Bechtel announced today that the company donated more than 800 new hand, technical, and construction tools to the Brownsville Independent School District (ISD) Career Technical Education (CTE) and Adult Continuing Education (ACE) programs. As students prepare for a career in construction and engineering, learning on state-of-the-art tools is critical to mastering the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) curriculum and certification.

“This program is about offering opportunities to local students. We know early engagement is key and delivers results,” said Geoff Whitman, Bechtel Tool Operations Manager. “The NCCER classes taught by the Brownsville school district give students hands-on experience and a certification that prepares them for successful craft professional careers. We're proud to support the program with these tools and we’re committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for local residents.”

Bechtel is steadfast in its commitment to fostering job opportunities for local residents, exemplified by projects like NextDecade's Rio Grande Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facility.

"We are proud to have Bechtel as our EPC partner, as they are the premier builder of LNG facilities worldwide," said David Keane, NextDecade Senior Vice President of Policy and Corporate Affairs. "We appreciate their contribution to Brownsville ISD to support their CTE programs and help us meet one of our commitments to the community: hiring as many local people as possible."

“We are very excited to have the support of Bechtel to graduate students who are prepared to excel in higher education and successfully pursue career opportunities in a changing global society,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools of the Brownsville ISD. “The Career and Technical Education and Adult Continuing Education programs are preparing students for career pathways in the global marketplace by offering experiential learning, post-secondary credits, and industry certifications. Brownsville ISD students will gain technical and high-level academic skills, leading them to be lifelong learners thanks to this historic partnership.”

During today’s tool presentation, representatives from the City of Brownsville, Brownsville ISD, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, NextDecade, and Bechtel spoke about the benefit of this partnership and local career opportunities available on the Rio Grande LNG project.