In Texas, opportunity abounds. For Houston native Violeta Nuñez, such an opportunity presented itself after leaving the U.S. Air Force — when she took a leap of faith and used the GI Bill to go to welding school.
Nuñez joined the Air Force in 2001. After serving four years of active duty as an Air Force Command Post Apprentice — stationed everywhere from San Antonio to South Korea to Georgia, plus another two years in the Air Force Reserves – Nuñez was ready for a new challenge. But figuring out her next move wasn’t easy.
“Leaving the Air Force was a major adjustment, and figuring out what should come next was difficult,” Nuñez said. “But my father came from a construction background and worked as a cement mason, and so I decided to try welding school. It was there that I learned about Pipefitters Local Union 211.”
In January 2021, Nuñez applied to the Apprenticeship Readiness Program Multi-Craft Core Curriculum, a three-week program designed to prepare individuals who want a career in the construction industry to transition into an apprenticeship in a trade of their choosing. Nuñez completed the program in March 2021. She went on to apply to the Pipefitters Local Union 211 Apprenticeship Program — as a Pipefitting, Welding, and HVAC Service Apprentice.
Five years later, in May 2026, upon competing hundreds of hours of mandatory related technical instruction and thousands of on-the-job hours, Nuñez broke out of the program as a Journeyman Pipefitter. Now, she works as a construction estimator.
“I went down this career path later in life, later than most. But I am grateful that I did. Working as a pipefitter has given me a strong sense of purpose — and it has taught me a great deal about myself. I have brought with me all that I learned during my service in the military and applied it to the training and to the jobs,” Nuñez said. “I’ve worked out in the field on many different projects, including on new construction projects for power plants and medical buildings.”
Nuñez continued, “Pipefitting in construction is not easy work. You have to deal with intense seasons, temperatures, and hard labor. Not to mention, it is rare to find other women in an industry that is so heavily dominated by men.”
As Governor Greg Abbott doubles down on his commitment to strengthen Texas’ world-class workforce, Nuñez is calling on Texas leaders to get the word out about the specialized training programs available across the state — including for strong women in the workforce.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be accepted as an Apprentice and specialize in a trade like pipefitting,” Nuñez said. “My hope is that Governor Abbott and others continue to spread the word about the workforce training programs that are available in Texas, especially for women like me. Mothers who have the drive and the desire to learn and to grow and to excel in a career — to lead a sustainable life without struggle for you and for your family.”
Texas’ economic prowess is driven by the strength of its workforce. As the Texas economy continues to boom, Governor Abbott is taking clear action to ensure that Texas is powered by the best trained workforce in the nation.
In March, Governor Abbott established the Texas Jobs Council — a collaboration among business and labor leaders and workforce experts from every corner of the state who share a clear mission: bolster Texas’ workforce development system and equip even more Texans with the skills they need to succeed in the most high-demand labor positions. Pipefitters Local Union 211 is among the diverse members included on the Jobs Council.
Earlier this summer, the Jobs Council released a series of actionable recommendations for various state agencies that will build strong pathways from education to employment and expand workforce training opportunities. On July 27, Governor Abbott met with Texas longshoremen at the 93rd International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Convention. The ILA — who are among those serving on the Jobs Council — represent the essential maritime workers responsible for securing the free flow of commerce through Texas ports.
Governor Abbot said of the longshoremen, “The men and women located at every major deepwater port along the Texas Gulf Coast demonstrate the skill, dedication, and hard work that reflect the very best of the Texas spirit.”