ALPINE — Big Bend Telephone (BBT) is celebrating the success of its first official class of apprentices, a milestone in the company’s effort to develop local talent and invest in the future of telecommunications in rural West Texas.
The BBT Apprenticeship Program, designed to give high school students hands-on experience in the field alongside seasoned professionals, paired three exceptional students with mentors who guided them through real-world training over the past year.
“This is our first class to really go through a refined program in telecommunications, from an outside plant perspective,” said Rusty Moore, chief operating officer and general manager at BBT. “We were blessed with three brilliant young men and women. It just continues to illustrate the depth of our caring for this region and what we’re wanting to put back into it.”
Meet the apprentices:
Evan Clark, a graduate of Terlingua High School from Lajitas, began his apprenticeship with BBT in November 2024, working alongside mentor Danny Rodriguez. A student with diverse interests ranging from robotics to graphic design, Evan completed the program in May and will be attending Angelo State University to pursue a double major in cybersecurity and computer science.
Josselyn Melchor, a graduate of Presidio High School, joined the program in June 2025 under the mentorship of Daniel Brito. A driven student involved in the Rocketry Club, River Rangers and the school band, Josselyn is set to attend Angelo State University to study accounting. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “BBT gives us the opportunity to see us investing in the youth of this region.”
Angel Jose Hernandez, also from Presidio High School, was another standout apprentice working with Daniel Brito. A student of Odessa Early College High School, Angel balanced high school and college coursework while also pursuing his passion for electronics and construction. He will major in criminal justice at Angelo State University this fall.
Moore emphasized that this pilot class is only the beginning: “We’ll continue to develop the program, continue to mature the program. I really want to see some sort of a portable certification — something like a CompTIA or hands-on credential that gives these students a feather in their cap as they move forward.”
The BBT Apprenticeship Program exemplifies the company’s commitment to the region — not just by providing service, but by cultivating future leaders and skilled workers within the community.
As the program grows, BBT aims to offer even more opportunities for students across the region, ensuring that rural Texas has both the infrastructure and the talent to thrive in an increasingly connected world.