Looking for a career? Get vocational training!

Who We Serve

We train individuals with no experience to get apprenticeships from underserved communities in Beaumont & Port Arthur & Orange and other locations world-wide, then help them start their careers in the industries. 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 for our Beaumont & Port Arthur & Orange Locations, 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 Vocational Trainings

With a shortage of trained personnel, apprenticeship programs are becoming a golden opportunity. Offering hands-on training, many lead to well-paid, licensed vocational roles. Our Pre-Apprenticeship programs give you the training you need to walk into these apprenticeship positions in only 10 weeks of training (depending on program).

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

1

Apply

Submit your application now to see if you qualify APPLY NOW for Beaumont, Port Arthur or Orange>>

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 

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

Select Current & Past Programs

Custom Vocational Training

We train your workforce for your particular needs. With over 23 years of leadership, practical ‘boots-on-the-ground’ experience, and grassroots achievements in workforce development in the most challenged Texas communities, we’ve trained over 5,000 people and provided successful job placement assistance to over 70% with an 80% retention rate for our graduate hires.

DWA bridges the gap of underutilized groups and the need for skilled labors in private and public sectors. From an initial focus on providing talent to the information technology industry in one of the nation’s largest tech hubs, to assisting employers in the petrochemical industry and then beyond into helping all employers develop their workforces.

DWA understands the value of building a strong foundation through individual commitment to learning and personal enrichment. We empower individuals to gain in- demand skills to acquire successful employment to become home owners to ultimately revitalize communities by creating wholesome, thriving neighborhoods to be proud to live in.

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.)
  • Fill out a short application for our Beaumont & Port Arthur & Orange Locations

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.)
  • Fill out a short application for our Beaumont & Port Arthur & Orange Locations

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 Hands On - (8 WEEKS)

  • As Needed for Your Business:
  • 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 need a high school diploma?

No. You do NOT need a high school diploma.

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:

  1. Valid Driver’s License or State ID
  2. Social Security Card
  3. DD-214 (if applicable prior military experience)
  4. 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 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
It’s easy – it only takes a few minutes
Get Started Now>>

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.

Shamika M

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!

Clarence C

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.

C Deleon