Our mission bridges a critical workforce gap. Nearly 60% of repair shops across the USA, including Texas, are facing severe technician shortages. Shop bays sit vacant and customer repairs are backlogged for weeks.1 While this AI-resilient career2 offers strong earnings between $35,000 to $90,000 annually plus benefits,3 many Fayette County residents face steep barriers such as: a lack of local accredited programs along with prohibitive commute times and costs. Additionally, vocational training programs frequently leave students in debt up to $50,000.4  RTAS helps folks overcome these barriers by being a local, affordable training center that directly connects individuals to jobs and a foundation for a well paying career to support themselves and their families.   

RTAS also benefits local workforce development by building a vital talent pipeline and working with local businesses. Fayette County has approximately 60 automotive shops across La Grange, Schulenburg, and Flatonia, frequently with around 20 open roles.5  In addition to filling routine vacancies, the talent pipeline will help supply future growth and impending retirements. The last benefit is of particular interest in Fayette County where the concentration of near-retirees heavily exceeds the national average, roughly 10,600 workers are preparing to exit the workforce.6

Finally RTAS also benefits community mobility by helping at-risk community members in need by providing subsidized car services through the training program. This will help manage surprise repair expenses that could be the difference between missing a rent payment or losing your job versus making it through the month.

Our application process will consider anyone interested in an automotive career and over the age of 16. This includes high school students seeking technical credentials and adults both either entering the labor market or transitioning careers. 

Interested in applying?  Email today! Jeremiah@RuralTexasDevelopment.org

There are many ways to support either the training program or community repairs! Plus, all financial, vehicle, supplies, and tool donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Thank you for supporting our community!

Donations - Tax-Deductable

• Financial - Sponsor a student by buying safety gear, toolkits, or covering tuition.

• Vehicle and Part Donations -  We accept automotive parts and used automobiles for students to diagnose and repair.

• Shop Supplies - Donate tools, equipment, safety gear, and other consumables.

• Discounted Services - Help us keep our operational costs low so we can do more for others.

Volunteer

• Advisory Board Members -  We are seeking shop owners and experienced technicians to assure the curriculum develops career-ready students. 

• Guest Instructors - Experienced mechanics and shop owners teach a specialized class or skill.

• Mentorship - Guide a student through the process of obtaining a job and a successful start of an automotive career.

• Shop Upkeep -  Help us organize tools, maintain equipment, and keep our training facility safe.

Spread the Word

• Find Students -  Refer individuals seeking vocational skills to our automotive training program.

• Local Charities  - Refer families / individuals in need of reliable and affordable vehicle repair services.

• Industry Connections - Introduce us to local auto shops, dealerships, and parts suppliers and other vocational training professionals for partnerships. 

• School and Workforce Development Partners - Connect us with