro to Photovoltanics
- And much, much more...
*Students are tested and receive NCCER core credentials and their name is entered into the NCCER database upon successfully completing all modules before continuing to hand on training.
FAQ
Check out the answers to some of the questions we get most often:
Do I have to pay to work with DWA?
No! There is never a cost to the qualified student. Your tuition is covered by grants from various partners.
Why is the training free?
Various Industries are required to fill a certain number of their apprenticeships from underserved communities in their area. These industries, plus public and private foundation funding, provide grants to pre-train members of those communities to fill the positions. Since 1999, we have been working with our partners to help strengthen our local communities, one family at a time!
What do I need to qualify?
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must speak English
- You must have reliable transportation to get yourself to our training locations
- You must be able to pass a drug screen that will screen that you are drug free for up to 6 months both before training and hiring
- You must be a US Citizen or documented to work in the US
We need the following documents before an application can be submitted:
- Valid Driver’s License or State ID
- Social Security Card
- DD-214 (if applicable prior military experience)
- Selective Service registration (if applicable)
How long is the training?
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training is a 10-week course designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship in the industrial, electrical or digital industries. The course is tuition-free to the student and is held Monday-Thursday from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.
Do you have transportation to training for me?
We are working to get a grant for transportation, but currently, you must be able to find your own transportation to our training locations.
Do I need a high school diploma?
No. You do NOT need a high school diploma.
Do I have to be a US citizen?
Yes. All Industry careers require you to be a US Citizen for hiring. You will need proof of US citizenship which can be: birth certificate, social security card, Driver’s License or State ID, DD-214, Selective Service registration.
Do I have to pass a drug test?
Yes. Before hiring, you will be required to pass a drug test that tests back up to 6 months. If you graduate from training, but then do not pass a drug test before the interview, you will not find employment. These careers require you to be drug-free to keep employment, so please keep in mind that you will have to commit to a drug-free lifestyle before applying.
How do I apply?
It’s easy to apply. Fill out a short application, choose a time for a brief call to make sure you qualify, then come in a register for your classes. It’s that simple.
Apply Now
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See what our students have to say…
I always want to better myself. I told my kids, M”ama’s going to check this out.” I went and asked the guy, “Is this free?” And he was like, “Yes, it’s free. Free training, you’ll learn different skills and we’ll put you to work!”
What more could you ask for? If you have a problem, they are here to listen; they are here to help you. I am a single mother with 5 children. This program changed my quality of life. If you want to better yourself, this is the place to be.
I was thinking about getting some online classes for continued education to be a better worker. This program popped up and it gave me all the necessary information. I contacted them and they told me what I needed to do, gave me the directions to get there and things like that and it just took off from there.
All it takes is dedication and commitment. The sky’s the limit. It all depends on you!
This program is a blessing. It’s a great opportunity for anybody looking to get in to the refineries, the construction business and home improvement.
It doesn’t matter your age, if you’re male or female, your race. Anyone can be a part of this and help their future to be quite a bit brighter than it is now.
“This program is a blessing,” says Pre Apprenticeship Graduate
Graduate Claire Deleon, Pipefitter Helper, shared with us their experience of getting an oil company job with no experience through GTEC’s pre apprenticeship program. “This program is a blessing. It’s a great opportunity for anybody looking to get into the refineries,...
“The sky’s the limit.” exclaims Pre Apprenticeship Graduate
Graduate Clarence Senegal, Scaffold Builder Helper, shared with us their experience of getting an industrial job with no experience through GTEC’s pre apprenticeship program. “I was thinking about getting some online classes for continued education to be a better...
“This is the best thing to happen to the area in a long time.” says Pre Apprenticeship Graduate
Graduate Anthony Noble shared with us their experience of getting an oil and gas job with no experience through GTEC’s pre apprenticeship program. “Before Harvey, it wasn’t as hard. It was just bad. The water hit me to my chest. We lost the house. A lot of things...