BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The rapid industrial growth in the Brownsville area—driven by major projects at the Port of Brownsville, regional LNG developments, and large-scale industrial expansion across the region—is creating immediate demand for skilled pipefitters and industrial workers. Employers are actively seeking individuals who can step onto job sites with the technical skills needed to support large-scale construction and energy projects.
Texas Southmost College (TSC) is stepping up to meet that demand through its pipefitting program, a hands-on training designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the skills trades in as little as 10 weeks. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as pipefitters, industrial maintenance technicians, mechanical installers, and apprentices—career pathways that offer strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement in a growing regional job market.
“Major projects tied to LNG development, Port of Brownsville expansion, refinery construction, and SpaceX’s continued growth are creating strong demand for skilled craft professionals across the region,” said Alan Rivera, TSC pipefitting program instructor.
TSC has responded to the growing demand for these jobs by expanding its training facilities at the ITEC Center over the past two years, enhancing the overall quality of instruction. Instructors have also doubled the pipefitting shop’s square footage and electrical capacity.
“We built shop tables, bought thousands of dollars’ worth of tools, added welding machines, installed proper ventilation, and built a pipefitting simulation training area,” said program instructor Eric Rivera. “As a result, students receive high-quality training without having to worry about purchasing their own tools or equipment.”
David Garcia is the pipefitting program’s lead instructor. The three instructors collectively bring over 30 years of experience in the pipefitting industry. They take pride in delivering training that reflects their commitment to quality, attention to detail, and deep technical expertise.
“Our program differs because students are learning the craft from craft professionals,” Garcia said. “We provide comprehensive, real-world training beyond the standard curriculum. On top of following the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, we also supplement the class with trade knowledge.”
Upon completion of the program, students earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) credentials, industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate competency in construction and trade skills.
In addition, students earn a Texas Southmost College Certificate of Completion and an Occupational Skills Award (OSA), further validating their training and readiness for the workforce.
Students in the 10-week program often balance school, work, and family responsibilities, and may face challenges such as limited transportation and language barriers. Despite these obstacles, instructors work to foster a positive mindset, motivating students by highlighting the success of past graduates who have secured well-paid jobs both locally and across the country.
“Many students have also had the opportunity to travel across the U.S. to work and build their careers,” instructor Eric Rivera said. “We remind them that there is no substitute for hard work, but in the end, hard work pays off. Pipefitting has helped many people in my industrial network find financial stability and, in some cases, retire early.”
Jacob Blaylock, a graduate of the TSC pipefitting program, is one example of that success. When he entered the program in November 2024, the father of four was facing significant financial hardship. Struggling to provide stability for his family, he saw the program as his best path forward.
Blaylock secured a position as a pipefitter helper with Bechtel on the Rio Grande LNG project after completing the program. He is now on track to be promoted to journeyman pipefitter, a milestone that will greatly improve his family’s quality of life.
Blaylock credits his success to the guidance and support he received from his instructors at TSC and the real-world approach to training.
“They were light-hearted, respectful, engaging, and had the experience to really give us as close to a real-world experience as professionally possible,” Blaylock said. “They even called me shortly after graduating to connect me with additional job opportunities in Texas.”
Whether students enter the program with prior experience or are new to the trade, instructors are committed to developing skilled professionals prepared to meet industry demands.
“I hope this program gives people in our community access to real opportunities and careers that can improve their lives,” said instructor Alan Rivera. “At the same time, I want it to help build a stronger local workforce and supply the industry with skilled tradesmen trained right here in our area.”
