THE COUNCIL

About Us

The West Texas Building & Construction Trades Council (District 9) is the regional affiliate of the Texas State Building & Construction Trades Council, representing 91 counties across the vast and diverse landscape of West Texas. As the West Texas arm of a statewide building trades network whose mission dates back to 1941, we bring together highly trained union construction professionals to advocate for fair labor standards, advance skilled training programs, and uphold the highest standards of safety in the building trades. From oilfields to infrastructure, we work to ensure every job is done with integrity, expertise, and respect for the worker.

Our Mission

We are committed to improving the lives of workers, the strength of our industry, and the communities we serve. Our mission is built on four key pillars:

Advocacy: We fight for pro-labor policies, enforce prevailing wage standards, and protect workers' rights to safe, just, and equitable workplaces.
Training: We support and promote industry-driven apprenticeship programs that combine rigorous classroom education with paid, hands-on field experience.
Safety & Standards: We prioritize the well-being of every worker through access to health and safety training, trade certification, and licensing programs that reflect industry best practices.
Community: We foster collaboration between affiliate unions, contractors, and local leaders to strengthen the voice of organized labor throughout West Texas and beyond.

Our History

For over eight decades, the West Texas Building & Construction Trades Council has stood as the unified voice of the unionized construction workforce in West Texas. From the post-war industrial boom to today's renewable energy projects and transportation infrastructure, our affiliates have shaped the skylines and roadways that define our region. Throughout our history, we've remained dedicated to improving job quality, raising the bar for workforce development, and ensuring union members have access to long-lasting, family-supporting careers.

Apprenticeship & Training

Our affiliated local unions operate nationally recognized apprenticeship programs that set the gold standard for skill development in the construction trades. These programs are structured to meet industry demands while offering apprentices the chance to earn while they learn—eliminating the burden of student debt and preparing them for lifelong careers.

Electrical Apprentices: Comprehensive training in electrical theory, code compliance, installation techniques, and safety procedures—all delivered through a nationally recognized curriculum paired with real-world jobsite experience.
Pipefitting & HVAC: Apprentices receive instruction in blueprint reading, industrial and residential systems, safe welding practices, and environmental controls that meet today's energy-efficiency standards.
Operating Engineers: Learn to operate and maintain heavy machinery, understand hydraulic systems, and apply precision techniques essential to safe and efficient equipment handling.
Carpentry & Millwright: Develop skills in framing, formwork, rigging, layout, and finish carpentry—ideal for both residential and industrial applications. Precision and safety are emphasized throughout.

Coverage Area

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We represent skilled trades in 91 West Texas counties, from Amarillo and Lubbock down through Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin. Whether it's urban high-rises or rural infrastructure, District 9 ensures that every project is staffed by highly trained, safety-focused professionals.