Category Archives: West Texas

Flores experiences college life while training for career

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Isaiah Flores wanted a 24/7 college experience.

He decided to attend Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program in Sweetwater and live on campus. He has not regretted the decision to leave his childhood home of Hamlin to attend school.

“I toured the Abilene lab and knew that welding would be a career for me. But I chose Sweetwater because I wanted to have the college experience,” said Flores, who is pursuing a certificate of completion in welding.

College life for Flores includes meeting new people and being able to walk around campus. When he is not in the lab working on projects, he makes sure to complete his online assignments in between other activities.

“I have made a lot of friends living on campus. We like to hang out and have fun,” he said.

Flores’ favorite time of the week is welding in the lab and helping his friends with advice.

“I like welding, and it is good we can work in the lab every day,” he said. “(Instructor) Taylor (Elston) explains things a lot, and it helps us complete our projects.”

Elston said Flores works hard to complete projects and help others.

“Isaiah does his work really well and is always asking questions. He wants to be the best he can,” he said.

One of the first things that Flores and the other students completed was a weeklong safety training course.

“We have to be safe in the lab, and spending a week reviewing what we need to do was helpful,” he said. “Taylor really wants us to be safe, and we work to make sure we are not doing anything that could cause an injury. The sparks are always flying, and it is easy to get hit. We make sure we watch to see where our friends are before we get to work.”

Flores said people who do not have experience could begin this program. He had some welding experience helping his uncle in Hamlin, but for others, Flores said Elston is the perfect instructor to help them get started.

“One of my friends did not have any experience welding when he started the program. Taylor worked with him and showed him how to weld,” he said. “Now he is doing projects really well and becoming a better welder. I hope more people look to start a welding career because Taylor has the experience and can teach you everything you need to know.”

While Flores enjoys the campus life, he also enjoys returning to Hamlin to visit friends and going on an occasional fishing trip. But he is looking forward to the day he can show his uncle what he has learned in the lab.

“I have texted him some photos of my work, but he has not seen my full potential,” he said. “I cannot wait to show my uncle what I can do with a welding torch.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

With construction increasing, TSTC fills welding needs

(ABILENE, Texas) – With construction projects increasing in West Texas, the need for welders will only grow.

Greg Nicholas, Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructor in Abilene, said the number of area job postings for welders increases on a weekly basis, and that means construction is underway.

“Currently there are more jobs available than we have welders in our area. That is a good problem to have,” he said.

With two major construction projects underway in the area, Nicholas said TSTC will play a key role in filling positions. In Abilene, Great Lakes Cheese Co. is planning to build a facility, and Georgia-Pacific is building a second gypsum plant in Sweetwater.

“There are several construction projects going on in our area, and I know many contractors will be needing qualified welders,” Nicholas said.

In West Texas, the average salary for a welder is $46,490, according to onetonline.org. Indeed.com lists more than 60 welding jobs in West Texas.

Nicholas said many of his students are already working on jobs while attending school. One of those students is Jeremiah Hall, who is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“People are looking for welders all over. I am working at a fabrication shop and doing some welding on the side,” he said.

Hall said when Texas began reopening businesses, people were looking for jobs. He said with more businesses opening up, construction will return at a brisk pace.

“I know that the oil and gas industry is still not what it used to be, but once we get that going, Texas will be booming with even more welding jobs,” he said.

Hall said many contractors are looking for welders to do frame work on projects, and having a degree or certificate from TSTC will help.

“The program is amazing and will prepare you for a great job with great pay,” he said.

Donavan Gomez is also pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree and will have a job waiting when he completes the program.

“I know things are going to pick up for us, and I am glad I am studying for a degree,” he said. “The instructors want all of us to be successful, and that is the most important thing. Our success is the school’s success.”

Nicholas said welding opportunities will always be available, and he works to make sure that TSTC provides quality employees.

Welding Technology is one of five programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to welding students is simple: If they do not have a job within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/about/moneybackguarantee.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Paramedic student takes advantage of second chance at life

(ABILENE, Texas) – Brittney Sims said she received a second chance at life for a reason.

In 2005, Sims attempted to take her own life as a teenager and at one point was not responsive to paramedics trying to save her. Sixteen years later, Sims is now a student in Texas State Technical College’s Paramedic program and is studying under the paramedic who was the first to arrive at her house that day.

