Texas A&M University is taking direct aim at Texas’ construction labor shortage with the launch of its Aggie Construction Management Apprenticeship Program (CMAP) — a federally funded initiative designed to give students both classroom instruction and hands-on field experience.
Backed by a $2 million U.S. Department of Labor grant, CMAP was created to meet the rising demand for skilled workers and future leaders in Texas’ construction industry. The state continues to see significant shortages in trades such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, as well as in supervisory roles like project managers and superintendents.
“CMAP is designed as a bridge — not only to immediate workforce needs, but also to Texas A&M’s bachelor’s and graduate programs in construction science,” university officials said.
The program’s structure includes eight weeks of classroom and workshop training at both the College Station main campus and the RELLIS campus, followed by a 16-week paid internship with a leading Texas construction company. Students gain technical knowledge, safety certifications, and on-the-job mentorship all within a single program cycle.
For the inaugural summer 2025 cohort of eight students, that mix of training proved transformative.
“I’ve been able to learn way more than I thought I could, especially in eight weeks,” said Sebastian Lopez, a CMAP student. “I just wanted to learn as much as I could about construction and leave with something new that I didn’t know before.”
Students were taught by Texas A&M faculty alongside industry professionals, learning foundational skills from plumbing and electrical wiring to concrete placement and carpentry. They also earned OSHA 30 certification, CPR training, and first aid experience — all vital for modern jobsite safety.
“When I first started this program, I thought it was just about general contracting,” said Aidan Cortez, another CMAP student. “I realized there are so many paths — mechanical, electrical, plumbing, the trades — where you can really spread your wings, work for different companies and work your way up.”
CMAP’s industry ties were crucial to its first-year success. Companies including MYCON General Contractors and Dynamic Systems partnered with the program to provide materials, mentorship, and internship opportunities.
Students also participated in a private career fair with 14 companies, where they were coached on resumes and interview skills ahead of time.
“They had great interviews,” said Stacie Watson, CMAP’s industry relations coordinator. “The companies were impressed with their ability to answer questions with such a quick [turnaround].”
All eight students in the pilot class secured paid internships, where they will work under professional mentors and begin gaining the leadership skills needed to move up the industry ladder.
Shelley Smith, assistant head of the Department of Construction Science, sees the program as a pipeline for future leaders.
“A lot of these students will be project managers or superintendents at some point,” Smith said. “I have no doubt about that.”
The program doesn’t stop with one successful launch. CMAP organizers are already preparing to expand the apprenticeship to Prairie View and possibly McAllen, extending its reach across Texas. They are also seeking accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education and the U.S. Department of Labor, a process that requires at least a year of program operation.
Graduates of the inaugural cohort will return to College Station in December to receive their completion certificates in a formal ceremony, marking the first class of Aggies to complete the fast-track apprenticeship.
Applications for CMAP’s next cohort open in spring 2026, with limited spots available. Organizers encourage early applications to secure placement.
For more information, email aggiecmap@tamu.edu.
Originally reported by Ana Renfroe, Texas A&M University College Architecture in Texas A&M University.
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