Technology key to recruiting students to TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – With Texas State Technical College recruiters working from home, creativity is being used to attract potential students.

Daniel Martin, TSTC’s director of Student Recruiting in West Texas, and his team are using technology to gauge the interest of prospective students and keep in touch with current applicants.

“We have been really productive,” Martin said. “Not only are we refining our craft, we have grown together as a team.”

TSTC is offering Virtual Visits on Facebook for prospective students. Each Thursday, a different program is presented from one of the 10 campuses across the state. The West Texas campus virtual visits began with Emergency Medical Services last month.

Martin said TSTC was one of the first colleges to offer Virtual Visits, and he hopes they will continue once on-campus tours are allowed to resume.

“I think we have learned a lot from our Virtual Visits. This will help us connect with high school students because they use social media,” Martin said. “I hope to continue to do more of these once we get back on campus.”

Another avenue recruiters are taking is conducting virtual presentations with high school counselors and teachers.

“We are talking to counselors and teachers about any presentation they would like us to make using Zoom or Google Meet,” Martin said. “This will set up our recruiters with students that are interested in a certain program.”

With open house events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin and his team had to be creative in recruiting students. Students who have shown an interest in attending TSTC are getting a phone call from a recruiter just to check on them.

“We are doing more of an encouraging phone call to students. We want to know how they are doing and if there is anything we can do for them,” Martin said.

Martin said he hopes all of the efforts being done lead to more students in the summer and fall.

“If we can turn all of our efforts into more students attending TSTC, that will be great,” he said. 

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

TSTC Candidate for Graduation: Change Circumstances to Meet Goals

(MARSHALL, Texas) – When Ryan Holm went on what he thought was just another company tour when he was a teenager, he did not know then that he was visiting his future employer.

Holm is a student operator at Eastman Chemical Co. in Longview. He got the job while still a student at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus, where he is a spring candidate for graduation. He is scheduled to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations.

“I really enjoyed my time at TSTC,” Holm said. “The classes were engaging, the instructors would help you with anything, and overall, it’s just a nice place to be.”

Nicholas Cram, an instructor in TSTC’s Process Operations program, admired Holm’s quiet confidence.

“He excelled in grasping concepts and understanding their applications,” Cram said. “He has an unusual gift of absorbing information and being able to see the big picture. He isn’t just a ‘book-smart’ young man. He has the ability to put knowledge into hands-on, practical use.”

Holm said he plans to celebrate the completion of his classes with a steak dinner with his mother, finacee and future in-laws.

“What motivates me is where I have come from and where I want to be,” he said.

Holm was born in New Mexico and later moved with his family to Jefferson.

“During high school, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do as far as my future career was concerned,” he said. “I just knew I didn’t want anything to do with oil field work, so far as the drilling aspect of it, because I watched my father, uncle, cousin and other family members consistently laid off as the economy cycled up and down as it does.”

Two months after he graduated from high school, he and his mother lost their house, and they moved in with an uncle. Holm and his mother saved enough money for a few months to build a two-bedroom house.

“Fast forward about a year, and I had moved out and was living in Marshall, working and changing oil at a shop a few blocks away from TSTC,” he said. “After living on less than $300 a week for the last two years and less than that prior, one day I finally had enough and decided it was time to do something different. And that is when I decided to enroll in classes at TSTC.”

Holm was originally in another technical program, but after one semester  he moved into the Process Operations program.

“I remembered way back in high school in agriculture class, we took a field trip to Eastman,” Holm said. “During that field trip, we were handed a paper that had the various jobs and requirements for them. One of those jobs was for operations, and it listed TSTC as one of the schools that was partnered with Eastman, so I switched.”

Holm’s advice for students is simple: Keep going.

“If you try something and it’s not working, don’t give up,” he said. “Take a different approach, try something new, but don’t give up. Don’t change your goal to suit your circumstances; change your circumstances to suit your goal.”

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

TSTC alumnus puts skills to use as oil, gas field inspector

(ABILENE, Texas) – Devan Moore puts the skills he learned at Texas State Technical College to use on a daily basis.

After serving seven years in the U.S. Army, Moore attended TSTC and received Associate of Applied Science degrees in Wind Energy Technology in 2018 and Industrial Systems in 2019. Today, he is an oil and gas field inspector for the Railroad Commission of Texas.

“Not one day goes by that I do not implement some piece of knowledge that I learned at TSTC,” he said. “With the Railroad Commission, it is my responsibility to ensure that the oil and gas industry stays in compliance with rules and regulations.”

Moore, a native of The Colony, is in charge of inspections in Erath, Hood, Palo Pinto and Parker counties.

