Sparks fill TSTC Welding Technology lab this summer

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Sparks from welding torches were a daily occurrence this summer at Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus.

Students have been completing labs in preparation for entering the workforce when they receive their certificates. But the work does not stop once the torches are laid down.

For Ethan Hammond and Zane Fitch, a career path has been blazed.

“TSTC has helped me with more than just learning to weld things. They have helped me write a resume and given me advice on how to approach job interviews,” Fitch said. “I know what to expect during a job interview, thanks to the people at TSTC.”

That knowledge was one of the reasons Hammond chose to attend TSTC. The Cisco native said having someone help in the job interview process was important.

“Because of TSTC, I have my resume built right now,” he said.

Fitch said he first found interest in welding while helping his brother-in-law on a job site. He said TSTC was the route he wanted to take because of the hands-on training.

“I decided that I wanted to go to school and get a certificate. I knew that would open up more job opportunities for me,” he said. “The hands-on approach offered here is great for us. We are able to learn things and put our knowledge to use.”

Hammond has already put some of his skills to use by welding barbecue pits. He knows that this career path will benefit his family in the long run.

“This is a career in which you can actually work for yourself,” he said. “I have done that with some projects after class.”

Instructor Stephen Hope said his goal is to see the students succeed.

“It has been exciting to see all the students come in and know little to nothing about welding. To be able to help them understand the fundamentals and see the students succeed is such an amazing goal,” he said.

Hammond said the Breckenridge campus has the perfect learning environment for future welders.

“We have 30 (welding) bays here, and it runs efficiently,” he said. “Our class is small, but the work we do pays off. I think people interested in a welding career should consider coming here.”

Hammond was drawn to the Breckenridge campus because it offered the program in a small town like his hometown of Cisco.

“This is a nice campus for the community. I wanted to go to a smaller campus, and this was the one that caught my attention,” Hammond said.

Hope said he appreciates the work the students put in and knows the ultimate goal is at the end of the program.

“Working for TSTC has been such a wonderful experience. The greatest part is being able to watch the students graduate and pursue their new careers,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Cybersecurity Program Ready to Teach New Students This Fall

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program at the Williamson County campus is shifting all teaching and labs online this fall.

The prospect of reaching prospective students in the Austin area and beyond to teach them about computer systems forensics, digital forensics, routers and other topics is proving exciting to Joshua Schier, the program’s lead instructor.

“When winds of change are blowing, the best thing you can do is accept it and adapt to the current condition,” he said. “And as the year of the coronavirus has put many of us in this situation, it does not have to be all doom and gloom. This is actually a fantastic opportunity. The obvious step for us was to enhance and improve our online teaching methodologies and curriculum.”

Doug Peters, a TSTC Cybersecurity instructor, said students taking classes online can help themselves adjust to doing the remote work that a lot of them could encounter in  the workplace. He said creating accountability will be a component of all classes, from gathering at regular times online to turning homework in on time.

New to the program this fall will be a one-semester Occupational Skills Award in Basic Cybersecurity consisting of three classes. The student can complete this in four months.

“This will fast-track Texans into entry-level roles in a new career or provide specialized training for Texans to advance in their current field,” Schier said.

Cara DiMattina-Ryan, chief strategy officer for Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area in Cedar Park, said Burnet, Caldwell and Llano counties, along with other rural counties in Central Texas, are increasing broadband capability for residents. She said this could drive more people to study cybersecurity and other programs online and hopefully make it possible for them to work in their home counties.

Brian Hernandez, Workforce Solutions’ communications director, said there are more than 800 network and computer systems administrator jobs open and more than 500 information security analyst positions open in the agency’s 10-county area.

“The more certifications you add on, the more you increase your value and demand for services,” he said. “We would much rather develop our local workforce to move them from under-employment to gainful employment.”

Schier said the key to Williamson County’s Cybersecurity graduates getting good-paying jobs in the region is by word of mouth. He cited Contigo Technology in Austin as an example of an area company that has hired TSTC program graduates. 

DiMattina-Ryan said Workforce Solutions has found several California tech companies are starting to consider moving to Texas, specifically the Greater Austin area.

“As that increases, that will also increase job potential and diversify those skills that we need in these kinds of cyber areas and these information technology fields in general,” she said.

Texas had more than 10,400 information security analysts earning an annual mean wage of $108,810 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Austin-Round Rock area employed more than 1,500 information security analysts making an annual mean wage of $114,280 in May 2019, according to the agency.

The need for information security analysts is expected to rise to more than 147,000 through 2028, according to the agency. The need for workers is attributed to companies having to fight sophisticated hackers in order to protect sensitive information.

