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The future of skilled trades in Caldwell County is getting brighter, and the rest of Central Texas is taking notice.

Austin Community College (ACC) has officially opened its new ACC Training Center in Lockhart, transforming the historic former Ford dealership in downtown into a 20,000-square-foot hub for hands-on workforce training. ACC is one of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area’s (WSRCA) many valued training partners, and this new center represents a major step forward in expanding access to local, in-demand career pathways.

Hundreds of students are already enrolled, signaling strong community demand and momentum.

Honoring the Past While Building the Future

Operating out of the former Ford dealership, the training center offers instruction in high-demand trades including automotive technology, HVAC, electrical, and welding.

“This building once represented Lockhart’s past as a Ford dealership. Now it represents part of our future,” said Mark Estrada, Lockhart Independent School District superintendent, in comments shared with KXAN.

ACC previously provided dual-credit instruction through local high schools. With the opening of this center, training is now accessible to high school students, recent graduates, working adults, and career changers across Caldwell County.

Meeting Growing Workforce Demand Through Partnership

Demand for skilled workers continues to rise across Central Texas, particularly in fast-growing communities east of Austin.

“Statewide, it’s through the roof,” said Troy DeFrates, Dean of ACC’s Design, Construction, and Applied Technologies Division.

“There is a lot of demand in Lockhart, and all these areas that are moving, as we go east. Craft training is booming,” DeFrates told KXAN.

Since Caldwell County voters approved joining the ACC district in November 2024, more than 600 students have already engaged in ACC programs. The Lockhart Training Center now provides a permanent, local home for that instruction and strengthens the workforce pipeline for area employers.

ACC’s work is part of a broader ecosystem of education and training partners collaborating with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area to align training opportunities with real labor market needs.

Why Local Training Matters

Local access to training plays a critical role in keeping talent local.

When residents can gain skills close to home, they are more likely to work locally, support local businesses, and remain invested in their communities. Employers benefit from a reliable talent pipeline, and families avoid the cost and disruption of commuting or relocating for education.

“With ACC’s arrival in this fast-growing community, we envision that they will lead us to growth, new businesses arriving, a skilled workforce pipeline, and most importantly, the opportunity for good-paying jobs,” said Lockhart Mayor Pro Tem Jeffry Michelson, as reported by KXAN.

Through partnerships with ACC and many other training providers, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area works to ensure Caldwell County residents can build meaningful careers without leaving the communities they call home.

A Strong Path Forward for Caldwell County

ACC serves more than 80,000 students annually across 11 campuses and multiple workforce training centers, including standalone locations like Lockhart. The new center reflects a growing recognition that skilled trades offer stable, fulfilling careers without requiring long-term student debt.

“Folks are realizing that they can have a very happy, successful career, and maybe don’t have to go into debt at a four-year university,” DeFrates added.

For Caldwell County, the ACC Training Center in Lockhart represents opportunity, access, and the power of strong local partnerships working together to build a skilled workforce and a resilient local economy.

To learn more about ACC Lockhart’s courses and how to enroll, visit ACC online.

See the KXAN report here: