Program creates career pathways for employees while strengthening safety, quality, and long-term workforce development across Spitzer facilities
July 24, 2026 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Houston, Texas – Spitzer, a Race Rock company (www.racerock.com), highlighted its in-house apprenticeship program, a workforce development initiative designed to train and promote skilled trade talent across the company’s fabrication facilities.
Originally launched in 2024, the program was created to help develop the next generation of welders, fitters, and machine operators through structured hands-on training, mentorship, and skills development led by experienced Spitzer craftsmen and supervisors. Since its launch, nearly 50 employees have participated in the program across Spitzer’s Texas facilities.
The apprenticeship program provides employees with a structured path to advance from entry-level helper positions into skilled trade roles through on-the-job training, mentorship, evaluations, and hands-on testing. Participants work directly alongside experienced foremen and senior-level employees while learning Spitzer’s standards for quality, safety, and craftsmanship.
“As demand continues to grow across the industrial and energy sectors, developing skilled talent internally is critical to our long-term success,” said Milo Thibeadeau, COO at Spitzer. “This program allows us to invest directly in our people while creating meaningful career pathways within the organization. We are not just filling positions — we are building future leaders and skilled craftsmen from within.”
Unlike many traditional apprenticeship models, Spitzer’s program is managed entirely in-house, allowing training and development to be tailored around each employee’s pace, skill level, and growth potential.
“We want employees to see that there is real opportunity here,” said Roxanna Cardoza, HR Director at Spitzer. “Many participants come in as helpers looking for an opportunity to grow their careers. Through mentorship and hands-on training, they are able to build skills, gain confidence, and advance within the company. That creates pride, engagement, and long-term commitment to the organization.”
The initiative also supports Spitzer’s broader operational goals by helping reinforce the company’s safety culture, quality standards, and employee development initiatives. Participants are trained directly by experienced employees who model Spitzer’s operational expectations and culture on the shop floor.
“I started at Spitzer as a helper looking for an opportunity to grow,” said Ezequiel Robledo, a graduate of the Spitzer Apprenticeship Program who now helps train and mentor other employees. “The program gave me support from experienced mentors, and a clear path to advance my career. It feels good to know the company is willing to invest in people who want to work hard and improve themselves.”
To further recognize employee achievement, Spitzer is implementing formal quarterly graduation ceremonies held across all facilities. During the ceremonies, apprentices are recognized by company leadership and peers for reaching key milestones and advancing into higher-skilled positions.
“As an organization, we believe investing in people is just as important as investing in equipment and infrastructure,” added Milo Thibeadeau. “This program reflects the kind of culture we want to build at Spitzer — one focused on growth, mentorship, craftsmanship, and opportunity.”
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