TSTC Industrial Systems student aims to expand knowledge, advance career

(ABILENE, Texas) – Dalton Tiner knew he needed the right education to advance his career.

The Texas Healthcare Linen maintenance technician is getting that education with Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program. He sacrificed his scheduled work hours to other employees so he could pursue an associate of applied science degree.

“When the COVID-19 restrictions hit us at work, we knew it would be hard to juggle everyone working,” he said. “I told my supervisors I would take three days off in order to go to school and allow other employees to work.”

Tiner said his education will be useful at the linen management company based in Abilene. According to its website, Texas Healthcare Linen provides more than 13 million products annually to hospitals in Texas.

“What I am learning in school will be helpful at work. My employers were pleased to hear I was going to take these classes,” Tiner said.

When he started his first semester this fall, Tiner knew he would have to learn quickly.

“I did not have a lot of experience with some of the things I would have to do,” he said. “Today, I am working hard so I gain more knowledge of the industrial process.”

Tiner said Industrial Systems offers a wide range of opportunities.

“This is really the jack-of-all-trades program,” he said. “One day we could be working on electrical projects, and the next day it will be something to do with hydraulics.”

Industrial Systems students learn to install, operate, test and maintain equipment in various facilities. Tiner and his classmates are learning industry-standard safety procedures, mechanical and electrical skills, diagnostic techniques, how to read and interpret schematics, and how to work with motors, pumps, chillers, boilers and programmable logic control systems.

His motivation is simple.

“I want to learn and repair things the proper way,” he said.

Tiner also likes working on the state-of-the-art equipment located in TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene.

“I was really impressed with what I saw the first time I walked in the lab,” he said. “The instructors let us work at our pace, and if we need extra time in the lab, we are able to do that. Everyone has been extremely helpful to me and everyone else.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Dual Enrollment prioritizes student success after high school

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently welcomed representatives from the Mercedes Independent School District to tour its Automotive Technology and Precision Machining Technology program facilities.

Several Mercedes Academic Academy students are currently enrolled in TSTC’s Dual Enrollment program, which teaches them the skills needed to excel in their careers after high school.

Mercedes Academic Academy principal Juan Garza and school counselor Jessica Pena were joined by TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez and several other TSTC staff for the socially-distanced tour.

“I have noticed a spark of interest in my Mercedes Academic Academy students,” Garza said. “Some of these students came to this educational setting because of difficulties they were encountering at the regular high school, and now they are enrolled in a Dual Enrollment program and succeeding.”

Student success goes beyond the educators who dedicate themselves to making sure that all students receive the best education possible.

“Even the parents are elated knowing that their child is receiving a chance that they themselves never got — a chance to make a better life for themselves through the industry-based certifications,” Garza said.

Hernandez added that when one family member obtains an education, an entire family can feel the impact.

“When a student completes their degree at TSTC, we help with job placement,” she said. “We are impacting generations.”

Garza reiterated that an education changes more than just the life of the student obtaining their degree.

“We want our high school students to know that their choice to further their education will undoubtedly have a dramatic effect in not only their own future, but for their families as well.”

Dual Enrollment provides high school students the opportunity to take college courses and earn simultaneous college and high school credit in a technical program. College courses are available at some high school campuses through a credentialed instructor, onsite at a TSTC campus, or through a distance learning class taught by a TSTC instructor.

When a student completes their technical pathway while in high school, they can shorten the time it takes to earn a Certificate I, Certificate II or Associate of Applied Science degree at TSTC.

To learn more about Dual Enrollment at TSTC, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/dualenrollment.

 

Environmental Technology at TSTC offers industry-specific training

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Environmental Technology at Texas State Technical College offers training for a diverse array of career opportunities, ranging from environmental field technician, environmental consultant and environmental specialist.

The program is not only extremely hands-on, but it is also taught by instructors who are just as passionate about education as they are about the fields they love.

“The Environmental Technology program provides students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of subjects related to how we manage the protection of our environment, communities and wildlife,” said instructor Maria Vaughan. “It encompasses multiple industries and provides the candidate with industry-specific training.”

The program delves into fundamentals of environmental safety and protection in ways that can fully prepare students for their careers after they graduate.

“Students can expect to learn how to decipher complex regulations and how to apply them,” Vaughan said. “For example, they will learn how to handle and manage waste, and they participate in specialized training and laboratory exercises for industrial hygiene.”

Students also train in labs that instruct them on how to perform air, water, soil and waste sampling. Students even learn how to perform site assessments and perform mock audits across various subjects related to environmental technology, which make those who enjoy the technicalities of analytics great candidates for the program.