“If you are interested in this kind of field, I think it is the absolutely right time to explore,” DiMattina-Ryan said. “What a great profession you can do all online. COVID-19 is changing the landscape of how we are doing business and how we are looking at business.”

TSTC’s Cybersecurity programs at the Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses also will move online this fall. The online Digital Forensics Specialist advanced technical certificate will expand to these campuses, including Williamson County.

Registration for the fall semester is underway.

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

Partnership opens TSTC Nursing program to Breckenridge High School students

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Seven Breckenridge High School seniors will get a head start toward a nursing career this fall.

A partnership between Texas State Technical College, Breckenridge ISD and the Breckenridge Economic Development Corp. was formed to provide Nursing program classes at TSTC’s Breckenridge campus. The students’ tuition for the four classes will be paid by the Breckenridge EDC.

“We are excited to rekindle our partnership with TSTC. First we had a partnership with the welding program, and now we are partnering with the LVN program,” said Breckenridge High School principal William Paul. “The goal of any high school is to prepare kids for their next step in life. This partnership fills that need for students to be career ready.”

The students will take two classes in the fall, Essentials of Medical Terminology and Essentials of Medication Administration. In the spring, the classes will be Foundations of Nursing and Pharmacology.

Instructor Marchelle Taylor said the four classes will show students what to expect in the nursing field.

“This will give the students the chance to do the basic learning here,” she said. “They will be able to get credit when they pass the course and will be one step closer to applying for a nursing program.”

Virgil Moore, CEO and executive director of the Breckenridge EDC, said paying the tuition is an investment into the community.

“This is an investment on our part to put skilled people in the workforce at our hospitals and clinics in Stephens County,” he said. “What TSTC provides to our community is a tremendous asset. Therefore, funding scholarships for these students to take classes was an easy decision. It was an investment in our future.”

Paul said having the Breckenridge EDC as a partner was a perfect fit.

“Virgil and the EDC have been great partners throughout this process. They helped make this possible for our students,” he said.

Vocational nurses are in high demand in the Breckenridge area and throughout Texas. Paul said having the partnership will help fill those positions.

“This partnership not only helps us locally, but it helps our regional workforce. Hopefully we can keep them in the region after they graduate,” he said.

Paul said the Texas Education Agency push for career pathways helped lead to the partnership. TSTC was a natural fit because of the nursing program and being in the same community, he said.

“In talking with TSTC, the health care field — especially nurses — met the needs of our region in West-Central Texas,” he said. “We gauged the students’ interest, and I am hoping we can continue this program.”

Taylor said TSTC’s administration wanted to grow the nursing program in Breckenridge. This pilot program could lead to opportunities with other school districts, she said.

Now that the Texas Board of Nursing has approved the program, Taylor said she is ready for the online classes to begin.

“I am excited to see how this goes. I hope we can open it up to other schools in our area,” she said.

Moore said he is pleased to see local students attending the TSTC campus and working toward a career.

“This is a great opportunity for our high school students. This allows them to get a head start on pursuing a nursing career,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

Instructor’s love for automobiles drives him to career at TSTC

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Miguel Zoleta’s passion for transmissions and engines revved his gears right into a position at Texas State Technical College, where he is now a lead instructor in the Automotive Technology program.

Jobs in the automotive industry are growing rapidly. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is predicted to continue climbing because of new technology. This means that more mechanics are needed to figure out what is happening under the hood of a vehicle when the inevitable check engine light comes on. Instructors like Zoleta are making it possible for TSTC to provide the Lone Star State with mechanics who are ready to get Texans back on the road.

What do you enjoy about working with students?

I enjoy seeing students succeed.  Many of them come into the program without knowing anything about cars, and they graduate with lots of knowledge and confidence that they will do good things in their careers.  There is nothing more rewarding than having graduates come back to visit and tell you how thankful they are for what you taught them and describe how well they are doing in the industry.

What inspired you to get into this career path and higher education?

I have always enjoyed working on cars. After high school I enrolled in Automotive Technology here at TSTC. My learning experience was awesome. I enjoyed how all the instructors made you feel like family. After graduating I went on to work in the diesel industry, and after a few years I received the opportunity to come back to TSTC.

Do you have any advice for students considering this path?

The automotive industry is growing in many different ways. This is a great career with many opportunities to be very successful.  I encourage anyone interested to come in for a tour of our Automotive Technology program so that they can see firsthand what we have to offer here at TSTC.

Curious about getting your hands under the hood of a vehicle? Visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/AutomotiveTechnology to learn more about Automotive Technology at TSTC.

 

TSTC Nursing alumna proves that heroes wear scrubs and stethoscopes

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Tracey Cash is a prime example that it is never too late to follow another passion.

