TEC Website Terms of Use

TRADES EDUCATION CENTER, INC.
WEBSITE TERMS OF USE
Version 2027.1

1. PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND APPLICABLE AGREEMENTS

These Website Terms of Use (“Terms”) address access to and use of www.trades-ed.org and related website features operated by Trades Education Center, Inc. (“TEC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). The website provides information about TEC’s training programs, applications, enrollment, events, and industry activities. It also provides access to TEC Guild member features, which may include profiles, job postings, discussions, and other resources. Please review these Terms before using the website. Where TEC requires acceptance of these Terms to create an account or use a particular feature, you must complete the applicable acceptance process before proceeding.

Relationship to Other Agreements

Training participation, tuition, payment arrangements, cancellation, withdrawal, and refunds are governed by the applicable Enrollment Agreement, TEC Catalog, and any separately accepted payment agreement. Guild membership, fees, member conduct, and membership access are governed by the applicable TEC Guild Membership Agreement. If these Terms conflict with that agreement concerning Guild membership, the Guild Membership Agreement controls. TEC’s Online Privacy Policy explains how TEC handles personal information. Promotional use of photographs, recordings, or testimonials requires the applicable separate media authorization. These Terms supplement those documents for website use. They do not replace them or independently change their financial, participation, privacy, or dispute-resolution provisions.

Questions

If you have questions about these Terms or which agreement applies to a service, contact TEC using the contact information at the end of this document.

2. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS

TEC may communicate with you electronically about inquiries, applications, enrollment, account access, payments, scheduling, and other services you request or use. Communications may be delivered through email, website notices, or applicable account features. You are responsible for keeping your account contact information current and checking the communication channels identified for the services you use.

Electronic Agreements and Required Notices

TEC may provide documents for electronic review and signature. Any required acceptance or consent will be obtained through the applicable process. Visiting the website or sending TEC an email does not, by itself, constitute consent to receive every legally required notice electronically. Where applicable law requires specific disclosures or consent for electronic delivery, TEC will provide those disclosures and obtain that consent separately. You may contact TEC to ask about obtaining a copy of a document or available delivery alternatives. Any rights to paper copies or withdrawal of electronic-delivery consent will be addressed in the applicable consent process and governed by law.

Promotional Communications

Marketing preferences and unsubscribe options are described in TEC’s Online Privacy Policy. Acceptance of these Terms does not by itself constitute consent to receive promotional text messages or other communications requiring separate consent.

3. AGE REQUIREMENTS AND ACCOUNT ELIGIBILITY

TEC’s website and online services are not directed to children under 13. Children under 13 may not create an account, submit personal information through online forms, or participate in member features. Individuals ages 13–17 may view public website information. Account creation, Guild participation, applications, and purchases remain subject to the age requirements and any parent or guardian authorization specified for the particular service. Parental permission alone does not establish eligibility for TEC training or Guild membership. Training admission requirements are stated in the applicable TEC Catalog and Enrollment Agreement. Guild membership eligibility is governed by the TEC Guild Membership Agreement. When creating an account or submitting an application, you must provide accurate information and may not misrepresent your age, identity, qualifications, or authority to act for an organization. TEC may request information reasonably necessary to confirm eligibility or authority. Personal information collected for that purpose will be handled under TEC’s Online Privacy Policy.

4. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES AND SERVICES

TEC’s website may include links to websites, resources, listings, or services operated by other organizations. These may include employers, industry partners, credentialing organizations, payment providers, and community organizations. Third-party websites and independently operated services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. Review those documents before providing information, making a purchase, or entering into an agreement. Including a link or listing does not by itself mean that TEC endorses every statement, product, or service offered by that organization. Any stated partnership or endorsement is limited to what TEC expressly describes. TEC does not control independently operated third-party websites and cannot guarantee their content, availability, security, or performance. Some website functions are supported by service providers working on TEC’s behalf. TEC’s handling and sharing of personal information is described in its Online Privacy Policy and remains subject to applicable authorizations and legal requirements. Using the website does not provide blanket consent for disclosure of your information to every organization that has a relationship with TEC. Any employment, purchase, or other transaction you arrange directly with another website user or third party is between you and that party unless TEC expressly agrees otherwise in writing. This section does not limit TEC’s responsibilities under its own agreements or applicable law.

5. PERMITTED USE AND WEBSITE CONDUCT

You may access and use TEC’s website and available features for their intended purposes, subject to these Terms, applicable service agreements, and law. Access to restricted features requires appropriate account authorization and any applicable membership.

You must not:

Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, threatening, harassing, or discriminatory activity.
Impersonate another person or organization, misrepresent your qualifications or authority, or submit materially false information.
Access another person’s account without authorization or attempt to bypass access controls.
Introduce malicious software, interfere with website operation, or attempt to damage, disable, or overload its systems.
Obtain private records, account information, or restricted content through unauthorized means.
Collect member contact information for unsolicited marketing or distribute spam through website features.
Post confidential information or personal information about another person without appropriate permission or other lawful authority.
Submit content that infringes another person’s intellectual property or other legal rights.

