Protecting Training Opportunities in West Texas

SMART Local 49 Business Representative Shawn Smith testified in Austin on September 29, urging the state to protect apprenticeship funding as West Texas programs grow. His testimony highlighted the investments members and contractors are making to train skilled workers and the importance of continued state support.

The joint budget hearing addressed the Texas Workforce Commission’s 2028–29 budget request and was conducted by staff from the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor’s Office. Smith spoke as president of the West Texas Building and Construction Trades Council and as a trustee of the SMART Local 49 JATC.

At issue is Chapter 133, a state program that reimburses a portion of the classroom instruction costs for registered apprentices who also receive paid training on the job. In August, the Commission voted to reduce the Chapter 133 request by $3.7 million instead of following its staff’s recommendation. That funding helps apprenticeship programs provide the instruction workers need to develop their skills.

SMART Local 49 represents sheet metal workers across New Mexico and West Texas. Its JATC combines classroom instruction with paid work experience, preparing apprentices for careers across the sheet metal industry.

Smith joined trades leaders from across Texas in asking budget staff to protect the JET program, return to the Commission staff’s recommendation, and restore the full $21.5 million Chapter 133 request. Local 49 thanks the leaders who brought their programs’ needs before the state and stood together in support of apprenticeship training.

“West Texas is growing, and our apprenticeship programs are growing with it,” Smith said. “Our contractors and members have put their own money on the line to train the next generation here at home. We’re asking the state to stay our partner.”

Smith pointed to significant growth across West Texas trades programs. IBEW Local 602 has grown from 152 apprentices to more than 500, UA Local 404 from about 250 to about 600, and the Carpenters from 60 to nearly 300.

Local 49’s JATC has invested more than $1.3 million in its new Lubbock training center. West Texas enrollment has more than doubled to 52 apprentices, and the program projects more than 100 by the end of 2027 as it expands into HVAC service, testing and balancing, and controls.

These investments build training capacity and create more opportunities close to home. Continued state support will help apprenticeship programs keep pace with workforce demand and prepare the skilled workers West Texas needs for its next stage of growth.