“Analytical thinkers, students with mathematical skills and who are detail oriented will enjoy environmental technology — someone who enjoys and cares about the environment and people, and who wants to make a change in the world,” she said.

The Environmental Technology program is always progressing to add even more skill sets to the curriculum. Beginning in fall 2021, the Environmental Technology and Occupational Safety Compliance Technology programs at TSTC will merge to generate a new and improved Safety and Environmental program.

Students enrolled in this program will learn the skills required for environmental technology, as well as safety prevention, safety training and job site hazard-control methods. They will also be required to obtain an internship prior to completion.

“This is a huge benefit to our students because it gives them the best of both worlds,” Vaughan said. “More companies are looking for individuals who can perform both environmental and safety duties and comply with both sets of regulations. Safety and the environment go hand in hand.”

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

Inspired by her parents, TSTC instructor brings business knowledge to the classroom

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Although Edna Claus has taught Business Management Technology at Texas State Technical College for 19 years, her time in higher education exceeds that. Before she came to TSTC, she served as associate director for academic computing at another institution.

Nearly three decades in higher education have brought her countless memories, and she is happy that this part of her journey has brought her to TSTC as lead instructor for Business Management Technology.

What inspired you to get into teaching?

My parents were teachers, and I was inspired by them. I found that I enjoyed developing curriculum and engaging with students. I love to hear from former students when they tell me that they are doing well and that they are successful in their endeavors.

What do you enjoy most about working with students?

I enjoy it when students have their own aha! moments. Whether it be with understanding the concepts of a course or with what they plan for their future, it is a joy to experience that with them.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

My favorite TSTC memory was when I graduated with my associate of applied science in Information and Management Technology, and my father gave me my diploma. He was an instructor in the department.

What have your years of service at TSTC taught you about yourself?

I have learned that adaptation is the key to success. Things change, and one must be able and willing to adapt to change. Change can seem like chaos at times, yet it is in this chaos that one has the opportunity to shine.

To learn more about TSTC’s Business Management Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/BusinessManagementTechnology.

 

TSTC Culinary Arts students thank first responders with meal delivery

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts students recently gave back to first responders by way of homemade meals that also served as a learning experience for their American Regional course.

In the class, students prepare recipes from six different regions of the United States. The course prepares them with the essential skills to conquer large-quantity cooking, such as catering. When the meals are finalized and prepared, students are then tasked with choosing an organization in the community to deliver them to.

The students decided to send the meals to Harlingen Medical Center to say thank you to the medical professionals who are currently on the front line of the fight against the coronavirus. The delivery consisted of homemade chicken enchiladas with authentic refried beans, Mexican rice, and caramel flan.

“This particular gesture allowed our students to see how important it is to connect with their community,” said Culinary Arts instructor Emma Creps. “They are the future leaders of this industry, and it is vital that they learn the necessity of community involvement.”

Students learned other vital skills through this experience, such as communication, organization, and attention to detail when safely putting together a large amount of food.

“People getting together for a common goal is a great example of the importance of working together,” Creps said. “Communication skills also come into play during this lesson because we all had a responsibility to one another to finish this lesson in the safest way possible.”

Instructor Omar Duran reiterated that it is essential to remember that all of us are going through this time together.

“We need to share what we have with others, especially right now that we are all experiencing this crisis,” he said. “Medical professionals are putting themselves at risk on a daily basis to fight this.”

Creps shared the same thoughts about serving others during this time.

“Giving back to the community feels like we are showing our gratitude to the people who are working tirelessly through this pandemic,” she said. “I could tell that the group of nurses and medical technicians appreciated the gesture.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/CulinaryArts.

 

TSTC alumna named Sweetwater ISD’s coordinator of health services

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Kimberly Dean, a 2018 graduate of Texas State Technical College’s registered nursing program, was recently named coordinator of health services at Sweetwater Independent School District.

Dean, who is originally from California, has always been intrigued by medicine. She started her career as a certified nursing assistant and later became a licensed vocational nurse. She is now a registered nurse overseeing a group of nurses at each school in the district.

“I always thought it was amazing what the body can do,” Dean said. “I knew straight out of high school I wanted to study medicine.”

Dean is adjusting to her new role as a supervisor but is excited to be part of the school district.

“This is a little different than acute care,” she said, referring to her former job as a nurse at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater. “I am more in charge of managing students’ chronic conditions and helping to keep everyone healthy at school.”

Sweetwater ISD Superintendent Drew Howard said Dean’s role will be necessary to students, faculty and staff members.

“This position will help us provide additional support to our campus nurses, as well as focus on one of our district goals: to increase the number of SISD Social and Emotional Learning and wellness checks,” he said.