“I absolutely love what I do. I do not see this as a job; I see this as a new beginning,” Moore said.

Moore served as a field artillery cannoneer in the U.S. Army, and he said that experience gave him an advantage, both at TSTC and the Railroad Commission.

“I had zero oil-field experience,” he said. “Between my military training and my education at TSTC, I am excited about my career.”

He said his instructors and fellow students at TSTC did something for him in addition to academics.

“When I first started at TSTC, I was a little older than most of the students. But I was seasoned. At the same time, I wanted a clean slate,” Moore said. “In life, you can get into one of those slumps. I started to refine my skills, and my morale was higher. The biggest thing TSTC did for me was getting me out of my slump.”

He wants other veterans to know about the opportunities available at TSTC, especially since he was part of the first Industrial Systems graduating class in Abilene.

“I am an active member of the Abilene area’s veteran community. I want our veterans to know that TSTC can offer a career path,” Moore said. “I know that other veterans may feel the same way after leaving the service. They need to know that TSTC will help them get out of that slump and be there for them.”

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

TSTC student ready to give back as medical technician

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Motivated by a desire to serve his community, Justin Vasquez is currently nearing the end of his time as an Emergency Medical Services student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native, who is set to graduate this semester, credits TSTC’s small class sizes as one of the main reasons he learned so much in the program.

Why did you decide on your particular program at TSTC?

I wanted to go into nursing initially, but my interests changed. In order to continue serving the community at a medical level, I decided to study for the Emergency Medical Services program and strive to become an emergency medical technician basic. Eventually I want to continue on to become a paramedic.

What motivated you to choose TSTC?

TSTC is a perfect campus for those looking for success at an affordable price. Also, the instructor-to-student ratio is small, which allows instructors to focus more on an individual student.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success? 

My Emergency Medical Services instructors have been a major influence on my success in the program. They always encouraged me and assisted me with any problem I encountered, whether it was in class or out in the field.

What unique aspects about the program were available to you at TSTC?

The class sizes were small and hands-on. As a student, I was given the tools needed to learn skills that could save a life in the form of equipment that an emergency medical technician will use out in the field.

What is one of your favorite memories about the program?

One of my favorite memories was actually during the stay-at-home order. Our class had a video chat with our instructor to go over the material and get updated on the situation. Just as we were going to log off, we started sharing our experiences from the lockdown, and we all just started chatting like a big family.

Do you have any advice for future TSTC students? 

Ask for help when you need it. Whether it be from the instructor or another student, help will be there if you look for it and ask.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC counselor helps students during social distancing

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Licensed professional counselor Angela Dunn makes it her mission to help Texas State Technical College students whenever and wherever the need arises.

Serving both the Fort Bend County and Harlingen campuses, Dunn aims to provide mental health counseling, programming, and awareness to students. In helping to deal with our new normal, she discussed a few beneficial strategies that people can use to cope with social distancing.

“I have a heart for helping, and I love seeing that spark that happens when a student finds their passion and life falls into place,” she said. “I enjoy the process of self-discovery and watching someone learn to love and accept themselves.”

Currently, we are all adjusting to a new normal.

“Things are so uncertain right now, but one of the easiest things we can control is our schedule,” she said. “Having a sense of control can lower your anxiety levels, and knowing what to expect from day to day can lower your stress. Set a schedule where you wake up at the same time every day and go to sleep at the same time every evening.”

This advice also is great for parents to help children whose school schedules have been disrupted.

“Children crave predictability, and having a set schedule will make them feel more comfortable during this time.”

While an essential part of social distancing is making sure we stay inside and away from others, it is important that we step outside safely for a few moments when we can.

“Sunlight helps us in two ways,” she said. “We absorb vitamin D from the sun, which boosts our mood levels. Sunlight also helps regulate our melatonin production, which is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. Take a walk outside, open a window, sit on your back porch, or take your pet for a walk.”

Above all else, social distancing practices have made utilizing new technology optimal during this time.

“Use (social media) to connect with friends and family,” she said. “Try to check on someone every day. It is OK to feel lonely during this time. Many people feel the same way that you do. Reaching out and talking about your feelings or asking how others are feeling will make you feel better.”

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

TSTC career advisor offers guidance for life after college

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Many college students around Texas are experiencing the age-old question that comes prior to graduation: What now?

Texas State Technical College Director of Career Services Viviana Espinosa shed some light on how students can prepare to become top candidates for the next step in their career.

“I love seeing students transition into professionals in the workplace,” she said. “I enjoy listening to their success stories and that they got the job in their chosen field with the company they dreamed of working with.”

The steps to finding a new career all begin with the proper resume, something that Espinosa considers a very valuable asset.