Ronnie Pitts, TSTC’s Emergency Medical Services instructor, was that paramedic. Doctors said Sims would not have normal brain function, but Sims wanted to prove everyone wrong.

“Ronnie Pitts played a key factor in saving my life. Without him, I would not be here today,” Sims said.

She earned her emergency medical technician certificate from TSTC and began the paramedic program for one reason.

“I knew I could do more with my life, and I knew that I wanted to help people the way that Ronnie helped me,” she said.

Pitts said when Sims began the program, he did not remember who she was at first. It was through an email that took Sims some time to write that he learned who this student was and what he meant to her.

“Out of the blue, I received her email, and it hit me,” Pitts said. “Many times as EMTs and paramedics, we wonder what happens to our patients after we drop them off. It is only normal. I am able to see what became of her, and I know she will be a successful paramedic.”

Sims said it took her some time to decide to leave her position in an orthodontics office to attend school, but she is glad she made the choice.

“(Pitts) was thrilled I made the decision to come back to school. I was glad I could show him that the outcome of his call to my house turned out for the best,” she said.

Sims currently works as an EMT at both MetroCare in Abilene and Scurry County EMS in Snyder. She said having experience at both a rural and a larger city service will pay off in the future.

“There are some things I do in Scurry County that I do not do in Abilene. I am impressed that I am learning something new every day,” she said.

Scurry County EMS Director Jason Tyler said Sims has shown signs of becoming a good paramedic.

“She is very confident in what she does and is a quick learner,” he said. “She is getting her eyes open to what rural EMS is about and what we stand for. She is beginning to understand that it is an entirely different system and one she could be successful in.”

Sims said she wants to help pay it forward by promoting TSTC’s program as often as possible. That included recruiting her best friend to join the program earlier this year.

“I hope we will be able to work on an ambulance together one day. Right now, it is good that we are able to see each other on a daily basis,” Sims said.

Sims is also able to talk to her instructors about the calls she had to answer. She said that makes the program appealing to many students.

“There is such amazing team support with all of the instructors. We know that we will be able to talk to them about things we experience in the field,” she said. “I knew I was saved for a reason. I just needed to search for what it was — and it was to become a paramedic and help people like Ronnie helped me.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Oil field salesman finds second career at TSTC

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – An oil field salesman is finding a second career, thanks to Texas State Technical College.

Brett Dupre, of San Angelo, said the pandemic made him pivot his career plans, but he still wanted to get his hands dirty. He remembered touring TSTC while in high school, and now he is enrolled in TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program.

“After what happened last year, I knew I would need a change,” he said. “Since graduating high school, I worked in the oil field. My dad was an oil field salesman, so it came naturally to me. I knew I would have to move forward from that field.”

He has not regretted the decision to attend TSTC to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“It is really interesting what we learn. There is nothing like it,” Dupre said. “I like the hands-on approach because I love fixing things. I always have.”

Dupre has friends who work in the oil field and others who work on wind turbines. He said both forms of energy are needed to power Texas.

“We are going to have to have both forms of power in our future. I do not know how that is going to go, but energy needs to work together,” he said.

Dupre said he wants to be more than a salesman. TSTC Wind Energy Technology instructor Billie Jones said that is one of the best features of the program.

“We have students who enter so many different fields. It could be wind, it could be the oil field or electromechanical,” she said. “We can offer our students so much of a career option.”

One aspect of the program students enjoy most is the first climb inside the TSTC wind turbine tower in Nolan County.

“I have not climbed yet, but I am looking forward to it,” Dupre said. “I have a friend who works on the turbines, so I have been inside one.”

With his career options open after graduation, Dupre said TSTC was also a good choice because of its success in placing students in jobs.

“People really seem to do a lot more than they have to in order for us to be successful,” he said. “That is one reason I decided to enroll. This is a good place to start your career, because you will be successful in your field of study.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Childhood passion turns into career for TSTC student

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – From an early age, David Lopez-Cortez showed an interest in cars.

The graduate of ATEMS High School knew by the age of five that he wanted to work on vehicles for a living. Lopez-Cortez said his passion started by playing with Hot Wheels toy cars at his childhood home.

Lopez-Cortez wants to turn that passion into a career by earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College.

“I have always been interested in cars and how they work,” he said. “I did not think it would end up being a career option, but I am happy I made this choice.”

