TSTC Police Officer Honored by Lacy Lakeview

(WACO, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College police officer was among four local law enforcement officers honored Tuesday by the Lacy Lakeview City Council.

TSTC police officer Landon Rowell, along with Lacy Lakeview Police Department officer Scott Dent, received the Blackinton Commendation Bar, Life Saving for their work in helping to keep a woman alive on Sunday, Sept. 8. Lacy Lakeview police officers Kadaro Klanika and James Plummer were also honored but unable to attend the ceremony. 

“The honor is very prestigious,” said TSTC’s Lt. Roman Proctor. “Even though officers face a lot of different challenges and have certain things they are recognized for, being recognized for saving someone’s life is paramount.”

According to the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, the officers answered the late evening call for help on North Rita Street. When the officers arrived, they found a 64-year-old woman having medical issues and who was unresponsive. When the woman’s breathing and pulse stopped, the officers began CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator to revive her.

“We all switched out doing CPR and moving her off the bed and moving around the furniture,” Rowell said.

Rowell said he did what he was trained to do in the situation.

“You never know what the day will bring,” he said.

An ambulance arrived at the scene and took the woman to an area hospital as an officer rode along to continue administering CPR. Unfortunately, the woman died a few days later, according to the Lacy Lakeview Police Department.

Rowell grew up in Waco and was home-schooled. He said he always wanted to be a police officer to help serve a community. He is a graduate of the McLennan Community College Law Enforcement Academy.

Before joining TSTC’s police force, he worked for two years for the Woodway Public Safety Department.

“He (Rowell) adds value to our department as far as his willingness and his service to us,” Proctor said. “He helps out by always being available to assist when needed.”

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

TSTC Students Chosen for Nationwide Safety Conference

(WACO, Texas) – Four students from Texas State Technical College’s Environmental Technology Compliance and Occupational Safety Compliance Technology programs have been selected to attend the American Society of Safety Professionals’ 2019 Future Safety Leaders Conference from Nov. 7 to 8 in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Joshua Campbell of Bruceville-Eddy, Chris Garibay of Mart, Robert Johnson of Waco and Craig Womack of China Spring are the first students from TSTC chosen by the organization to attend the conference.

“These are the ones that have stood out the last year I have been here at TSTC,” said Kimberly Williams, an instructor in TSTC’s Occupational Safety Compliance Technology program.

The students completed an application and wrote an essay to be considered. They are among 150 students nationwide going to the conference.

“I was excited to get four accepted,” said Williams. “It will put the program out there and the people who are graduating out there that are transitioning into the workforce.”

Garibay keeps safety in mind daily as a bus driver for the Connally Independent School District. He works in the mornings and on weekends for special events to earn money while attending TSTC.

Garibay said he looks forward to attending the event.

“It seems like it would be a good opportunity,” he said. “I hope I come back with a job. Just about everyone needs some kind of safety person.”

The students took different paths to their programs of study, and all hope to gain more knowledge from the conference.

“I have always been into safety,” said Campbell. “I was in the Boy Scouts. At work, I was the one that watched out for people.”

Campbell said he wants to work for a company as a health, safety and environmental specialist after graduation next summer.

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

TSTC Debuts Updated Programs This Fall in Marshall

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College this fall have found two programs that have been updated and renamed, and a third that replaces an older program. 

“This is evidence of TSTC’s ongoing efforts to tailor our programs to the precise skill sets Texas employers need,” said Barton Day, TSTC’s provost in Marshall.

The Automation and Controls Technology program (formerly Industrial Controls Technology) teaches automatic control principles, energy industrial safety, electrical theory and motor controls. Graduates can pursue jobs as electrical engineering technicians and industrial engineering technicians, among others. 

“They can stay local,” said Nathan Cleveland, TSTC’s associate provost in Marshall. “They are going to the same places that an instrumentation technician would go. They do a little robotics, they do a little programmable logic controls, a little instrumentation.”

The Industrial Systems program (formerly Industrial Maintenance) offers an associate degree with an electrical specialization, as well as a mechanic-electrical certificate.

“This is a program we can place students in jobs all day long,” Cleveland said. “It is an in-demand occupation.”

Computer Programming Technology replaces Software Development Technology. It teaches advanced Java programming, database programming and mobile applications development. 

