TSTC instructor says welders are always in demand

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Welders are always needed, no matter the economic situation.

Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Robert Whitley knows his students will likely find a job soon after completing the program. In West Texas, welders are needed not only in the oil field, but also at other sites, he said.

“Other (businesses) are not hurting as bad as the oil field right now,” Whitley said. “A lot of our guys are noticing that welding is definitely a reliable source of income.”

Whitley said many welders are self-employed, while others like the structure of working for a company. No matter what, he said, welders usually can find work.

“Some of the guys like to venture out to the bigger cities for work. They go out several different directions to find a job,” he said.

With oil prices beginning to rebound, Whitley said he expects to see more students enrolled in the program, which is offered at each of TSTC’s 10 campuses. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, and certifications in structural welding and structural/pipe welding.

“Hopefully everything in the oil field will be going the right way. When that happens, we will probably pick up another boom (of students),” he said.

Whitley said his main goal is to see students employed.

“I like to see them succeed. The best thing for me is to send kids out and see them be able to provide for their family,” he said.

With social distancing being the new normal in business, Whitley said lab sessions have been set up to state standards. He said that social distancing is nothing new to welders.

“Many of them will not be near anyone when they are working,” he said. 

During lab sessions, Whitley said students have worked within the guidelines.

“It has kept our guys on their toes. It is teaching them to prepare for the unexpected,” he said.

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

TSTC’s Workforce Training Office Partners to Offer Specialized Medical Coding and Billing Training

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s statewide Workforce Training office is offering an 11-hour online Telehealth and COVID-19 bundle aimed at providing guidance to people working in medical coding and billing.

Participants who register for the training can take the 10 sessions through the Practice Management Institute at their own pace, but there is a time limit to complete the work. Topics include billing, cybersecurity, telehealth reimbursement and COVID-19’s impact on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  The sessions have been created using federal public health guidelines.

The American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued this year new procedure codes to use for COVID-19 laboratory testing and billing for non-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory testing for the virus, according to the Texas Medical Association.

“Medical billing and coding is ever changing, so it is always important for us to keep up with the most current guidelines,” said Carra Benson, a TMA practice management associate. “I feel the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge reminder of that.”

The training is open to Texas residents, no matter their proximity to a TSTC campus. Participants need access to a computer and internet to take the courses. Those completing lessons will receive certification from PMI, and if they are registered with TSTC’s Workforce Training office, they can receive continuing education hours.

Medical facilities who have staff that can benefit from the lessons can contact TSTC’s Workforce Training office, which can apply for Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund money to cover the training cost.

“That is why a lot of businesses, organizations and vendors work with us because the (TWC) funds have to be filtered through a college,” said Cindy Brunett, a TSTC Workforce Training project manager.

To learn more about TWC funding and register for the training, go to tstc.edu/workforce/onlinelearningcovid-19.

TSTC alumnus finds job stability in medical records field

(ABILENE, Texas) – Like most people, Sarah Johnson was looking for job stability.

After graduating from Texas State Technical College in November 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology, she found that stability. Johnson credits TSTC for helping her find a job as a medical coder at Hendrick Health System.

“At one point, it was difficult for me to find work,” she said. “Once I started in the medical field, I loved it and would make it a career.”

After being employed in customer service for 20 years, Johnson worked in the outpatient unit at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. She decided to complete TSTC’s Health Information Technology program to further her career. It was a decision she has not regretted.

Since February, Johnson has worked as a coder at Hendrick Medical Center. Coders are health information professionals who analyze medical records and assign codes using a classification system. 

“If I would have known about the HIT program first, I would have done it,” she said. “I am glad I was able to graduate and get a job I love.”

Johnson said the instructors were instrumental in helping her during school and finding a job.

“I was overwhelmed with work and school. My instructors were always supportive,” she said. “They would always tell me and other students, ‘You can do this.’ They really took an interest in how we were doing and wanted us to succeed.”

Sarah Brooks, TSTC’s Health Information Technology program chair, said Johnson “defined what makes a student successful in the online learning environment.”

“She was self-motivated and self-disciplined,” Brooks said. “Sarah was open-minded in sharing her work, life and educational experiences with others through the learning process.”

Johnson, who codes emergency room records at Hendrick, said no two days are the same and credits TSTC’s instructors for preparing her for the daily challenge.

“I see a variety of charts,” she said. “My main focus is to make sure the information is coded correctly.”

