TSTC Offers Precision Machining Scholarships Through HAAS Grant

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College has been granted $10,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation to award Precision Machining Technology students with scholarships.

The program will award 10 new students with $1,000 each — $500 for the fall semester and the other half for the spring.

TSTC’s Precision Machining program will begin hosting weekly Lunch and Learn sessions on the program beginning Friday, July 6, and continuing through Friday, Aug. 10. Potential students must attend one of these sessions and enroll in the program to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

The Gene Haas Foundation, which is headquartered in Oxnard, California, was established in 1999. Haas started Haas Automation Inc., a builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, in 1983. Aware of the “Skills Gap,” a lack of skilled workers to fill jobs in the U.S., Haas directed the board of his foundation to focus on scholarships in manufacturing education.

Daniel Nixon, head of TSTC’s Precision Machining department, hopes the scholarships will help boost enrollment in the program and said now is an opportune time to join the machining industry.

“Right now there is a shortage of good machinists not just statewide, but nationally and worldwide,” he said. “It’s a good time for a young person to get in at the ground level and build themselves into a career.”

Nixon elaborated on some positions that may be available after receiving training in the field.

“Some of the job descriptions they would be looking for after they graduate are CNC operator, CNC machinist or just machinist in general,” he said. “In the job, employees will be modifying and repairing tools, using precision instruments to measure products and organizing leadership while following safety protocols.”

O*NET OnLine predicts a healthy 15 percent increase in machining jobs, or 90 new jobs annually, in Texas through 2024.

For more information on TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC SkillsUSA medalist prepares for nationals one brick at a time

(HARLINGEN) – Rodrigo Patron built a fire pit brick by brick, 200 to be exact, in only six hours, to earn a spot at the 54^th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Mexico native is the only student from Business Construction Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen to earn a gold medal in Masonry at the SkillsUSA competition held at TSTC in Waco earlier this spring.

At the end of the month, Patron will have the opportunity to compete against thousands of other students from across the United States at the SkillsUSA national competition.

“This was my first time doing SkillsUSA or any competition like this,” said the 22-year-old. “I was nervous, yet felt pretty confident that I could do a good job if I set my mind to it.”

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.

Students in Skills USA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, building construction and culinary arts.

Patron, who has lived on his own since high school, said he came to America to chase opportunity and dreams.

He played baseball for an Arizona high school, before arriving in South Texas to be closer to his brother, who is a local attorney.

“Had it not been for me leaving my home in Mexico, I would have never had an opportunity like SkillsUSA or TSTC,” said Patron.

Patron said nationals is something he has been preparing for since his first day of practice for local and state SkillsUSA competitions.

“Living on my own has taught me to be disciplined, a self-starter and someone who manages their time well,” said Patron. “So having to spend extra time in the lab to practice was nothing for me, especially since I wanted to do well.”

He has spent every Friday afternoon in the lab since the beginning of the year honing in on his masonry skills.

TSTC Building Construction Lab Assistant and SkillsUSA Advisor Alfonso Gonzalez said Patron is one of the program’s best students.

“Rodrigo is self-motivated and always willing to work hard; and at nationals all of this will be exposed to industry professionals and potential employers,” he said. “He has a bright future and will be a tremendous asset to the construction industry.”

Gonzalez has some advice for students like Rodrigo who are competing at nationals.

“SkillsUSA is a wonderful experience for our students and I want them to know we are already proud of them…the big step is taking the initiative to compete in the first place,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez added, “I hope students will take advantage of this time to make good first impressions, do as much as possible on their projects correctly, take their time, concentrate, focus and most importantly, have fun.”

Patron said SkillsUSA has already been a fun and memorable experience for him and he hopes to represent well in Kentucky.

“My goal is to represent TSTC well and make the college proud,” he said. “And of course I wouldn’t mind bringing home a gold medal.”

Building Construction Technology is offered at both TSTC’s Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information on the program, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Arleth Olvera

(HARLINGEN) – Arleth Olvera is an Engineering student at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native holds a 3.8 grade-point average and expects to graduate with her associate degree Spring 2019.

