San Marcos city staff officially opened an expanded workforce training facility at the City Hall complex on March 25, marking a step forward in providing more accessible job training opportunities for local residents.

The overview

The new facility is supported through a partnership with Austin Community College, or ACC, and Community Action Inc. of Central Texas, according to a March 21 city news release.

Beginning in April 2025, ACC will offer Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, or HVAC, courses at the site as part of its Skilled Trades Program. Additional course offerings in the future will include automotive, maintenance, plumbing and welding.

Eligible students will have their course fees covered by Community Action Inc. through Adult Education funding from the Texas Workforce Commission.


“I can’t think of a better way to get people out of poverty than to offer classes that help people get industry-recognized credentials that ultimately lead to a job that is in demand,” said Doug Mudd, executive director of Community Action Inc. “This is a long time coming.”

Notable quotes

San Marcos Council Member Matthew Mendoza said the program opens doors for residents without a college degree to gain valuable skills and access to well-paying jobs.

“This gives the opportunity for anybody on any social level, on any economic level in our city to be able to get this education, to be able to get this skill set and to be able to go and work for a direct company in San Marcos to help out,” Mendoza said.