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

Eight area TSTC students place at virtual SkillsUSA contest

(ABILENE, Texas) – Eight students from Texas State Technical College representing its West Texas campuses won medals at the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

The students earned five gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals. 

William Hancock earned gold medals in two events, Information Technology Services and Telecommunications Cabling. Victoria Jones earned a silver medal in Medical Math and a bronze in Medical Terminology.

Also earning gold medals were Rachel Bradshaw in First Aid/CPR, April Clark in Nurse Assisting, and Jerrod Doss in Internetworking. Bronze medals were awarded to Ashley Turnbow in Medical Math, Kerrie Helmuth in Nurse Assisting and Kaitlyn Mitchell in Job Interview.

Marchelle Taylor, TSTC’s West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator, said the students faced more of a challenge this year because of campuses being closed and the district conference being held virtually.

“It took flexibility on their part and extra work to prepare for the entire contest,” she said. “I am glad to have students at TSTC that worked together to continue to excel and participate in this excellent program.”

Bradshaw said competing online was “nerve-wracking.”

“I was more comfortable being able to do the written test from my home,” she said. “I hope the next time I compete it will be in person so we can show the judges what we know. It is always better to show your skills.”

Bradshaw, who is studying Nursing at the Breckenridge campus, said the competition will help her when she completes college.

“SkillsUSA will help you become a better employee and adult in general,” she said. “It has helped me to study more for my classes.”

Turnbow said knowing the contest would be online was not thrilling, but when it started, she changed her mind.

“It was both shocking and exciting,” she said of placing third. “Once I started taking the online test, it was an easy process.”

Turnbow, a Nursing student, said she plans to recommend that other students compete in SkillsUSA next year.

“This is a good program that will help you in your career. It is really good for resume building,” she said.

Helmuth was encouraged to participate by classmates and did not regret her decision. Even the online experience was beneficial.

“Once you completed the orientation, it was simple. I would do this again, but in person, preferably,” she said.

Helmuth, who is also a Nursing student, said competing taught her something she will carry over to her everyday life.

“I learned that no matter what the scenario is, I need to take the time to slow down and not hurry, no matter if it is at school, work or life,” she said.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

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

Texas State Technical College student Ashley Turnbow won a bronze medal in Medical Math during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

Texas State Technical College student Kerrie Helmuth won a bronze medal in Nurse Assisting during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

Texas State Technical College student Rachel Bradshaw won a gold medal in First Aid/CPR during the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

TSTC Alumnus Strives for Excellence at Austin Company

(WACO, Texas) – Emory Sutton of Pflugerville took his appreciation for the environment and turned it into a satisfying career. 

Sutton is a safety and loss control specialist at Professional Contract Services Inc. in Austin. He began working at the nonprofit company in August 2018 during the same week he graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus.

His work involves making sure clients are meeting environmental and safety regulations.

Sutton’s work involves traveling a week each month to visit contractors’ clients. On some days he completes reports after making site visits, while other days are spent working on gathering bids for contracts.

“Every day is different,” he said. “It’s how I can assist my department in succeeding.”

Sutton said his motivation lies in his desire to be good at what he does.

“I like the feeling of succeeding,” he said. “I think of little things as succeeding. I like to get things done, doing a good job for the company and proving that I can do it.”

Sutton grew up in Granger and is a graduate of Granger High School. He attended a four-year university to study education to become a teacher, but he said after three-and-a-half years, he concluded the field was not for him.

Sutton has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology – Compliance and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology from TSTC. He said Lester Bowers, an instructor in TSTC’s Environmental Technology program, influenced him to pick up the second associate degree.

“He was a very good student and always added relevant materials into class discussions,” Bowers said.

Sutton said TSTC provided him with a solid education because of its emphasis on hands-on learning.

“I preach technical schools since I have been at TSTC,” he said. “We need people to fill technical jobs in the nation.”

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

Army veteran aims to serve other veterans through education

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Former military intelligence analyst Vincent Rapp spent five years serving his country in the U.S. Army. The drive to continue giving back has never left him.

The Weatherford native is still serving, only in a different capacity. The 27-year-old is now a director in the Veteran Recruiting department at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. His mission these days may look a little different, inside an office, but the goal is still the same: have the backs of his fellow veterans.

“It’s my responsibility to help veterans come to TSTC in order to obtain a better life through education and career placement,” Rapp said.

While helping TSTC recruit more veterans is important, it is the success of students he sees on the job that is most fulfilling for him.

