A recent ABC13 “Who’s Hiring” segment from the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast East End Career Office focused on a question many job seekers face: how do you get started in a skilled trade when you are not sure which career path is right for you?
Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Executive Director Juliet Stipeche joined ABC13 to discuss training and career services available to job seekers, with a focus on the Apprenticeship Readiness Program/Multiple Craft Core Curriculum (ARP/MC3) and the path from pre-apprenticeship training into Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Starting With Pre-Apprenticeship
During the segment, Paul Puente and Juan Granados of the Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council explained how ARP/MC3 gives participants an introduction to the construction industry before they enter a Registered Apprenticeship.
The three-week, no-cost program covers areas such as construction fundamentals, tools, green construction, OSHA 10, first aid and CPR. Participants also learn more about what to expect in the industry and the different directions they can take.
For people who are interested in construction but are not sure which trade is the right fit, that exposure can help them make a more informed decision before entering an apprenticeship.
The goal is to help participants transition into Registered Apprenticeship programs, where they can continue learning while working.
You can watch the full segment here:
What an Apprenticeship Can Offer
Puente described Registered Apprenticeships as “earn while you learn” programs. Participants work while completing technical training, allowing them to gain experience and education at the same time.
He also explained that registered programs represented in the discussion do not require participants to take on tuition debt. Apprentices can receive incremental wage increases as they progress through their training, along with healthcare benefits that can extend to their families.
For someone considering a career in the skilled trades, the combination of paid work, classroom training and industry experience provides a different route into a career than traditional college alone.
Workforce Solutions Works With Employers, Too
The conversation also looked at the employer side of workforce development.
Crosby Brito, Manager of Employer Engagement for Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, explained that the organization works with employers to assess their workforce needs rather than simply helping them fill individual openings.
That can include determining whether an employer needs to hire new workers, upskill current employees, develop a Career and Technical Education partnership, or create a Registered Apprenticeship program.
Workforce Solutions can also help employers connect with Department of Labor registration and state resources as they develop their own training programs.
Preparing for Jobs That Are Still Emerging
Brito also discussed the importance of looking beyond the jobs available today.
He pointed to advanced manufacturing and robotics, as well as projects involving data centers, electric vehicle manufacturing and shipbuilding in the Gulf Coast region. Some of these areas require skills that employers may have difficulty finding because the work itself is relatively new in the region.
That makes career exploration and early preparation important for students and job seekers who are deciding what training or education to pursue.
Free Career Services Are Available
Stipeche emphasized that Workforce Solutions provides free services for people who are looking for career opportunities. Those services can include career exploration, resume assistance and guidance on industries and occupations that are growing in the region.
For young people who have recently graduated from high school or college, these resources can provide a place to start when they are unsure what career direction to take. Workforce Solutions also offers programs such as Hire Gulf Coast Youth, which provides career exploration and paid employment opportunities for eligible young people.
For employers, Workforce Solutions provides another way to address workforce needs by connecting businesses with training, talent and apprenticeship resources.
Explore ARP/MC3 and Workforce Solutions
The ARP/MC3 program is currently accepting applications, with the next class scheduled to begin September 14, 2026. Interested individuals can learn more and apply through the program website at ARPMC3.com or call 832-429-1944.
Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.