“Most of the work that Computer Programming Technology graduates would do around here is the development of business applications,” Cleveland said. “If you go into the San Antonio and Austin areas, you are going to get more into the gaming applications.”

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

 

TSTC Students Tour Merrick Engineering Inc. in Waco

(WACO, Texas) – Students from Texas State Technical College’s Facilities Management Technology and Industrial Systems programs toured Merrick Engineering Inc. in Waco on Friday.

The tour occurred on Manufacturing Day, which is observed nationwide on the first Friday in October.

“We want them to understand the manufacturing fundamentals,” said Ali Jawady, the company’s operations manager. “Anything we can do to help attract new people in this trade is what I am hoping for.”

The students learned about the company’s production of plastic clothes hangers, bowls, plates and other items. The company supplies these products to Dollar General, Target, Walmart and other retailers.

“It was a pleasure talking to area students today about the great work going on at Merrick Engineering in Waco, the thousands of jobs they create for Texans and the relationship they share with Walmart,” said Rudy Garcia, manager of Walmart’s Franklin Avenue location in Waco.

Students saw Merrick Engineering’s inventory, production, recycling and shipping areas. Large machines hummed and employees stacked newly made plastic goods and boxes as students walked through the plant.

Michael Hubbard, lead instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems and Engineering department, said he was glad to see the students engaged during the tour.

“It is fun for me to listen to the students repeat things they are hearing in class,” he said. “It means they are listening.”

Kevin Wright, a Facilities Management Technology student from Sherman, said the program’s field trips are valuable learning experiences.

“You can only learn so much in class,” he said. “We get to see the real aspects. There is just so much. You have the pneumatics, the hydraulics. We get to know the parts and their importance.”

The company has more than 850 employees at facilities in Waco, along with Corona, California, and Clarksburg, West Virginia.

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

TSTC Program Sees Largest Female Cohort

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus has three women enrolled this semester in its Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program, the largest female cohort for that program in the campus’ history.

Biatris Arevalo of Red Oak and Abby Ramsey of Maypearl are pursuing associate degrees, while Tiquila Dawson of Dallas is studying for a program certificate. The women have things in common, including having grown up in the country and being curious about how the equipment works.

“I probably talk to them about working on stuff more than the guys,” Arevalo said.

John Walker, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program, said the students are enthusiastic and come to class each day ready to work.

“Abby is so sharp,” he said. “Tiquila is coming here to enhance her skills and get set to move up the pay scale. Biatris wants a better income and opportunities. She likes working with her hands.”

The Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program has more than 50 students this semester taking day and night classes. Walker said the program’s goal for the spring semester is starting a new night cohort. Some of the skills students are learning include commercial wiring, electrical theory and machinery installation.

Ramsey is a home-schooled high school senior who began taking dual enrollment classes this year at TSTC. She said picking her major was a natural fit for her.

“I live in a small town where we do a lot of hands-on things,” Ramsey said. “That is the mindset of small towns. My family is very hands-on. If you break it, you fix it.”

Dawson is doing some of this work already at the Kohl’s Distribution eFulfillment Center in DeSoto, where she has been employed for three years. She works three days a week and goes to classes four days a week.

Earlier this semester, she received a $250 scholarship from The TSTC Foundation as part of TSTC’s Shaping You to Get Hired campaign. She said the money enabled her to buy tools and other items for classes.

Dawson said she did not think she would go to college. She grew up in Elkhart and said she did not have the guidance needed to plan for life after high school. But, she had a breakthrough while in circumstances that were not ideal. 

“I guess it was my second time going to prison when I realized you get older, and the years, you can’t get back,” Dawson said. “Either you are going to do right or go back where you have been.”

Dawson said she is content working and going to classes.

“Everything is new to me,” she said. “I am meeting new people. It’s tough trying to work and go to school.”

Arevalo grew up with an interest in robotics and majored in criminal justice at a four-year university before realizing it was not a good fit for her. She also endured a sports injury that took her away from playing soccer.

Arevalo said she had a period when she had to think about her career and incorporating her mathematics and science abilities. She eventually knew TSTC would be the right place for her.

“Here, the instructors explain it, and then you work on it,” she said.

Arevalo said her career goal is to work at Oncor.

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

TSTC Hosts Mock Interview Sessions for Students

(WACO, Texas) – Several Texas State Technical College students have become better prepared for job hunting after practicing their interview skills on Wednesday and Thursday.