“I really enjoy seeing our students succeed,” he said. “I love seeing their hard work pay off, and I love being part of that process.”

The location of TSTC’s newest campus is also beneficial for prospective students.

“The rapid growth of the Fort Bend County campus and the community here make it a great place to get an education,” Rapp said. “Houston is one of the largest areas that has a high demand for technically and vocationally trained skill sets. The job demand for students who meet these requirements is bigger.”

TSTC is making use of social media’s popularity. Recently Rapp helped with a virtual visit that highlighted veteran resources available at the Fort Bend County campus. The visit can be seen on TSTC’s statewide Facebook page.

“We hope to use the virtual visits to attract more veterans and help them see that TSTC truly is a college with a student-first mindset.”

Despite having already created an impact through his time in the military, Rapp also aspires to make a difference at TSTC.

“I hope to bring a greater veteran presence,” he said. “I hope that I have a lasting impact with the students that I talk to, and I want to help this college be successful.”

To learn more about veteran resources provided at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/veterans. To watch the Facebook virtual visit, visit facebook.com/TSTCproud.

 

TSTC welding alum shares expertise with students

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Having earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology and a certificate in Structural and Pipe Welding from Texas State Technical College in 2018, Juan Avila is now back at his alma mater, imparting his wisdom and expertise to the current cohort of welding students as a lab assistant.

“When I was younger, I didn’t know much about welding at all,” the San Benito native said. “As I got older, I knew that I wanted to learn a trade that will always be in high demand.”

It only took one visit to campus to convince Avila that TSTC was where he belonged.

“I decided to take a tour of the welding facility at TSTC and was immediately hooked,” he said. “As soon as the tour was over, I registered for classes.”

Earlier this month, a small number of students were able to return to TSTC, in accordance with Gov. Abbott’s executive order and authorization from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to finish lab hours required prior to graduation, something that Avila said students welcomed.

“Our students were so excited when they were contacted about their return to campus,” Avila said. “Being able to get them back in the (welding) booths and back to work is essential for their educational training.”

Aside from the hands-on learning environment, one of Avila’s favorite things about working as a lab assistant is seeing the progression in knowledge that welding students learn from beginning to end.

“Being able to see the progress that they make throughout their time in the program is something I really enjoy,” he said. “Comparing how they first start off, to them being well-rounded welders as they get further into the program, is great.”

Avila stressed that TSTC’s goal is to prepare students for rewarding careers.

“We guide our students to become well-rounded in their craft,” he said. “Welding is a great career and will continue to be in high demand. I believe this trade is going to be around for a very long while. We’re building America one weld at a time.”

To learn more about TSTC’s Welding Technology program, visit tstc.edu/programs/WeldingTechnology.

 

TSTC 2020 graduates ready to leave their mark despite the pandemic

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduates help their communities thrive because of their capacity to dive into their new careers as soon as their college chapters come to an end. The adversity due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted their final semester and commencement is not ideal, but the TSTC spirit is resilient. During its history, TSTC has graduated more than 100,000 students into beneficial careers in their communities, and this year’s graduating class just became part of that accomplishment.

With more than 50 programs and growing, TSTC is equipped to place well-trained graduates into the Texas workforce.

“The skills that our students have developed and perfected because of our current situation are incredible,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “Nothing that comes their way will be too complicated. They will always be able to think in a creative way to get through something.  They were trained for such a time as this.”

A student’s time at TSTC includes not only lifelong memories and new friends but also faculty who are passionate about giving the next generation of the workforce the education and hands-on practice needed to succeed.

“Their instructors have poured so much expertise into them,” said Hernandez. “The years of experience we have within our faculty means our students were prepared by the best of them, and our graduates can now grow their own foundation based on the expertise that they’ve learned.”

Words like “mentor” and “friend” are only a few of the narratives associated with instructors at TSTC. The college campus is brought to life by educators who are their students’ biggest fans.

“Throughout the program, my instructors always encouraged me,” reiterated Emergency Medical Services student Justin Vasquez, who is joining this year’s class of graduates. “They’ve all been a major influence on my success.”

Aircraft Powerplant Technology student Ely Cortina was also inspired by the lessons she received from one of her instructors.

“During lectures, he went over life skills that he believed would ensure our success not only as future employees, but also as functional citizens in our communities,” Cortina said. “He was much more than an instructor; he’s an amazing mentor as well.”

