Rural Texas Automotive Solutions
a 501(c)(3) organization
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Our Mission
Rural Texas Automotive Solutions (RTAS) empowers individuals to begin automotive careers debt-free by offering modern automotive service technician training and early career services to Fayette County and surrounding areas.
We also strengthen our community through:
Workforce Development - Partnering with local auto repair shops to meet their competency needs and offering post-program apprenticeships.
Community Repair - Offering subsidized vehicle maintenance and repairs to those in need of reliable transportation for work or medical care.
Why Our Mission Matters
Why Our Mission Matters
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.
Automotive Training Overview
Automotive Training Overview
The RTAS automotive service technician program combines classroom coursework with hands-on vehicle servicing. Students learn the foundations of modern automotive systems while performing preventive maintenance, electrical diagnostics, and mechanical repairs. Students solidify these skills by servicing vehicles for community members in need while working under the direct supervision of ASE certified master technicians. RTAS’ program offers the same quality of training as many community college programs; however, it differs by being closer to the Fayette area, lower cost, and available to high-school students.
In addition, RTAS has the following advantages:
More quality, hands-on training. 30% of training time is spent on servicing real vehicles using industry-standard equipment. Guided by certified master mechanics at a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio, students rotate through roles in diagnostics, repairs, parts management, and customer advising for comprehensive career preparation.
Connection to Local Job Opportunities - RTAS aligns training with employer needs and connects students to jobs through its local advisory board and automotive industry network.
Early Career Services RTAS provides early career services to help new professionals transition into the automotive industry. This includes:
ASE certification support
Apprenticeship opportunities
Job application support
Personal finance fluency training
Tool procurement support
Training Applications
Training Applications
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
Community Repair Applications
Community Repair Applications
We are proud to offer subsidized vehicle maintenance and repairs to those in need of reliable transportation for work or medical care in our community. Both individuals and organziations can apply.
Interested in learning more? Email today! Jeremiah@RuralTexasDevelopment.org
Ways to Support
Ways to Support
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
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