TSTC’s Career Services department in Waco hosted an interview practicum at the Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center for students to sit down with business recruiters and TSTC staff for mock interview sessions.

“Many of our students have not had an interview before, and this event is a great opportunity for them to get practice in doing so,” said Jose Muniz, TSTC’s Career Services director in Waco.

After the sessions were completed, students received forms highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Josue Lopez of La Grange is a first-semester Electrical Power and Controls student who attended the practicum to see how he can refine his interview skills. He said he is eager to use what he learned when he meets with potential employers upon graduation.

“I’m feeling confident, but I don’t want to be too confident,” Lopez said.

Jeff Williams, an Industrial Systems major from Temple, said he wants to better his soft skills. He said what he learned will help him throughout the fall as he prepares for graduation in December.

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

TSTC HVAC Technology creates cool careers in a hot job market

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians is high and continues to grow as the number of residential and commercial sites increases.

And Texas State Technical College is working diligently to meet industry demand and fill the jobs that are vacated as people retire.

TSTC HVAC Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers is increasing by 13 percent, faster than average, and will have more than 46,000 jobs available nationwide by 2028.

“In the RGV alone, construction is booming. Imagine that tenfold across the state,” said TSTC HVAC Technology instructor Jorge Cabrera. “This is leading to greater opportunities for our students, and we’re training them right here at TSTC.”

Cabrera went on to explain that HVAC systems are becoming more complex as technology advances, and TSTC is training its students to master those skills and more to give t

hem a leg up in the industry.

What is the length of the program?

The program offers two pathways: Certificate 1, which is three semesters, and an associate degree, which is five semesters.

What can a student expect when they graduate?

When a student graduates from the program with either a certificate or degree, they will also hold an EPA608 refrigerant certificate and an employment-ready certificate, which recognizes the mastery of industry-standard HVAC equipment and skills.

Both additional certifications can mean more job opportunities, promotions and a salary increase.

What skills do you learn in HVAC Technology?

In the program, students learn all of the fundamental basics of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, such as basic electricity for HVAC; refrigeration principles; mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in construction; air conditioning installation and troubleshooting; and residential air conditioning systems design.

As the program transitions to performance-based education in Fall 2020, students can expect to work toward mastering skills quicker to graduate sooner.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

TSTC is constantly working with advisory boards, made of industry partners, to stay up to date on the latest technologies in the field. In HVAC Technology, students have access to industry-standard tools and equipment like Bluetooth gauges; phone and tables application downloads for reporting; air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units; and online video content and three-dimensional simulators.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

A company’s goal is to hire an already technically trained and licensed graduate who will need little to no on-the-job training, so the skills students learn in this program through hands-on learning prepare them to enter the workforce ready as entry-level technicians. By the time they graduate, they are familiar with what’s expected in industry, familiar with equipment and tools and how to troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and service all types of HVAC units. This makes them more marketable and leads them into successful careers.

What kinds of positions can a graduate from this program obtain?

Graduates from HVAC Technology can become heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, mechanics and installers, and can work in schools, hospitals, and residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration companies.

Companies that have hired TSTC HVAC Technology graduates range from Central Air and Heating, Coca-Cola, George Cunningham Air Conditioning and Heating, Southern Mechanical LLC, and Trane Heating and Cooling.

TSTC gives student spark of hope during dark time

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Fifteen inches of water took it all from Texas State Technical College student Nelda Chavez and her family.

“The only way to describe the situation is devastating and overwhelming,” said the 52-year-old.  “The image and smell of the mess and debris still haunts me.”

The family returned to their home barely a week ago; the massive amount of rain and flooding that devastated their home occurred in June.

TSTC student Nelda Chavez

Chavez’s family has gone from living in a hotel to a compact-size travel trailer while working nonstop to repair their home and replace ruined appliances and furniture.

All of the cleanup, as well as the majority of the rebuilding, was completed by Chavez and her family.

“It’s been quite a process, and a lot of money we do not have,” said Chavez. “We were blessed to have been helped by the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and TSTC.”

The TSTC Foundation’s Snyder Helping Hands fund awarded Chavez $1,000 to put toward the rebuilding and restoration of her home.

The fund was created to assist TSTC students during times of need — to help get them back on their feet and focused on their education toward a great-paying career.

