'Not enough folks': new program hopes to fill trade jobs throughout Texas

SAN ANTONIO — This week’s Career Connections introduces you to a program to help fill trade job openings and give you some new skills.

"Contractors actually cite trouble finding skilled labor today in the marketplace," said Director of Workforce Development for The Home Depot Jenna Arca.

To help fill that skilled labor demand The Home Depot created Path to Pro.

The program is based in Texas as well as Atlanta and takes about 10 hours to complete.

It also gives you access to their Pro network where you can connect with those looking for trade workers.

Arca said they teach several skills.

“The program includes basics in HVAC's, plumbing, electrical, and carpentry, as well as some basic jobsite safety, and a general introduction to what a construction career looks like,” said Arca.

Jobs are still getting done around San Antonio but a lot of local companies tell us they’re hoping this program will be able to add more people to the workforce to make jobs quicker and easier.

"There’s just not enough folks in the trade industry,” said President and CEO of George Plumbing Company George Saliba.

He hopes this brings a returned interest in trade jobs.

“We have a mindset problem. People do not want to be plumber or they have been told that that’s degrading or demeaning work,” said Saliba.

Michael Scheibe with Plumbing Today agrees. He adds several understood the importance of trade jobs when the February freeze happened.

“The state of Texas was so understaffed, the plumbers, we couldn't keep up with the work demand. The more the more qualified people, the better,” said Scheibe.

If you are interested in the program we have sign up information linked right here.

According to The Home Depot out of 82,076 students who completed career and technology education programs in 2019, only 123 students were in HVAC, 103 students in plumbing, 196 students in electrical and 578 students in welding. That is for the entire state of Texas.