Dean’s responsibilities include developing goals, objectives and priorities of the program, in conjunction with the district’s nurses and other district staff members. She will also be tasked with recommending policies related to health and safety, and provide advice on matters impacting students, staff and the community.

Dean said she will have to maneuver through a learning curve as supervisor.

“We have a good group of nurses. They are excellent at what they do,” she said. “I know that they do all the work, and we will make sure our students are safe.”

It was a tough decision for Dean to leave Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, but she is pleased with her decision.

“These new hours of work are great for me and my family,” she said. “It was a bittersweet decision to leave Rolling Plains, but I am excited about this new adventure.”

TSTC Nursing instructor Lisa Van Cleave said Dean will excel in her new role.

“I know Kimberly to demonstrate compassion for her patients and families and to give excellent care,” she said. “We are fortunate to have Kimberly’s service and input into our nursing program.”

Dean, who serves on the college’s Associate Degree Nursing advisory board, will continue to promote TSTC’s program.

“I would love to see some of our students get into nursing. I hope to help direct them to TSTC,” she said. “There are excellent instructors at TSTC, and I have a lot of respect for them.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Industrial Systems Program Meets Job Needs

(WACO, Texas) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program in Waco should know that work opportunities are out there when they graduate.

“The program in Waco is designed to provide our students with a wide range of valuable skills, from basic machining to boiler maintenance and even programmable logic controllers, which are the prevalent control systems in industry today,” said Edward Chaney, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Industrial Systems department.

Jobs for electromechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians are projected to rise to 15,100 nationally by 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency predicted job growth will be seen in the control instruments, electromechanical, machinery, motor vehicle parts and navigational manufacturing areas.

Texas had more than 1,900 electromechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians earning an annual mean wage of $56,750 in May 2019, according to the labor statistics bureau.

“People move around, especially when a new company comes in and expands,” said Jose Palacios, manager of business and industry initiatives for the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board Inc. in Waco. “Several companies in the area have expanded or added shifts to their work schedules.”

Palacios said workers are needed for logistics, particularly to maintain conveyor belts and other related equipment.

Rj Garcia, a sales executive at Placements Unlimited Inc. in Waco, said the company gets many people looking for production-type work in the city. 

“It all depends on what the company is looking for,” Garcia said. “We do have success filling those jobs.”

Anthony Spalding, director of interns and apprentice programs at HOLT CAT in Irving, said it can be challenging to find qualified applicants for industrial systems, welding and other heavy equipment and manufacturing fields. The heavy equipment company has several locations throughout Texas, including Waco.

“To work in this field or any other trades-related field, the individuals need to have an interest or desire to work with their hands and create, from concept to finish, a product they had a part in,” he said. “As far as inspiring interest, it is exposure to the fields and education on career opportunities and compensation.”

Palacios said utilizing the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a way the workforce board motivates people of all ages to pursue industrial systems jobs and other technical fields.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC to Offer Online Software Engineering Boot Camp

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will offer, starting in March, a statewide online software engineering boot camp for people who want to learn new skills to move into the technology field.

The rigorous 20-week boot camp is being organized by TSTC’s Workforce Training department to meet industry demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that more than 1.7 million jobs for software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers will be available by 2029.

An online information session will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, via Zoom.

Once in the boot camp, students will complete at least 45 hours of coursework per week and interact with each other through online labs and study groups. Participants will be assigned a career coach to assist with the job placement process and be available as a resource for up to six months after the course’s completion.

Students will complete the boot camp with knowledge of object-oriented programming, JavaScript, web frameworks and other topics.

“We know these skill sets are in tremendous demand, and we know they will continue to grow,” said Edgar Padilla, TSTC’s senior vice president in the Office of Strategic Partnerships and provost of the Williamson County campus. 

The cost of the noncredit workforce training program is $10,300. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from TSTC and receive career placement support and coaching upon 80% of completion through the program and for six months after training is complete.

Career fields that graduates can pursue include computer systems analysis, computer software quality engineering, full-stack developing, software development, software engineering, systems architecture designing and user-interface designing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas had more than 109,000 software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers making an annual mean wage of $107,940 in May 2019.

The Dallas – Fort Worth – Arlington area had the highest concentration of workers in the state, with more than 51,300 making an annual mean wage of $110,340, according to the federal labor statistics agency. The Austin – Round Rock area, home to tech giants such as Apple, IBM and Texas Instruments, had more than 23,400 workers making an annual mean wage of $106,080, according to the federal labor statistics agency.

For more information on the boot camp and to register for info sessions, go to tstc.edu/itcareers.

