Merit Shop Training, Inc. (MSTI) is the 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of ABC Texas Gulf Coast, dedicated to strengthening and sustaining a highly skilled workforce for the region’s construction and petrochemical industries. Since the early 1970s, ABC and MSTI have delivered craft and safety training programs, with MSTI formally established in 1988 to expand and enhance these efforts. As a nonprofit training entity, MSTI was created to ensure that local contractors have access to a competent and qualified labor force by developing, advancing, and continuously improving craft training, specialty programs, and skills assessments.

MSTI takes a comprehensive approach to workforce development—providing hands-on instruction, classroom education, and nationally recognized credentials that prepare individuals for long-term careers in the skilled trades. These programs not only elevate the capabilities of the local workforce but also meet the evolving economic needs of the Gulf Coast’s petrochemical construction industry. By investing in training today, MSTI helps build a safer, stronger, and more sustainable workforce for the future.

At the heart of our NCCER offerings is the MSTI, an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) and Accredited Assessment Center (AAC). MSTI has earned additional endorsements for specialized training in Crane Operation, Rigging, and Signal Person instruction—reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, safety-focused education that supports industry growth and workforce advancement.