Carbondale

What do you love?

Our programs empower individuals with Autism through education and employment in the skilled trades
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General Maintenance

Our General Maintenance Program provides hands-on training in practical repair, facility upkeep, and workplace readiness for individuals interested in building a career in maintenance and support services. Designed for learners of all ages, this program supports both beginners and those who already enjoy working with their hands in real-world settings.

Benefits

Students build a versatile skill set that prepares them for success in entry-level maintenance and support roles. They gain experience in basic repairs, tool safety, workplace expectations, routine upkeep, and practical problem-solving. This program helps students develop both the technical and professional skills needed to begin a career in general maintenance and related fields.

Course Highlights

  1. Basic repairs and facility upkeep
  2. Safe use of tools and equipment
  3. Workplace readiness and task-based learning

Beyond technical training, the program encourages confidence, independence, adaptability, and a strong work ethic that supports long-term success.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded foundation in maintenance skills and real-world application. Through lessons, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and supervised project work, students practice the skills needed in everyday maintenance environments. By learning how to complete a variety of practical tasks safely and effectively, students graduate better prepared for work in maintenance, facilities, and related support roles.

Post Employment

At TACT, our support continues beyond the classroom. We are committed to helping people with disabilities, including those with an IEP, transition successfully into the workforce through job placement support, employer connections, and ongoing mentorship. Our goal is to help each participant secure meaningful employment with inclusive, supportive employers.

Our Team

Support Staff & Office Manager

Melinda Silkwood

Melinda Silkwood

Support Staff & Office Manager
msilkwood@buildwithtact.org

Melinda Silkwood, Support Staff & Office Manager at TACT, was born in Scott City, Kansas, and leads with compassion, warmth, and a servant’s heart. Family is her greatest joy, including her husband of 18 years, three daughters, and three grandchildren. She loves cooking, camping, card games, and dancing with her grandkids.

Lead General Maintenance Instructor

Daniel Silkwood

Daniel Silkwood

Lead General Maintenance Instructor
dsilkwood@buildwithtact.org

Daniel Silkwood, Lead General Maintenance Instructor at TACT, was born in San Luis Obispo, California, and brings a true passion for hands-on work and student connection. He enjoys working on cars, woodworking, hunting, and fishing, and finds great joy in helping students grow. Daniel is also a proud father of a blended family of seven.

SPED Coordinator

Brian Tagle

Brian Tagle

SPED Coordinator
btagle@buildwithtact.org

Brian Tagle, Special Education Coordinator for TACT Carbondale, was born and raised in Delaware and is the youngest of nine children. He holds degrees in Social Studies and Special Education and brings 10 years of teaching experience. Brian is passionate about inspiring and empowering students. He enjoys ice hockey, skiing, golf, his three pups, and collecting vinyl and vintage audio.

Some questions, some answers

Here are our most frequently asked questions

What programs do you offer?

Career Track: Ages 18+. We offer semester-length classes with a focus on job preparation, job development, and job placement in the trades. Options include: Auto, Carpentry, Computer Science, Electrical, Technology (STEM), and Welding.

Workshops:  Ages 7-30. We provide workshop courses in a variety of formats. Typically, these programs take place during weekends, after school or school breaks. These classes focus on introductions to the trades and exploration. Through these workshops, students will practice their functioning skills, socialization, frustration tolerance and fine and gross motor skills.

Job Coaching: Ages 18+. We offer on-the-job training in various areas of job development, preparation, placement, and maintenance. Typically this is a 90 day program, however every student has unique needs requiring unique timeframe standards.

Specialized Day School: Specialized Day School is an educational experience designed to provide tailored learning environments to meet the unique needs of its students. TACT focuses on supporting individuals with specific challenges, such as neurodiversity, learning disabilities, behavioral needs, and offering specialized vocational training.

Do you serve the whole spectrum of students?

Yes! We also complete safety assessments to determine eligibility.

How are TACT’s services funded?

TACT is a Colorado Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) & partners with Colorado Community Centered Boards to serve participants on the Supported Living Services (SLS) & Comprehensive Services (DD) Waivers.

We partner with Colorado's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to fund a variety of youth & adult programming including job exploration, supported employment & more.

TACT accepts private pay and will work with families who do not qualify for state or federal funding.

Why the Trades?

We empower our clients to leverage their unique visual and perception skills in innovative ways. Our programs not only focus on developing marketable skills for sustainable careers in a growing industry but also foster growth in fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning, problem-solving, and socialization—without contrived scenarios common in other industries serving our clientele.

Our age-appropriate trades programs address a critical gap in the sector, offering tailored support for young adults with ASD. As the baby boomer generation exits the trades, there's a pressing need for skilled workers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of trade workers, often overlooked but vital in maintaining our everyday infrastructure.