Lopez-Cortez’ love for cars continues after class when he is working at an oil change service in Abilene.

“I am constantly helping people at work and learning what other people do,” he said. “I also have friends who want me to help them with their cars when I am at home.”

TSTC was a perfect fit for Lopez-Cortez, and enrolling was a decision that he easily made, thanks to his mother.

“My mom went to culinary school at TSTC in Sweetwater and was hired as the head chef at the Hilton in Abilene,” he said. “She later opened her own restaurant and is now at home. She is still the best chef I know.”

Lopez-Cortez said his mother told him that TSTC would be a good place to learn a trade.

“She said the environment is small and simple. Everyone on the campus wants you to succeed,” he said of his mother’s time at TSTC. “That has not changed today.”

The biggest difference between his time at TSTC and his mother’s is the style of learning. Lopez-Cortez completed many class assignments online through remote learning. When he is in the lab, things change.

“This is a totally different learning environment. Each of us in class has our own vehicle project and bay,” he said while standing in his bay, preparing to mount a tire.

Lopez-Cortez also likes the class size and attention that classmates receive from instructor Gerod Strother.

“We are always willing to help each other with projects,” he said. “Gerod makes you feel confident in your decisions, but he is also there when you have a problem. He wants you to succeed.”

Strother said Lopez-Cortez and his classmates have shown a passion to learn.

“Everyone is willing to put in the effort to learn to be the best they can. It is good to see these students training to enter the workforce,” he said.

According to onetonline.org, auto technician/mechanic positions will continue to increase in Texas. The online site forecasts that an additional 6,610 mechanics will be needed by 2028.

Lopez-Cortez plans to use his newfound knowledge in Abilene.

“I want to open and own my own performance car shop,” he said. “I know there are marketing and business plans to get ready, but this is preparing me for a career.”

TSTC is setting him up for success, something that Lopez-Cortez did not realize when he started the program earlier this year.

“TSTC offers you all the tools you need for a career, and they even have the tools in the shop you can use to learn the trade,” he said. “This has been the best experience of my life.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC welding competition get high school students fired up

(ABILENE, Texas) – Some enthusiastic high school students in West Texas competed for scholarships during welding competitions at Texas State Technical College campuses in Abilene and Sweetwater in April.

Students used TSTC’s lab equipment to make a piece designed to test their welding skills. All four of TSTC’s West Texas campuses hosted events in April to promote the college’s Welding Technology program and allow students to tour labs and learn about scholarship opportunities.

“Welding is a high-demand skill that takes many hours of practice and attention to detail,” said Chris Johnson, TSTC’s lead recruiter in West Texas. “It is a great day for us to see young men and women who have spent that time and energy in improving this skill.”

For one competitor, it was a chance to see how the lab will work when he returns to Sweetwater this fall. Floydada High School senior Alexyz Alvarado will begin studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree this fall.

“I enjoyed coming here because it gave me some experience,” he said of the Abilene campus.

His father, Erik Alvarado, accompanied him to the Abilene event and was impressed with his son’s ability.

“I knew he was nervous in the beginning, but this will help him when he starts college this fall,” Erik Alvarado said. “He knows what is expected of him after talking to some of the instructors.”

Alexyz Alvarado began welding as a freshman and said the Abilene event was challenging.

“I practice all the time, and I have done some of the same angles we did here,” he said. “I cannot wait to come back and learn more.”

Welding instructor Dillon Burton said the Abilene contest was designed to show more than the students’ technique. It also made competitors think about the measurements and angles needed to make a perfect piece.

“This project was designed for the students to see some progress,” Burton said.

Greg Nicholas, TSTC’s lead welding instructor in Abilene, wanted the event to be a showcase for the lab.

“I wanted to get students in here and see what we have,” he said. “This helped promote our program and got our name out to a lot of different people. No one in our area has shops like we do at TSTC.”

Nicholas also used the daylong contest as a way to talk to advisors and teachers.

“This gave me the chance to build relationships with people in our area. All of our instructors were able to do that this year during the contests,” he said.

More than 70 students competed at the four campus events, with prizes and scholarships awarded at each. High school students that competed this year were from Big Spring, Breckenridge, Canyon, Clyde, Cross Plains, Floydada, Hawley, Liberty Hill, New Castle, Rolling Plains Technical School, Roscoe, Seymour, Stamford and Trent.