“A resume is the most important tool a student can use to sell themselves to potential employers,” she reiterated. “It outlines their education, skills, experience and what they have to offer.”

There is no question that every interview comes with a case of jitters, but Espinosa said that when it comes to prepping for that big day, practice makes perfect.

“Practice with a friend, practice in front of a mirror, or even contact a local TSTC Career Services office to schedule a mock interview,” she said. “It is very important that students know their strengths, weaknesses, skills and abilities so that they may discuss them fluently in the interview.”

Building relationships with others in one’s field is also beneficial to somebody who is brand-new on the career market.

“Networking is very important and valuable,” she said. “It gives you the opportunity to build great relationships with a wide variety of people who may later prove beneficial in your job search process.”

As TSTC students round out their semesters and programs, Espinosa assures them that their education has equipped them for success in their next chapter.

“You’ve got this!” she said. “At this point, you’re ready. You have worked so hard to prepare yourself with the technical and soft skills you need to land your dream job. Now go, and do what you love!”

For more information about programs at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Candidate for Graduation Lands IT Job in Dallas

(RED OAK, Texas) – Daryl Golden of Waxahachie worked in sales for a decade and decided he wanted to take a different direction in his career. And, the direction he took led to Texas State Technical College.

“I get anxious that I’m not accomplishing anything if I don’t have a progression path set up,” he said. “I’ve got to be working toward something, or I feel like I have plateaued.”

Not only is Golden a spring candidate for graduation at TSTC’s North Texas campus, but he has also landed a job in an information technology position at GDT in Dallas.  

He is scheduled to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity later this month at TSTC. 

“These degree plans are very similar — just five additional courses — and you really can’t have security without networking,” he said. “So, I encourage anyone on the same degree plan to be a dual major as well.”

Some of Golden’s favorite courses focused on auditing, firewalls and network and security assessment.

“I had the privilege of teaching quite a few of Daryl’s classes,” said Joel Bryant, an instructor in TSTC’s Cybersecurity program. “Daryl can be described as every instructor’s dream student. He’s inquisitive, highly motivated and determined to get the job done, whether it’s in a lab, homework assignments or his internships. He is persistent, helpful and a positive force in the classroom.”

Golden already knows how he will celebrate the completion of his classes.

“I plan to cook out as much as possible and play some games with all this free time I’ve suddenly gotten back,” he said. “After that, I’m going to chase as many certifications as possible. I need to keep working on my resume.”

Golden is excited to be working at GDT, a company that designs, builds, delivers and manages IT solutions and services for customers of all sizes and from a variety of industries. 

“They understood that I was a full-time student for just one more semester when they hired me and allowed me to work early on days I had class,” he said. “I could not be happier with this company and how they have treated me so far.”

Golden said his advice for future students is not to procrastinate and to pay attention to everything.

“Stay in as many loops as you can,” he said. “Through understanding what is being done around or even above you, it can become easier to learn more and punch above the weight of your position. Staying as looped in as you can means that you can solve and own problems that weren’t originally intended to be yours.”

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

Perkins Grant helps TSTC students with expenses

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – With help from a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Grant, Texas State Technical College student Rebecca Fortuna does not have to worry about gas money.

Through the grant, Fortuna is able to travel from Rotan to Sweetwater to study Wind Energy Technology. Without the grant, Fortuna said she might not be able to complete school.

“If it was not for this grant, I would probably have to work more just to pay for gas,” she said. “I saved a lot of money driving back and forth, even with gas prices fluctuating. Every little bit helps me.”

Michael LeRoux, coordinator of Retention Services for TSTC’s West Texas campuses, said helping with transportation costs is not the only benefit of the grant. The Perkins Grant also allows nontraditional students to receive funding for child care.

“We also have a lending library available where students can borrow books or tools for their courses,” he said. “We wanted to dedicate our money to our assistance programs.”

Fortuna, 35, learned about the grant opportunity by talking to her classmates.

“It was not a difficult process. With a lot of grants, it is a large essay, but this was not that way,” she said. “Michael helped me through the entire process.”

She has even paid it forward by telling other female classmates about the grant program.

“I wanted to help get the word out that this is available,” she said.

LeRoux said funding helps relieve some stress on students.

“I hope people take advantage of this program. One of my main goals is to get as many students to apply for funding as possible,” he said. 

To receive funding, the student must be in good academic standing, be classified as full time, and take classes on campus.

“We accept applications each semester, and students are eligible to reapply,” LeRoux said. “It is rewarding because it helps a lot of people.”

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

TSTC to offer OSHA-compliant degree program in Breckenridge

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Safety on worksites is important.