“The money we received was our first form of assistance after the flood, and that allowed us to purchase all of the cleaning supplies we needed to dry up our home and for food,” she said. “Without this money, there is no way we could have done it.”

Chavez added that receiving the money was their first step in recovery. Because she is a full-time pre-nursing student, she and her family rely heavily on her husband’s income.

“I’m so grateful for the help TSTC provided me and my family,” she said. “The money went a long way, and (TSTC was) my light of hope during this difficult situation.”

The flood could have been a devastating setback for Chavez’s education had she not received help from TSTC.

“This is the kind of event that makes someone reflect, dig deep and question what they’re doing,” said Chavez. “I wanted to quit and work to help my husband, but this money saved me from that. And here I am, still going strong. TSTC needs to know how much that means to me.”

Chavez said that after receiving her money, she did extensive research into other services and resources TSTC offers because she was impressed with the amount of help it provides its students.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who TSTC has helped and allowed to continue working toward their dream,” she said. “Overall, this has taught me not to take anything for granted and that there is always hope.”

To learn more about helping students like Chavez, visit tstcfoundation.com.

From foster care to college: Mechatronics Technology student gets new perspective at TSTC

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Madison Freeman is a long way from her hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and her move to the Rio Grande Valley was inspired by TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program. 

As a woman who grew up in the foster care system, being a college student is a dream come true.

“I moved from house to house until my grandmother was able to gain custody of me. But no matter what happened, college remained in the forefront,” said the 18-year-old. “And it was all somehow a blessing in disguise.”

At a young age, Freeman took an interest in robotics, engineering and how things work. So throughout junior high and high school, she focused on learning just that.

“This field (mechatronics) is so intriguing to me, and I’m happy to finally be at TSTC pursuing it as a career,” Freeman said. “I love breaking things apart and studying their complexities and mechanics, and my family knows that. So even though they were skeptical about me moving, they knew this was something I had to pursue.”

TSTC Mechatronics Technology student Madison Freeman

Before graduating from high school, Freeman competed in SkillsUSA’s state and national competitions in the Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue Challenge, placing in the top three statewide and earning a $1,500 scholarship from TSTC and the SkillsUSA organization for her achievement.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. 

Freeman said that in addition to the scholarship she received from TSTC and SkillsUSA, she receives assistance through a state foster care higher education program.

“All of the help I’ve received is a big deal for me,” she said. “It’s allowing me to follow my dreams.”

Freeman said that as a woman in a male-dominated field, her goal is to break barriers and help other women find their place in the industry without fear of failure.

“This is a man’s world, but if you take a look, more and more women are joining the industry. And we are just as successful,” she said. “And I want other women to come into this field confident and strong, because there are a number of opportunities for us.”

Freeman is starting out her college career with clear goals of what she wants to achieve, from stellar grades to a first-place spot at SkillsUSA nationals. She also hopes someday to make a difference as an inventor of new technology for the medical and educational fields.

“I’m excited for what’s to come and to see where I go,” said Freeman. “TSTC has given me a new perspective on my future.”

After receiving her associate degree in Mechatronics Technology, Freeman hopes to earn additional degrees at TSTC in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics and Digital Media Design to become a well-rounded inventor.

For more information on Mechatronics Technology at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology.

 

TSTC’s HVAC Technology Program Encourages Preventive Maintenance Ahead of Winter

(WACO, Texas) – Though the first cold front of the fall has not rolled through Central Texas yet, now is the time for consumers to think about testing their heating units so they can stay warm this winter.

“This is a good time to fire them up,” said Gary Lawson, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program in Waco.

Lawson said state-licensed contractors should be called to look at heating systems before the temperature drops. He said this is critical, especially for those with gas heaters.

Lawson advised people not to overly react if they smell something smoldering when heaters are turned on the first time.

“That is dust on the heat exchanger, or if it is a new one, it’s oil,” he said. “It burns off quickly.”

Lawson said people should check their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. And, they should look at digital thermometers to maintain accuracy.

Brayden Stanley, a TSTC HVAC Technology major from College Station, said people should check and replace filters and look at their heating system’s coils.

“Dirty coils won’t allow your condenser to reject heat,” Stanley said.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 49 percent of the country’s homes run on natural gas, while 34 percent use electricity. The agency recommends people set thermostats as low and comfortable as possible and install low-noise, high-efficiency exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to save on heating costs.

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