The Rural Workforce Academy - College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources

Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology
Agriculture and Business Multipurpose Building
805 A.G. Cleaver Street
Prairie View, TX 77446
T: (936) 261-2540
F: (936) 261-2501

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center
745 Jessie and Mary Gibbs Jones Agricultural Research Building
620 E.E. O’Banion Street
P.O. Box 519; MS 2008
Prairie View, TX 77446
T: (936) 261-5000
F: (936) 261-9975

Cooperative Extension Program
761 Carden-Waller Cooperative Extension Building
250 E.M. Norris Street
P.O. Box 519; MS 2001
Prairie View, TX 77446
T: (936) 261-5148
F: (936) 261-5143

Tre Rural Workforce Academy Logo

We are currently revamping The Rural Workforce Academy program. Please bear with us while we work on creating an even better TRWA experience!

What is TRWA?

The Rural Workforce Academy, also known as TRWA, is a Registered Apprenticeship program that involves an earn and learn structured approach to on-the-job training and classroom related instruction. This structured approach to education and training allows apprentices to earn a wage while acquiring the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to a specific occupation or industry.

TRWA program plays a vital role in nurturing local talent, supporting economic development and creating a skilled workforce that can address the unique challenges and opportunities present in rural communities.

WHAT IS REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP?

A Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

What You’ll Gain

In-Demand Skills: Acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly growing field

Certification: Prepare for industry recognized certifications to boost your credibility and open doors to new opportunities

Career Support: Gain access to our network of industry professionals and resources to help you kickstart or advance your career.

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP AND HOW IT WORKS

Before being admitted to our Registered Apprenticeship program, individuals must first complete the Pre-Apprenticeship program. The Pre-Apprenticeship is an in-depth 4 to 16-week program designed to prepare people for today’s employment by combining industry training with soft skills, life skills, and job search techniques.

Our programs, which emphasize the whole development of the individual, include goal setting, resume writing, interviewing, appropriate wardrobe for success, leveraging your job hunt, resolving conflicts, time management, financial competence, and a chance to put newly acquired skills into practice. The first week will consist of basic job readiness skills training delivered in-person at a designated location. That week will be followed by additional weeks of industry training. The total time of the Pre-Apprenticeship program will be determined by the length of time required for the industry training.

HOW THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM HELPS COMPANIES

Organizations that hire apprentices for their skilled positions realize several benefits. Through apprenticeship, organizations can:

Evaluate workers with the right aptitude and attitude to instill the company’s culture
Recruit and develop a diverse and highly skilled workforce pipeline
Improve productivity, profitability, and the company’s bottom line
Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent
Demonstrate investment in the community

HOW THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM HELPS INDIVIDUALS

Hands-on and on-the-job training in a specific trade or profession
Gain valuable skills and experience earning while learning
Long-term career opportunities and the potential for advancement and higher wages
Earn an industry-recognized credential

Upcoming Classes

Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity industry faces several challenges, such as the shortage of skilled professionals, data breaches, and the complexity of cyber threats on businesses. Cyber threats can come in various forms including malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and denial of service (DoS) attacks. With the increasing digitization of businesses and the rise of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become critical for organizations of all sizes.

If you are looking for a career that is in high demand, the Cybersecurity industry is expected to continue to grow. Sign up for the online, at your own pace program today.

Flexible Learning

Life is busy, and we understand that. That’s why our course is designed with flexibility in mind. Access your course materials anytime, anywhere and at your own pace. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, our Cybersecurity program is here to accommodate your schedule.

Secure your spot in our upcoming Cybersecurity course now! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real impact in the digital world.

Use the below application for Sign up

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

First Last

Are you currently employed ?*

Job Title

Organization

Phone Number*

Email*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Industry*

If other, please specify:

Which program are you interested in?*

If other, please specify:

CED County

I am eligible to work in the United States*

How did you hear about us?

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Certified Nurse Assistant

The demand for a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is expected to remain in high demand far into the future. Obtaining a CNA certification is one entry point into the healthcare field. It provides job stability and opportunities for career growth. Many people obtain this certification as a steppingstone into a career in nursing.

If you are looking for a career that is rewarding and in high demand, then the healthcare industry is for you. Sign up for the program today.

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About TRWA

The Rural Workforce Academy (TRWA) is a pilot program funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration Department of Commerce and Prairie View A&M University to Prairie View Cooperative Extension Program to provide skilled trades training certification and job placement to rural counties impacted by disasters. The certifications offered will provide value-added impact, addressing rural Texas’s much-needed rebuilding and recovery efforts. Class participants can choose one of three areas of training: Core Construction, Certified Nurse Assistant, or Low-voltage Electrical Technician.

COMING SOON

Participants may choose one certification from the following skill-trade training certifications:

CORE Construction Training – Participants will become skilled in NCCER’s Core Construction and gain knowledge of the construction industry. The training will be for four weeks to ensure participants meet the training hours required to excel in today’s construction industry.
Low-Voltage Electrical Training – Participants will train to meet the certification standard to be skilled as a low-voltage technician. The training will consist of classroom and hands-on instruction.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) – Participants will train to meet the industry standard to be certified as a nurse assistant. The training consists of classroom and hands-on instruction. Once the training is complete, you will be eligible to take the Texas CNA Examination.

Who Should Enroll?

TRWA is ideal for a person interested in learning a skilled trade and eager to enter the workforce should enroll in this program.

Earning the Certificate.

As a participant in the program, you will join other participants in a small group model of engagement that will take you through a series of classes and workshops. During your weeks of training, you will learn in-class course material and gain on-the-job training. Once you complete the selected training, you will take the required exam, and once you pass the test, you will earn your industry-recognized credentials.

How do I get a job?

Certified trainers and their staff will offer a series of soft-skills classes and workshops on resume writing, interview skills, professional dress, and personal skills assessment.

One of the expectations of TRWA is to earn a certification and use industry-recognized training to secure employment opportunities. Our goal is to empower you and assist you in your career placement with a company.

Tuition

FREE for qualified participants.

Thank you for your interest in our program! Please fill out the online application form on our website to be considered for enrollment. Once submitted, our team will review your application. Please allow up to 5 business days for the review process

What is Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship:
- Is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
- Is a work-based learning opportunity that can be instrumental in serving individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and providing a pathway to well-paying careers.
- Provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges such as responding to critical supply chain demands and supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, addressing public health issues, and rebuilding our country’s infrastructure.
Distinguished from other types of workplace training models by several factors:
- Registered Apprenticeship programs are jobs from day one and apprentices earn family sustaining wages from their employers allowing them to earn and learn at the same time;
- Registered Apprenticeship programs provide structured on-the-job learning and job related classroom training, some with articulation agreements with 2- and 4-year colleges including minority serving institutions;
- Apprentices earn wage increases as they learn and gain new skills;
- On-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of a mentor(s).
- Training results in a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
Advantages of Registered Apprenticeships:
- Apprenticeships can be found in all industries, such as clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, information technology, financial services, childcare, transportation, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
- A Registered Apprenticeship is a flexible model, programs can be customized to meet the needs of every business and industry.
- A Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model that has been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
- Registered Apprenticeships provides a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, justice-involved individuals and people with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to America’s industries.

As of June 2022, 503 participants have been trained in 6 different occupations.
Welder
Nurse Assistant Certified
Office Manager/Admin Services
Cyber Security Support Technician
Residential Wireman
Organic Vegetable Farm Manager

Application

TRWA Application

*For more information email dolenoir@pvamu.edu or call (936) 261-5178

Cybersecurity

Certified Nurse Assistant

COMING SOON

What is Apprenticeship?

Application

EVENTS