Building a Stronger Future Supporting the Skilled Trades
The Mitchell Chuoke Jr. Plumbing Program was established in 2024 in honor of the late Mitchell Chuoke Jr., a respected plumbing industry leader and valued community member who embodied excellence, integrity and mentorship. This tuition-free, 10-week (80-hour) certificate program equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue an industry apprenticeship. In collaboration with Local Union 68, the program covers residential and commercial aspects of the plumbing trade with an emphasis on safety.
With an endowment pledge of $1.3 million to offer the program tuition-free, nearly half of this amount has already been raised. Thanks to generous donations from community supporters Charles and Mary Ellen Doyle, Matt and Debra Doyle, the Patrick F. Doyle family, the Lawrence J. Del Papa family, Joe and Ellen Chuoke, Texas First Bank, Beau and Erin Yarbrough and others, the program is set to be endowed. Additionally, a $100,000 matching pledge from Matt Doyle and Beau Yarbrough will double all outside donations.
The plumbing industry faces a critical shortage, with rising demand driven by aging infrastructure, new construction and retirements. Each year, over 42,600 job openings and 30,000 retirements outpace the shrinking pool of skilled workers. The Mitchell Chuoke Jr. Pre-apprenticeship Plumbing Program provides free training, empowering future plumbers and strengthening the industry.
Your generosity creates opportunities, transforms lives and strengthens our community. With your support, we can achieve the extraordinary.