Guild participation is also subject to the conduct requirements in the TEC Guild Membership Agreement. You are responsible for protecting your account credentials and promptly reporting suspected unauthorized access. You are responsible for activity you perform or authorize through your account; responsibility for unauthorized activity will depend on the circumstances and applicable law. TEC may address violations through the access-restriction procedures described later in these Terms and, where applicable, the Guild Membership Agreement.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND USER CONTRIBUTIONS

TEC and Third-Party Materials

Website materials, including TEC’s text, graphics, logos, photographs, training resources, and other content, are owned by TEC or their respective owners and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may view these materials and use downloads for their stated purposes. Additional permissions may be provided through a course, resource, or separate agreement.
Except as permitted by law or the applicable owner, you may not reproduce, modify, distribute, sell, or otherwise commercially exploit protected materials. Do not remove copyright notices, ownership information, or required attribution. Website access does not transfer ownership of TEC’s or another party’s intellectual property or authorize use of their names or logos to imply an endorsement.

Your Contributions

You retain ownership of content you submit to the website, such as profile information, job postings, comments, photographs, and documents. You must have the rights and permissions needed to submit that content and make it available to its intended audience. By submitting content to a shared website feature, you grant TEC a nonexclusive license to host, store, reproduce, format, and display it as reasonably necessary to operate that feature and make it available to its intended audience. This permission does not authorize TEC to sell your content or use private messages or participant records for advertising. For Guild contributions, the content permissions and removal provisions in the TEC Guild Membership Agreement control if they conflict with this section.
Promotional use of your photograph, voice, video, or testimonial requires the applicable separate media authorization. Posting content does not itself grant that promotional permission.

Reporting Concerns

If you believe website content infringes your rights or was posted without appropriate permission, contact TEC using the contact information at the end of these Terms. Identify the content, its location, and the basis for your concern so TEC can review it.

7. THIRD-PARTY SIGN-IN AND CONNECTED ACCOUNTS

TEC may offer sign-in through a third-party account provider. If you choose that option, the provider may share account information with TEC based on the permissions you authorize and the provider’s settings. Review the permissions presented during sign-in and the provider’s terms and privacy policy. TEC handles information it receives as described in its Online Privacy Policy. Using third-party sign-in does not itself authorize TEC to publish your private information, access unrelated account content, or continuously disclose information about you to other users. You are responsible for protecting the third-party account you use to access TEC services. If you disconnect that account or lose access to it, you may need assistance restoring access to your TEC account. Contact TEC before creating a duplicate account. Any additional account connection will be subject to the permissions disclosed for that feature and any consent required by applicable law.

8. ACCESS FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

TEC operates from Georgia, United States. Its website primarily supports TEC’s training programs, Guild membership, and related services. Accessing the website from another location does not establish eligibility for training, employment, licensure, credentials, or other services. Those matters remain subject to the applicable requirements and agreements. If you access the website from outside the United States, you must comply with laws applicable to your use. TEC remains responsible for legal obligations that apply to its own activities. Information may be processed in the United States or other countries as described in TEC’s Online Privacy Policy. Website access does not itself replace any legally required consent or protections for international transfers of personal information. Nothing in these Terms limits rights or protections that cannot lawfully be waived under applicable law.

9. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS

To the extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to indemnify TEC and its officers, directors, employees, and authorized agents for damages and reasonable legal expenses arising from a third-party claim, but only to the extent caused by:

Your unlawful conduct in using the website.
Content you submit that infringes another person’s intellectual property, privacy, or other legal rights.
Your material breach of these Terms.

This obligation does not apply to losses attributable to the negligence, misconduct, or legal violations of TEC or another person seeking indemnification. Ordinary website use, technical difficulties, or inability to access a service do not by themselves create an indemnification obligation. TEC will promptly notify you of a claim for which it seeks indemnification and provide a reasonable opportunity to participate in its defense. Delayed notice will reduce your obligation to the extent the delay materially prejudices your ability to address the claim. Neither party may settle a claim in a way that imposes an obligation, admission, or restriction on the other without that party’s prior written consent. Neither party may incur legal expenses on the other’s behalf without written agreement or other lawful authority. For claims involving Guild participation, the indemnification provisions of the TEC Guild Membership Agreement control if they conflict with this section. TEC may not recover the same loss more than once under overlapping agreements. This section does not require you to indemnify TEC for bringing your own claim against TEC or waive any right that cannot lawfully be waived.

10. DISPUTES AND APPLICABLE LAW

Questions and Informal Resolution

If you have a concern about website access, content, or services, contact TEC using the contact information at the end of these Terms. Describe the concern and the resolution you are requesting so TEC can review and respond. Informal resolution is encouraged but does not prevent either party from seeking legally available relief, contacting a government agency, or taking action needed to preserve a claim or meet a filing deadline. Contacting TEC does not itself extend any legal deadline.

Applicable Agreements

Concerns involving training participation remain subject to the grievance procedures and other applicable provisions of the Enrollment Agreement and TEC Catalog. Guild membership concerns remain subject to the TEC Guild Membership Agreement. These Website Terms do not independently require mediation or binding arbitration, waive a jury trial, or impose a class-action waiver. Any separately applicable dispute-resolution agreement will be addressed according to its own terms and applicable law. Each party is responsible for its own legal expenses unless applicable law, a valid separate agreement, or a court order provides otherwise.

Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by applicable Georgia law and federal law. Nothing in these Terms limits rights, remedies, or consumer protections that cannot lawfully be waived. Any court proceeding must be brought in a court with appropriate jurisdiction and venue under applicable law, subject to any separately applicable, valid agreement.

11. WEBSITE INFORMATION, AVAILABILITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY

Website Information

TEC aims to provide accurate and current website information, but content may contain errors or become outdated. Contact TEC if you identify an error or need clarification before making an enrollment, payment, or other important decision. Training requirements, schedules, costs, payment arrangements, and refunds are governed by the applicable Enrollment Agreement, TEC Catalog, and separately accepted agreements. A website update does not by itself amend those documents or authorize an additional charge. General educational content and member discussions do not replace supervised instruction, applicable codes, manufacturer instructions, required licenses, or qualified professional judgment. Do not rely on a website discussion alone to perform work that could create a safety hazard.

Availability and User Content

Website features may be interrupted by maintenance, technical problems, service-provider outages, or other circumstances. TEC does not guarantee uninterrupted access or the continued availability of every feature. Keep independent copies of important documents and content you submit. If an interruption prevents access to information needed for enrollment, payment, or another TEC service, contact TEC for assistance. Member contributions, job postings, and third-party listings are provided by their respective contributors. TEC does not guarantee their accuracy or any resulting employment, purchase, or other outcome. Users should verify relevant information before acting.

TEC’s Responsibilities

These Terms do not eliminate TEC’s obligations under its service agreements or applicable law. They do not release TEC from responsibility for its own conduct, make discontinuing website use your exclusive remedy, or limit any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be waived.

12. ACCESS RESTRICTIONS AND ACCOUNT CLOSURE

TEC may restrict or suspend website access when reasonably necessary to address a material violation of these Terms, unauthorized access, security risks, unlawful activity, or threats to safety. Restrictions will be reasonably related to the concern being addressed. Where practical and appropriate, TEC will notify the affected user of the reason and provide an opportunity to respond or correct the issue. TEC may act immediately when advance notice could increase a security or safety risk, interfere with an investigation, or violate applicable law. You may contact TEC using the contact information at the end of these Terms to request review of an access restriction or assistance closing your account. Guild suspension, termination, and account closure remain governed by the TEC Guild Membership Agreement. A website restriction does not itself determine dismissal from training, cancellation of enrollment, outstanding payment obligations, or refund eligibility. Those matters remain governed by the applicable agreements and law. If a restriction affects access to information or services needed for training participation, payments, or participant records, contact TEC to arrange an appropriate alternative. TEC’s retention or deletion of account information is addressed in its Online Privacy Policy. Account closure does not necessarily remove information previously shared with other users or records TEC must retain.

13. GENERAL TERMS

Independent Relationships

Using TEC’s website does not by itself create an employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between you and TEC. Any separately established relationship is governed by its applicable agreement.

Compliance With Law

TEC and website users remain subject to applicable law. Any disclosure of personal information in response to legal process will be handled according to TEC’s Online Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.

Severability

If a provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law. Any modification of an invalid provision must be consistent with applicable law.

Relationship to Other Agreements

These Terms address website use and supplement the agreements identified in Section 1. They do not supersede an applicable Enrollment Agreement, TEC Catalog, Guild Membership Agreement, payment agreement, media authorization, or separately accepted dispute-resolution agreement concerning its subject matter.

Electronic Records

Electronic and printed copies of these Terms and related records may be retained for reference. Their legal effect and admissibility are governed by applicable law.

14. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

TEC may update these Terms to reflect changes in website features, operational needs, or applicable law. The revised Terms will identify their effective date and will be posted on TEC’s website. For material changes affecting account holders or ongoing services, TEC will provide appropriate notice through email, account notifications, or a prominent website notice before the changes take effect, unless applicable law or an urgent security need requires a different process. Where renewed acceptance is required, TEC will obtain it through the applicable acceptance process. Posting revised Terms does not by itself establish every user’s agreement to a material change. Updates apply prospectively and do not retroactively change accrued rights or obligations. Changes to these Website Terms do not by themselves amend an Enrollment Agreement, Guild Membership Agreement, payment agreement, media authorization, or separately accepted dispute-resolution agreement.

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms, website access, content concerns, or requests to review an access restriction, contact:

Trades Education Center, Inc.
Attention: CEO / Website Inquiries

Email: ceo@trades-ed.org
Telephone: 404-954-2646

Mailing Address:
8144 Jefferson Road, Unit 300
Athens, GA 30607

Corporate Address:
3253 Jackson Trail Road
Jefferson, GA 30549

Please describe your concern or request and provide a way for TEC to respond. For content concerns, include the relevant page address or other information identifying the content. Do not send passwords, full payment-card numbers, or unnecessary sensitive information.

Effective Date: October 15, 2026
Version: 2027.1