After spending 30 years as a hair stylist, and nine as a real estate agent, she set her sights on health care and began her journey into nursing at Texas State Technical College. She is now in her seventh year as a nurse after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from TSTC.

“I have always had occupations that help people,” she said. “When I was a hair stylist, I helped people feel beautiful, and when I was in real estate, I helped people buy and sell homes.”

Cash’s affinity for giving is what led her to nursing.

“When I decided to change careers, I wanted to continue to help people while also having stability. I decided that the health care industry is where I could accomplish that; it’s the best decision I have ever made.”

Though she graduated in 2013, she still holds dear the support she received during her time at TSTC.

“My time there prepared me for the exams I needed to take to receive my credentials,” she said. “All the instructors and leadership of the Nursing program encouraged me and supported me every step of the way.”

Cash is also one of the many health care heroes on the frontline of the current fight against COVID-19.

“One patient I had in particular is a friend of mine,” she said. “She was very sick, and I was assigned to be her nurse. She was at a point where she wanted to give up, and I went into her room and told her I was her nurse for the day. Her face lit up like a light. Afterward, she told me that I was her spark that she needed to continue the fight. She is now at home continuing her COVID-19 recovery. That made me feel accomplished.”

TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook reiterated that Cash has the perseverance and spirit to continue thriving in her career as a nurse.

“She has always been an individual that will not give up,” Lashbrook said. “She has always worked very hard for everything she has and wants to attain.”

“Nursing school is tough,” Lashbrook added. “She worked very hard throughout both programs, with no hill too high to climb. Now Tracey’s in a climate where she is certainly the hero to many patients. I know, without a doubt, she is giving them her all.”

Cash has advice for others who one day want to be a nurse and a beam of light for their patients.

“Become a nurse with passion and compassion,” she said. “Become a nurse to be part of the change in a person’s life.”

Fall registration is currently underway. To learn more about TSTC’s Nursing program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/Nursing.

 

TSTC workforce training gives Texans edge in job market

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The need for essential skills in the Texas job market is rapidly growing, caused in part by a skills gap between the number of available jobs and the number of skilled workers ready to fill them.

The Workforce Training department at Texas State Technical College aims to close that gap by providing students with the tools necessary to succeed in the Texas workforce.

“Workforce training caters to a population that does not necessarily have time for college but wants the job training,” said TSTC Executive Director of Workforce Training and Continuing Education Victor Blalack, who serves both the Harlingen and Fort Bend County campuses.

The training can also help individual companies and businesses by evaluating their needs and then developing specialized curricula to upskill their employees.

Blalack said that the changing job market makes the training an advantage for individuals who want to maintain a fresh batch of skills.

“Those who go through workforce training typically want better employment opportunities,” he said. “Most of our trainees have already been employed somewhere and are looking to add an additional set of skills to their resume.”

Blalack stated that the training can be not only beneficial, but also vital.

“We are essential because we target those who simply do not have the time to spend two or four years in college,” he said. “We complement TSTC on the mission to place Texans in better-paying jobs.”

To learn more, visit https://www.tstc.edu/workforce/home.

 

TSTC student benefits from scholarship for military veterans

(ABILENE, Texas) – Area military veterans can take advantage of a scholarship opportunity to attend Texas State Technical College.

Since 2015, EMA Electromechanics has given TSTC a total of $225,000 for the Sweetwater Veterans’ Funds for College Education. The company, based in Sweetwater, is an international maker of equipment for the wind energy sector.

For Rafael Garcia, a U.S. Army veteran, the scholarship is helping his family by offsetting college costs.

“It has supplemented some of the money I would have used for school. Now I do not have to worry about paying for things around the house and college,” Garcia said. “It has helped me provide for my family while attending school.”

Garcia is studying Industrial Systems and plans to graduate this fall. In the Army, he was responsible for fueling aircraft, but he wanted to expand his knowledge. That is why he chose TSTC.

“I wanted to be more in-depth with how things worked. I wanted to learn more than just fueling an aircraft,” he said. “My goal is to be more efficient and improve myself.”

Garcia learned of the scholarship through Annette Collins, a Veteran Services program officer at TSTC.

“I hope other veterans take advantage of this opportunity,” Garcia said. “This is an extra incentive to better yourself after the military.”

The scholarship funds have helped veterans complete their technical education at TSTC’s West Texas campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater.

“The scholarship is incredibly valuable for our students. There are many who have expressed that without the scholarship, a college education would not have been possible for them,” said Pam Marler, TSTC’s Veteran Services coordinator. “The funds have helped with book purchases, supplies, tools, and in some cases living expenses to allow our students to focus on completing their education.”

EMA Electromechanics was founded in 1952 in Argentina. The company’s VDH Series Vacuum Circuit Breaker was first sold in the United States in 2003, and the company began its American operations in 2010 in Sweetwater.

