Building Texas Workforce of the Future
Get the hands-on experience you need to enter the workforce with confidence. Texas Trade Careers offers specialized training designed to get you hired quickly in the state’s most essential industries. We don’t just teach theory; we provide the practical tools and recognized credentials required for success. Whether you are looking to start fresh or level up your skills, our expert-led courses and flexible learning paths offer a proven route to a higher paying career in the trades.
We believe technical expertise is only half the battle. Our curriculum emphasizes mental toughness, sharp problem-solving, and a reliable work ethic. You won’t just leave with a certification; you’ll graduate with the professional maturity and strategic mindset required to climb the ranks and thrive in the competitive Texas job market.
Experience high-stakes trade scenarios without leaving your home. Our immersive online platform uses cutting-edge simulations to replicate real-world job sites. You can master complex maneuvers and troubleshoot equipment in a safe, digital environment, allowing you to sharpen your skills on your own timeline.
Our curriculum is reverse-engineered from the current demands of the Texas labor market. We provide the specific toolkits, technical knowledge, and industry-standard certifications that local hiring managers are looking for right now.
From the moment you inquire about enrollment to the day you sign your first employment contract, our advisors are in your corner. We provide personalized career coaching and administrative guidance to ensure your path to a new career is seamless.
Meet Our Team
Our team is made up of experienced industry professionals who specialize in hands-on training, career guidance, and helping students enter the skilled trades with confidence.
Director
Ilya Pidkalyuk leads Minnesota Trade Careers with a focus on modernizing trade education through VR technology and industry aligned certifications. With nearly seven years as a General Manager in HVAC manufacturing and wholesale, Ilya possesses deep ties to the local supply chain and contractor network. Combined with his background in student services and enrollment at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Ilya is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between student potential and industry workforce needs.
HVAC / Appliance Repair Instructor
Dan Parker is an experienced instructor and professional in HVAC/R and appliance repair, with over 5 years of instructor experience and over a decade of experience in the industry. Alongside his educational career, Dan is the owner of a thriving HVAC company. Dan holds a Master of Science in Career and Technology with a concentration in Industry Training from the University of Central Missouri (2021) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southwest Missouri State (1997). He also earned a certification in HVAC/R from Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center in 2013. Dan Parker is known for his dedication to quality instruction, technical excellence, and professional integrity in the HVAC and appliance repair industry.
School Operations Assistant
Alexis brings over ten years of experience in accounting and compliance, with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and a strong legal background. She combines financial insight and legal expertise to keep school operations running smoothly and efficiently. Known for her proactive support, Alexis ensures processes are organized and staff and leadership are supported effectively.
Admissions Advisor
Tendai Mandaza is an Admissions Advisor at Minnesota Trade Careers. He is focused on helping driven individuals break into high-demand skilled trades. With years of experience in admissions and candidate evaluation, he has developed a sharp ability to identify serious applicants and guide them toward real, career-changing opportunities.
He doesn’t just process applications—he challenges, equips, and aligns candidates with a path that demands commitment and delivers results. Tendai is known for his direct, honest approach and his ability to help people move with clarity and confidence toward a future they can be proud of.
The skilled trades offer something many career paths don’t: true job security and the satisfaction of tangible results. We are dedicated to helping you transition into a career that offers both purpose and a paycheck. By syncing our training with the high-demand sectors of the Texas economy, we give you the tools to walk onto any job site with total confidence. Your goals are within reach; you just need the right foundation to get there.