The person behind the scenes making sure that all of the rules and regulations are being followed is a certified Occupational Health and Safety Administration technician. Texas State Technical College will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety Compliance Technology at the Breckenridge campus this fall.

TSTC had planned to start classes in the program in Breckenridge last year, but Martin Knudsen, the program’s department chair, but did not have enough applicants. Knudsen said he expects to see the program thrive in West Texas, where oil fields and wind farms are in need of safety compliance officers and directors.

“A lot of our students are those that were in the trade industry and are getting older. We tell them we will retrain you so you will know the hazards in your industry,” he said. “When you learn the compliance side of the industry, that is what makes a good safety person.”

Knudsen said he has seen enrollment increase when the economy drops.

“When the economy hiccups, we explode (with enrollment),” he said. “I am expecting that to happen this fall in Breckenridge and Waco. People always say they want to go back to school and they need to go back to school. This is the best time for a person in the field to become an OSHA technician.”

The reason for that, according to Knudsen, is the fact that the need for OSHA technicians will never end.

“Once you learn (OSHA training), you learn it for life,” he said. “The technician position is not going anywhere.”

Teresa Purcell will be instructing the five-semester course in Breckenridge. She and Knudsen both said the OSHA technician position is misrepresented as being the “bad guys.”

“A lot of people, when they hear OSHA, they say, ‘Oh, my God.’ They are not the bad guys,” Purcell said. “They are on the sites training workers and providing the knowledge to better educate people to be safe.”

Knudsen said the primary objective for technicians is to “make sure people do not get hurt.”

“Safety is enormous on the job site,” he said. “Technicians want to make sure all areas are in compliance with all of the current regulations. They want to make sure that mom or dad gets to go home safely at the end of the day.”

Students will learn the hazards of machines, safe work methods, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures during the five semesters.

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

TSTC Electrical Lineworker, Welding Programs Preparing for Growth

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker Technology and Welding Technology programs at the Fort Bend County campus are expanding.

“Those have been two of the hottest trades in the region for several years,” said Jeremy Heath, executive director of the Rosenberg Economic Development Corp. “Everyone who goes through either program has a job in hand upon graduation or very quickly after. And these jobs pay well, so the city gets an immediate return on its investment in TSTC, because those paychecks get spent at our local businesses.”

The Electrical Lineworker Technology program’s building will be expanded, said Randall Wooten, TSTC provost. The Welding Technology program in the Industrial Technology Center will double the number of welding booths. Both programs anticipate accommodating more students when the fall semester begins.

“We are open in our fourth year (here) and are ratcheting up with the projects,” Wooten said. “We can see that in a year or so we will need more room or turn students away.”

The Electrical Lineworker Technology program will get additional classroom and storage space, along with more poles for students to practice their skills. Wooten said the program will grow to accommodate 90 students. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) while in the program. The program has two trucks that will be shared with TSTCorkforce Training.

“The employers want the CDL because there are big pieces of equipment with trailers that need to be towed,” Wooten said. “In order for them to get the jobs and get in the front of the line, if they have a CDL, that helps them a whole lot.”

Eric Carithers, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Electrical Lineworker Technology department, said linemen are needed. Recent TSTC graduates in Fort Bend County have been hired by CenterPoint Energy and North Houston Pole Line.

“All of them in that area are making excellent money,” Carithers said. “We are trying to accommodate the growth of the enrollment and the demand in the area.”

The number of electrical line installers and repairers is projected to increase nationally to 128,900 by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and an Electrical Lineworker certificate.

The Welding Technology program is expanding into an open storage area being fitted with 80 more welding booths. Wooten said the program will have the capacity to accommodate 240 students after the expansion.

“Houston is a large area and highly populated,” said Ashley Yezak, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Welding Technology department. “I know we are making a smart move in order to offer more availability so we can run more sections and serve more Texans.”

Yezak said the expanded space will give flexibility in offering a mix of day and night classes as necessary. 

The need for brazers, cutters, solderers and welders nationwide is projected to grow to more than 439,000 up to 2028 due to the nation’s aging infrastructure and the construction of new power generation facilities, according to the federal labor statistics bureau.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology and certificates in Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding.

TSTC is an important tool that the Rosenberg Economic Development Corp. uses in its recruiting efforts. Heath said the city is seeing rapid residential and commercial growth.

“A skilled labor force is the number one most important factor in recruiting new businesses to our city,” he said. “The price of dirt, reasonable tax rates and financial incentive packages help seal the deal. But every prospect I have spoken to in almost six years of business recruitment asks the same question first: Do you have a strong enough workforce to accommodate my needs?”

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