For more information on EMA Electromechanics, go to http://www.emaelectromechanics.com.

To learn more about TSTC’s Veteran Services program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/veterans.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Nursing, EMS programs provide treats to Abilene nurses

(ABILENE, Texas) – Bags filled with treats put smiles on the faces of several nurses in Abilene recently.

The Texas State Technical College Nursing and Emergency Medical Services programs teamed up to donate food to nurses at Abilene Regional Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center.

“When this COVID-19 pandemic hit, everyone sent our nurses breakfast, lunch, bundt cakes and a lot of other stuff,” said Leashia Eaton-Ruelas, director of the CVPCU/PCU Stroke Program at Abilene Regional Medical Center. “Lately it seems people may have forgotten we are still working. It was so nice to receive the donations from TSTC.”

Eaton-Ruelas gave the bags filled with chips, cookies, peanuts and other items to nurses on the different floors. Each bag also included the Nurse’s Prayer on the front.

“That just went to show us that they loved us,” Eaton-Ruelas said. “The TSTC nursing and EMS programs know that we are on the front line and are going through a lot right now. It was so nice to pass these bags out to show our nurses that someone still cares.”

The two Abilene hospitals are the sites of TSTC’s clinical sessions for its nursing and EMS students. Sweetwater nursing instructor Lisa Van Cleave said the faculty and leadership team wanted to help build morale among nurses working on the front line.

“They have had their vacations halted because of how much they work,” she said. “We wanted to let them know that we are praying for them every day, and this was just the right thing to do.”

Van Cleave said the donations were a team effort among the faculty, and they knew the gesture would be appreciated. She was a nurse for 22 years, including 18 as an ICU nurse.

“Nurses have their own way of thinking, and it was important we remember them,” she said.

TSTC Interim Provost Lance Eastman said the gesture shows that the TSTC faculty cares about the communities they serve.

“We at TSTC appreciate all of our medical partners who help us with clinicals and the training of our students. This was just a small way we could say thank you and we are thinking of you,” Eastman said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC to Welcome Students to Several Night Classes This Fall

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students interested in learning in the evenings this fall can pursue a range of technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus.

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program’s daytime and evening students can finish a certificate in three semesters or an associate degree in five semesters.  

“The main reason I am offering night classes in the fall is to provide a service to the possible students that have to work during the day,” said Douglas McCuen, lead instructor of TSTC’s HVAC Technology program. “Evening students would not be able to attend any other way.”

The Precision Machining Technology programs will also offer night classes. Lyle Guinn, a program instructor, said this could allow for more daytime internship opportunities for students.

Students can also work at night in three programs that are shifting to an all-online format in the fall. The programs are Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, Computer Networking and Systems Administration, and Cybersecurity.

“I think as we learn how to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are going to be people who are underemployed and finding themselves wanting to do more in this new economy,” said Marcus Balch, TSTC’s campus provost. “By having the day and evening class options, we are certainly flexible around work schedules or providing those upscale opportunities as we help build the economy of Texas.”

TSTC will use a hybrid format for programs this fall, with some classes being taught online and others using an in-person and online learning combination. Each program will follow campus and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines.

Registration for the fall semester is underway.

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

Area Banks Contribute to TSTC Scholarship

(WACO, Texas) – Four Central Texas banks recently made contributions to Texas State Technical College’s Helping Hands Scholarship in Waco.

American Bank, Central National Bank, Community Bank and Trust, and First National Bank of Central Texas each contributed $10,000 to help students in need.

Bill Nesbitt, chairman and chief executive officer of Central National Bank, said TSTC is an outstanding example of accountability.

“The key to our relationship with TSTC is a real strong respect for TSTC’s approach to education,” he said. “They have connected the funds that they request and receive from the state of Texas to the job they do preparing students for employment, and the better job they do, the more they get paid.”

Dan Ingham, vice president of marketing and communications at First National Bank of Central Texas, said the bank believes in giving support locally.

“We are big believers in TSTC and what they do for this community,” he said. “We see the impact with the bank and our employees, some of whom are TSTC graduates, and the customers in our community.”

Pete Rowe, vice president of development for The TSTC Foundation, said the banks acknowledge the economic benefits TSTC brings to the region and state.

“Higher wages for trained technology workers and a more trained workforce mean a greater impact on the local economy,” Rowe said. “The banks are able to help many students who are at financial risk to maintain their place and ensure that they get a degree and experience a productive career.”

The Helping Hands Scholarship is a short-term solution for students who have nonacademic financial problems preventing them from completing classes. Students who need assistance can talk to their enrollment coaches to begin the application process.

For more information on giving to TSTC, go to https://www.tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/giving/.