Bitcoin Mining Institute Employees Train and Work at the Same Time

Residents of Palestine, Texas, have the opportunity to transition into new careers without returning to school for several months or investing in advanced coursework. Tyler Schmill, Chief Executive Officer of Bitcoin Mining Institute (BMI), will soon be hiring technicians to repair computers used for Bitcoin mining. This is part of a larger project to establish operations at 200 Vista Ridge.

“Our goal is to hire 350 employees in Palestine within the next five years,” says Schmill. “We expect our offices to be under construction over the next six months, but then we’ll start hiring. We would like at least 20 technicians working with us by the end of 2026.”

Employees hired by BMI do not need a background in cryptocurrency, information technology, or data center management. Schmill is working with Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) to develop training programs for his company. This could be a great opportunity for people looking to change careers and enter an in-demand field. 

BMI Repairs and Processes Bitcoin Computers

Schmill has an oil and gas background and switched to Bitcoin mining in 2023. He noticed that despite the growing nature of Bitcoin mining companies across the United States, there aren’t many firms offering hardware repairs and support for these organizations.

“There are only about four companies that manage repairs for Bitcoin mining machines in the United States,” says Schmill. “It’s a large market that isn’t being cornered.”

Schmill estimates there are between three to five million Bitcoin mining machines in the state of Texas. As of Summer 2024, there were around 23 mines in the state, with some Bitcoin mining centers maintaining up to 100,000 machines. These companies need support.  

“When people think about Bitcoin mining, they often worry about loud buildings with noisy computers, but that’s not what we’re building in Palestine,” says Schmill. “BMI provides repair services for the market. Everything we do will be inside the facility.”

BMI is not a Bitcoin mine. Instead, it is a company that offers services to the growing number of mines operating across Texas and the United States. 

Employees Start Working and Learning on Day One

Schmill recognized that most people cannot take eight weeks off from work to complete a training certificate, and cannot afford to be unemployed during that time, either. This is why he contacted TVCC to develop coursework that allows employees to start learning from their first day on the job.  

“Not only do we bring people to work on day one, but we also send them to school on day one,” says Schmill.

Because there are so few companies offering repair services for Bitcoin mines, most colleges don’t offer training to prepare the local workforce for these roles. TVCC developed a specific course to support BMI and create a talent pipeline in Palestine for individuals interested in supporting data centers and Bitcoin mines.

“Rich Crosby at TVCC has been great to work with, and the school’s robotics program is top-notch – which is exciting to see in this part of the state,” says Schmill.

The course lasts eight weeks and is currently non-credited (which means it is made for non-degree-seeking students). BMI uses grants from the state to cover the costs of the coursework, further lowering the barrier to learning for employees. Individuals can either complete the coursework through BMI and start work as an employee, or complete the training independently and then work for other firms. 

BMI Also Worked With PEDC to Find Commercial Space

Along with partnering with TVCC, Schmill and his team worked closely with the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) to identify potential buildings for their space. This is how Schmill found 200 Vista Ridge, which used to be a call center.

“BMI isn’t just bringing jobs to Palestine, it’s creating a new industry and a path for residents to step into lasting careers,” says Christophe Trahan, Economic Development Director for PEDC. “After their time at BMI, employees can use their newly acquired skills across the technology sector. We expect more companies to move to this region as a result of BMI’s investment.”

Schmill also sees the potential in Palestine. Its strategic location in Texas and quality education partners in TVCC will help BMI solve its hiring challenges in an industry that few know even exists. It helps that PEDC is also a top-notch economic development partner.  

“Trahan has been amazing to work with,” says Schmill. “I feel like I have a whole team ready to help me.”

Contact BMI to Ask About Employment 

The team at BMI is trying to establish a low barrier to entry for employees. This could be a great opportunity for individuals seeking to transition their careers into a brand-new field. Contact Tyler Schmill if you have any questions about the new repair center and the TVCC coursework developed to support workers. This could be a great way to launch your next chapter.

You can reach Schmill via email at tyler@bitcoinminingit.com or connect with him via LinkedIn.