Stephen Hope, Breckenridge’s welding instructor, said plans are being made to continue the competition each year.

“This is a great way for us, as instructors, to promote our program and show people our facilities all at the same time,” he said.

The Welding Technology program is eligible for TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds tuition money to a student if he or she does not find a job in their field within six months of graduation. 

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC works to fill paramedic need in Texas

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is working to fill a need in Texas and the nation.

Ronnie Pitts, the statewide director of TSTC’s Emergency Medical Services program, said the need for paramedics is vital. TSTC will begin the next paramedic courses in Brownwood this fall.

“It has been difficult to fill the need for paramedics in Texas and nationwide,” Pitts said. “We just cannot turn them out fast enough.”

According to onetonline.org, the need for paramedics in Texas is expected to grow 11 percent by 2028.

To become a paramedic, a person must first be a certified emergency medical technician. The EMT certificate is a two-semester program at TSTC. The first semester covers the core EMT courses that allow students to sit for the National Registry certification exam. The second semester has online courses, including medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

For those who choose to continue, the four-semester paramedic program begins.

One of the paramedic program highlights is the final semester capstone, in which students are paired with a seasoned paramedic during an internship. When that is complete, students will be eligible to test for the National Registry paramedic certification.

Pitts said average annual salaries for paramedics vary across the state, from $30,660 in the Harlingen region to $31,750 in the Abilene region, according to onetonline.org. Austin-Round Rock has the highest average salary at $47,750. The statewide average salary is $35,940.

Many TSTC graduates have praised the program and the quality of its instructors, who have worked in the field.

“You know you are going to pass and make it through,” said John Hendrix, a 2020 graduate of the paramedic program. “The instructors make sure you are prepared to pass the National Registry. That is one of the best things about the program. The instructors want you to succeed.”

TSTC offers the EMS program in Abilene, Brownwood, and Harlingen. Students can use the latest technology during lab sessions and also work online to complete assignments.

“I did not realize we would have so much one-on-one time and be able to work with each other,” said current paramedic student Erik Duenes. “I knew there would be studying, but to come here on Wednesdays and execute what we have learned is the best part of the week.”

Pitts said the program aims to prepare paramedics with skills, and behavior to succeed.

“Our graduates are successful and are helping people on a daily basis,” he said.

For more information on the program, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/EmergencyMedicalServices.

Trevino says TSTC made him confident entering workforce

(ABILENE, Texas) – Brandon Trevino has seen his time at Texas State Technical College pay off at work.

Trevino earned an associate degree in Industrial Systems in 2020 and has been using his knowledge on a daily basis at AbiMar Foods in Abilene.

“When I first walked into the plant, I noticed all of the different machines,” he said. “To me, everything was on a much bigger scale than it was at school. But I knew I would be able to learn how to use it.”

AbiMar Foods, which was founded in Abilene in 1992, started with two ovens. Today it exports products to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. 

Trevino said he is proud to be part of a successful company.

“All of my training at TSTC has really paid off. I thought I would be going into the plant scared that I did not know everything,” Trevino said. “I hit the floor running, knowing there would be a learning curve and I would have to catch up. Day by day, I learned more and got comfortable. I have seen my confidence growing.”

He credits his success to his time at TSTC. He also learned that his supervisor had inside knowledge of the programs offered at TSTC.

“My boss graduated from the Waco program years ago. He knew that TSTC trained good employees,” Trevino said.

With the help of instructor Daniel Diaz, Trevino was able to interview for a job before he graduated in December.

“I knew other people were having a hard time, but Daniel was able to help me get my foot in the door,” he said.

Since his time at work, some people have told him to expand his knowledge. For now, Trevino is happy to be working at a job that he trained for.

“I am one of those guys that likes to get all dirty,” he said. “I really like what I do on a daily basis.”

Trevino was not always a person who liked to work on equipment. That changed after he enrolled at TSTC.

“Working in the lab made me learn what was going wrong with a machine. I used to stay away from those situations, but not anymore,” he said.  “I really like trying to figure things out.”

Trevino said TSTC’s instructors were helpful in showing him the proper way that equipment works.

