The Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend (CTCCB) is a non-profit organization. Corpus Christi industrial owners and contractors are working together to solve the growing manpower shortages facing the South Texas construction industry.

Nationally, the shortage of skilled workers is a problem growing at an alarming rate. This problem affects every contractor's ability to stay competitive, decrease the number of reportable incidents, and complete projects efficiently.

In 1987, the local industry owners, represented by The Coastal Bend Business Roundtable (CBBR), and contractors, represented by The Associated Builders & Contractors, Texas Coastal Bend Chapter (ABC), addressed the problem and developed The ABC Merit Shop Training Program, Inc. to help alleviate manpower shortages. In 1997, our name changed to ABC Merit Shop Training Program, Inc., dba The Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend.

The Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend provides task-oriented modular-based training to employees of local industrial owners and contractors by utilizing Contren^® curricula developed by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This training is offered through our 4-Year Electrical and 3-Year Insulating Apprenticeship programs and our Craft Training Programs, which include courses in Pipefitting, Welding and Instrument Fitter. The Upgrade Training Program is flexible and can be customized to meet the needs of each individual company.

The Associated Builder & Contractors Merit Shop Training Program, Inc., dba Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend strives to meet the shared manpower needs of the Community, Business, and Industry by providing education for the construction industry. Our goal is to develop craft professionals, who are experienced and capable under the highest professional standards.