While graduating from college is an extremely exciting time, it is not uncommon to feel the butterflies and nerves that come from one chapter in your life coming to an end. Despite the bittersweet emotions, Hernandez reiterated that TSTC graduates are more than ready for this life-changing journey.

“Trust in the training and skills that you have received,” she said. “Know that you will be able to apply everything that you have learned in a way that will allow you to make a difference in your chosen career, and that everything you’ve learned has equipped you to have an impact not only in the economy, but also in the Texas workforce.”

Even though a traditional commencement ceremony will not take place this spring, candidates who have met all requirements to complete their programs are welcome to join TSTC’s commencement ceremonies postponed until August.

Despite graduation feeling like the end of a journey, one thing that remains constant is that commencement is not goodbye.

“This graduation is not an end,” said Hernandez. “It’s a new beginning. The relationship between TSTC and our students is lifelong. They will forever be a part of the TSTC family.”

To learn more about programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

 

Childhood love for pastries guides TSTC instructor to teaching career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cheesecake, cookies and the tradition of baking with her mom inspired Ayla Cabarubio to pursue a career in culinary arts. The Mercedes native turned her childhood dream of making people smile with something sweet into a rewarding career at Texas State Technical College. Now, not only is she continuing to fulfill her own aspirations, she is also helping students whip up theirs.

“My love of pastries and baking really helped me realize that this was my passion,” she said. “It started with my mom, who is a home cook and loves to bake. I remember always being in the kitchen trying to help, even when I couldn’t see over the counter.”

The excitement that comes from another person appreciating your skills in food preparation is what helped drive Cabarubio to her career.

“As I got older, I always enjoyed someone’s immediate reaction of joy when tasting something that I prepared,” she said. “It’s such an honest emotion and one of the best feelings for me.”

Chef Cabarubio joined TSTC as an instructor in the Culinary Arts program in January 2017. Since then, not only has she helped students grow their skills for creating palate-pleasing treats, she has also grown in her appreciation for the curriculum at TSTC.

“The variety of techniques that are covered in the Culinary Arts program to prepare students for high-paying jobs is very unique,” she said. “Students don’t just learn how to cook and bake; they also develop an understanding of how to own or manage a business.”

While the program emphasizes the art of food preparation, there are also more techniques covered. One of the required courses is Management of Food Production and Service, which educates students on producing their own menus and running a live kitchen, giving them the real-world skills needed for their future careers.

“We teach students how to break down recipes to find costs and how to effectively manage a team,” she said. “We train our students to look at culinary arts from the supervisor’s perspective. When they complete the program, they are not only well-versed cooks, but they also have that supervisor mindset that gives them the edge in the industry.”

Helping to create the next generation of food service managers, head cooks and executive chefs is rewarding for Cabarubio, but the biggest prize comes from the awareness that her passion for culinary arts is helping to change a student’s life.

“Knowing that you are part of a student’s stepping stone to success is very rewarding.”

Outside the classroom, Cabarubio doesn’t stray far from her love of creating fine cuisine, even growing her own herbs for one of her favorite dishes.

“I love making pizza,” she said. “I really enjoy making every aspect of it — the dough, the sauce, fresh mozzarella. And I prune my freshly grown basil to add as garnish. You just can’t beat it!”

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

 

TSTC alumnus returns to hometown hospital

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Seeing childhood friends will be a normal occurrence for Roby’s Kaycie Hills.

Hills, who graduated this spring from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, was recently hired at Fisher County Hospital. Hills is also following in the footsteps of her mother, who has worked at the hospital for 26 years.

“I enjoy working in my hometown. I see a lot of people from my childhood, and they tell me how proud they are of me. That makes me feel good,” she said.

Hills said she wanted to be a nurse like her mother and worked to reach that goal.

“I was working three jobs and realized that I wanted a career,” she said. “I wanted to provide for my son.”

Hills admitted that she struggled in some of her classes at TSTC, but she feels a sense of accomplishment about finishing her degree requirements.

“It feels really good to be graduating,” she said. “The instructors really came through for me and helped me.”

It was not only with classwork that Hills said instructors helped her.

“They would always call and ask how we were doing and if I needed anything,” she said. “That is what I appreciated the most. They really care about their students. They are a huge part of my life now.”

Completing the registered nursing courses taught Hills lessons she will use daily.

“The program really dove deep into the entire disease process,” she said. “It helped me learn what the patient needs, and I can better care for my patients with that knowledge.”

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

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