“If we did not understand something, they would always be there to show us. It helps that they worked in the field,” he said. “All of their training and knowledge has been helpful to me in my career.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Lance continues to learn after earning associate degree at TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Marcus Lance has done a lot in a short period of time at Texas’ largest limestone quarry.

After earning an associate degree in Industrial Systems at Texas State Technical College in 2020, Lance began working for Champion Stone Co. in Lueders. The maintenance technician has seen his education pay off daily.

“I am the main guy when it comes to all of the electrical boxes at the quarry. I have also installed three or four different plumbing systems while I have been working there,” he said.

Lance has also learned how to use heavy machinery, including a front-end loader.

“I have to do a lot of different things when it comes to work. At school, we learned to operate a forklift, but now I can drive a front-end loader with 20,000 pounds on it,” he said. “I never thought I would be able to say I could operate something that big.”

Having an aptitude for operating mechanical equipment comes naturally to Lance. In his spare time, he makes knives in his backyard shop.

“Do-it-yourself and using equipment is right up my alley,” he said. “I think having more experience will help you in life.”

When Lance started the program, he knew he had some experience, but he was surprised by how much he learned.

“I would apply what I did know when I was in class, but I was surprised that almost daily I would learn something I did not know,” he said.

Lance said being raised by a single mother led him to learn how to fix things around the house and eventually apply that knowledge toward a career.

“It was up to me to help her out. If something were wrong with the car, I would dive right in and try to fix it,” he said. “I wanted to get things done around our house that needed to be done. While I was able to do that, I was learning a new skill.”

Lance said one skill he learned at TSTC was welding.

“I was able to learn enough about welding that I bought my own welder,” he said. “I am the kind of person that likes to read instructions and put that knowledge to work. Once I read about it, I want to use it over and over again to make sure I know I am doing it correctly.”

Lance said the program offers people various options, but he does have advice for anyone considering Industrial Systems.

“It may be overwhelming at times, but remember you do not have to become a master,” he said. “Make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing so you can take the next steps.”

According to onetonline.org, electrical technician jobs are expected to increase 8% by 2028. Instructor Daniel Diaz said people like Lance and other TSTC graduates are able to learn different trades and become highly skilled when they complete the program.

“We offer a lot of different options for our students. They are able to learn different areas of the trade and can find a good job when they graduate,” Diaz said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC graduates begin new journey following virtual commencement

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 120 candidates for graduation during a virtual commencement celebration on Thursday, April 22.

The celebration honored graduates from TSTC’s four West Texas campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater. TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments with a video message.

“Throughout your time at TSTC, you strengthened yourself with the skills needed to make your life better and for those that matter most to you,” Reeser said.

Andy Weaver, TSTC’s interim provost in West Texas, said graduates are ready for a new journey.

“We know that a new journey awaits you, and that’s the journey on the road to your career and profession you are seeking,” he said.

Graduates thanked several people with messages posted on social media following the virtual celebration. Many graduates thanked their families and instructors.

“Becoming a registered nurse has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I am so blessed that I am getting to add these letters behind my name,” said Ashley Watson, who received an Aof Applied Science degree in Nursing. “I want to thank everyone for sticking by my side and helping me achieve my dream. I also want to thank the instructors for believing in me and doing their best to teach us during the wild and crazy times we live in.”

Kyla Patterson, who also received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, thanked the people who helped her reach a lifelong goal.

“A huge thank you to my family, friends, and the TSTC staff for all of the support you provided to achieve my career goals. Here is to the next chapter of adventures to come,” she said.

Joshua Hernandez, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls, said he is excited about his next journey.

“I’m very excited to find a job post-graduation and to get to work and start providing for myself and my family through hard work,” he said.

Brazes Bray, who received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, thanked TSTC instructors.

“Thank you to my professors, Leo Chavez and Adrian Medrano, for giving me the guidance and encouragement to tackle this tough degree. I look forward to pursuing my passions and obtaining industry certifications on my journey ahead,” Bray said.

Yovanna Mounce said she learned the meaning of education while attending TSTC. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.

“I want to thank God, my family, and the entire TSTC and HIT program staff for motivating me to work hard and put my best potential forward to succeed,” she said. “Thank you for helping me to understand the value and great satisfaction of an education overall.”

Before the virtual celebration, graduates could pick up a graduation swag bag that included a diploma cover, travel mug, and face mask.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.