TSTC Aircraft Powerplant Technology student receives real-world work experience

(ABILENE, Texas) – Ben Massey began taking Aircraft Powerplant Technology classes at Texas State Technical College with no prior mechanical experience.

Now nearing the end of his third semester in the program, Massey, of Tyler, is working toward an associate degree while also being employed at Eagle Aviation Services at the Abilene Regional Airport. He is one of seven TSTC students this semester working on planes while attending school.

“It is great to have that agreement in place with Eagle,” he said. “To have that so close to us was a good selling point to come to school.”

Massey said he and other students share their experiences at the aviation company during lab sessions. He also knows he will have an advantage over fellow job seekers when he graduates.

“I will be able to put that I have two years of experience on my resume at Eagle,” he said. “I know that will go a long way when I am looking for a job.”

Not having mechanical experience did not stop Massey from pursuing an associate degree.

“This has been very challenging, but fun,” he said. “I like the hands-on approach to the labs. I learn more by doing things.”

Some lab sessions have proven to be difficult for him, but Massey said instructors and fellow students are always available when he needs help.

“Before coming to school, I had never worked with sheet metal before. But everyone was encouraging me to do my best,” he said.

Massey said he chose a career in aviation by chance. He admitted not knowing what he wanted to do, but he decided to enroll after looking at the program online.

“It was the right career choice for me,” he said. “This a very expansive field, and a lot of companies are hiring right now.”

The demand for aircraft powerplant technicians in Texas is high, with more than 100 job postings online in mid-November.

Massey said he was sold on the program when he learned that its graduates readily find work.

“I know that I will have a lot of options following graduation,” he said. “I am preparing for my career right now. I knew I wanted a career working with my hands.”

Instructor Josh Parker has seen nearly all of his students gain employment soon after graduation.

“I am going to get them to the point that they have the knowledge to pass the FFA exam,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Ott credits TSTC staff for pushing him to finish college

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Five years after he graduated from Texas State Technical College, Joseph Ott still thanks the Brownwood campus staff.

“Everybody at the Brownwood campus was on my side,” said the 2015 graduate of the Chemical Dependency Counseling program. “The passion that was there from my instructor Elizabeth Jones, Raquel Mata (associate provost) and Brian Kight (former associate vice president of enrollment) kept me going.”

Ott, who is now a counselor at Corpus Christi’s South Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services (STSARS), did not consider college or a career in counseling others. An injury on a construction site in Brownwood and being sober for several years led him to TSTC.

“I kind of stumbled on the school and program,” Ott said. “Without my injury, I would not have gone to college.”

Ott was in Brownwood at the time of his injury and knew the counseling program would be a good fit for him.

“I have always enjoyed helping people,” he said. “I knew that being 22 years sober meant that I needed to try and help people.”

While he did have ups and downs at TSTC, Ott said Mata always helped him with writing assignments and Jones offered support when he was down.

“Raquel would always stay after hours to help me with an essay. She looked over it and told me that I was learning to get it right,” he said. “She stayed way beyond her work hours to help. Mrs. Jones could have gone home, but she stayed to make sure the work was done correctly.”

Mata, who was an instructor when Ott was a student, saw his battle to finish school.

“Even though there were times when he said he wanted to quit, I don’t think he meant it. He was just frustrated, but he kept coming back,” she said. “I know my fellow employees, like Brian Kight, Tammy Vassar and Elizabeth Jones, challenged him to continue.”

After he graduated, Ott began a counseling career. Even that took a nudge — from his brother Bruce.

“He asked me after I graduated why I did not send resumes out,” Ott said. “I had a fear of not being hired. My brother told me after about three months that it was not time to waste my education. I sent out my resumes and was hired.”

Ott left his first counseling job and returned to construction. However, he still wanted to help people and was hired by STSARS, where he has been employed for the last three years.

He said one thing he likes to talk to his clients about is being grateful. While many wonder what he is talking about at first, they understand by the end of the session.

“I ask my clients to be grateful. I ask them if they have children. I ask them if they have a house or apartment. I ask them if they have food in the cabinet or refrigerator,” he said. “Each time they say yes, I tell them that is something for them to be grateful about.”

Ott said his goal for the sessions is to be uplifting. He wants his clients to see a path forward.

“I can’t take credit for their recovery. I have to guide them and let them know I am proud of them,” he said. 

Mata remains proud of Ott’s journey and has a reminder on her office wall.

“I consider Joseph a true success story. He graduated during our 50th year, when students were given stoles and encouraged to keep or give them to someone who helped them on their journey,” she said. “He showed up to campus one day and said he wished he could cut this into pieces and give us each a section. It still hangs on my wall today and reminds me of what hard work and determination can accomplish.”

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.