On April 11, members of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board toured the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) training facility in Crosby—a one-of-a-kind learning environment dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled trade professionals.
The IUOE facility is not just a school; it is a full-scale training center that operates with the feel of a hotel and the discipline of a job site. Apprentices come from across the region and live on-site in dormitories staffed around the clock, immersing themselves in both hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Pictures of the GCWFB on-site.
Training for a Lifetime Career
More than 3,000 apprentices train at the IUOE facility each year, with programs ranging from crane operation and elevator repair to excavator work, pipe fitting, and pipe stringing. Each piece of heavy equipment is paired with a simulator to support learning in a controlled environment before apprentices head to job sites.
A typical program takes three to four years to complete, and all apprentices work while they train—earning while they learn. Placement in the program is based on a trainee’s experience and skill level upon entry, with additional training offered at their home locals throughout the program.
In a unique twist, IUOE also opens its doors to “non-working dues” members—individuals who are not yet employed in the field but have been screened and accepted into the union. This includes high school students and others on the path to full union membership.
Labor Leadership and Collective Power
Charlie Singletary, President of the IUOE training center and International Vice President of the IUOE, welcomed the Board and shared his pride in leading such a vital institution. “We are proud to serve our members and the communities that rely on these critical skills. This facility is a reflection of our commitment to excellence,” said Singletary.
Board member Paul Puente, who also serves as Executive Secretary of the Texas Building and Construction Trades Council, led a session on collective bargaining and union leadership. Puente, who was appointed by the governor to serve on several statewide committees, emphasized the importance of labor voices at every level of workforce planning.
Building a More Inclusive Workforce
The facility is actively working to recruit more women into apprenticeship programs and the broader construction trades—addressing long-standing gender disparities and ensuring more equitable access to high-wage, high-demand careers.
Board members including Mou Sarkar, Bin Yu, and Juliet Stipeche, praised the IUOE for its innovation and inclusivity. “It is critical to have labor at the table as we develop strategies for regional growth. We are so grateful to have Paul Puente here on our board,” said Stipeche, executive director of Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
A Model for the Nation
There is no other training environment quite like the IUOE’s in Crosby. From technical skills to equipment maintenance and safety, apprentices are trained holistically to succeed in careers that fuel infrastructure and development across Texas.
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board is proud to support training programs like these—programs that lift families, strengthen communities, and power our economy.