The 19-year-old said she is grateful that she can study what she loves close to home, at a college where the programs are exciting and the hands-on training in invaluable, all while still being able to help take care of her younger brothers.

What are your plans after graduation?

When I graduate I hope to transfer to the University of Houston or University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

What’s your dream job?

Since I was young I’ve been fascinated with designing, drawing and building things, so I hope I can build a career in engineering and architecture and show other women, especially young girls, that we can succeed in a male-dominated field.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I have dyslexia, so school and learning has always been difficult for me. Not many people thought that I would finish high school or go to college, but here I am. So, my greatest accomplishment so far has been showing those who didn’t believe in me that I can do whatever I set my mind to and I will not stop until I make my dreams come true.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that the only person who can let me down, is myself. I have learned to not give up and keep trying until I succeed. Anything is possible.

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

My best friend Karla Dalet Ramos, who is studying Education and Training at TSTC also, is my biggest influence. She has shown me how to be free and open with my thoughts and opinions and how to have fun and enjoy life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is don’t skip class, study hard, work hard and don’t give up on your dreams. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.

TSTC gears students up for early registration

(HARLINGEN) – Alberto Torres and his mother Haydee Torres got a head start on Fall 2018, his first semester of college, by taking advantage of Texas State Technical College’s first Registration Rally of the summer.

Torres, who graduated from Rivera Early College High School in Brownsville only a couple of days ago, was able to select his majors: Computer Maintenance Technology and Mechatronics Technology, register for classes, apply for financial aid, take a tour of the campus and meet some of his instructors during the event.

“I feel I picked the perfect institution to attend. TSTC is for me, there are no doubts,” said Torres. “Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. I’m ready.”

His mother said she’s comforted to hear her son being so positive about college.

“As a mother you’re always worried about your child, but today has really helped me see that he will be in good hands here at TSTC,” she said. “Being able to meet college staff, my son’s instructors and walking the campus gives me peace of mind. We feel like we’re among family.”

TSTC’s registration rallies began Fall 2016 as a service to new and returning students and their families. It’s a one-stop-shop to apply and complete all registration and financial aid processes.

As in past rallies, enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Support Services, the Veterans Center, Student Life and TSTC Housing were on hand to assist students and answer all questions.

Campus tours were also available.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin said the idea behind registration rallies is to make the process of applying and registering easier and she is excited to know that the event is popular among students and their parents.

“Every department at TSTC comes together for this one day, in one convenient area, to help guide and answer all questions so that students have the resources and opportunities they need,” said Colvin. “And it’s rewarding to see and hear how it’s impacting students positively.”

And for prospective students like Torres, who was encouraged by his high school teachers, counselors and mother to attend the event, this is a step in the right direction.

“I’m relieved that everything is done,” said Torres. “I can enjoy the rest of my summer knowing that I got all of the classes I need. I’m officially ready to start college and begin working toward a career I’ve enjoyed my whole life.”

Just as Torres registered early, Colvin encourages all new and returning students to do the same.

“Registering early gives students a better chance of getting financial aid and the opportunity to get the classes they need before they fill up,” she said. “We encourage everyone to join us at our upcoming registration rallies.”

Colvin added, “Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime. The earlier the better.”

All 10 campuses statewide host this event every semester with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered.

The next TSTC Registration Rallies on the Harlingen campus are scheduled for July 12 and August 7 at the TSTC Student Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s newest campus sends first SkillsUSA competitor to nationals

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology student Troy Ketchum will be graduating in the coming months, but not before travelling to Louisville, Kentucky as the first student from TSTC in Fort Bend County to compete at the 54^th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

“You can feel the excitement around campus building up about my travel to the upcoming event,” said the 30-year-old. “I hope I can make everyone proud.”

At the end of the month, the Rosenberg native will compete against thousands of other students from across the United States in hopes of bringing home a gold medal in his category: Job Skills Presentation.

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, hands-on competitions, leadership conferences and other activities.

TSTC in Fort Bend County Provost Randy Wooten said that the entire college benefits from having students like Ketchum compete in these events.

“The student body knows that they are being represented at these events and they are big supporters of Troy,” said Wooten. “All of us here are thrilled by having our first competitor at the SkillsUSA national level.”

Wooten also said that he has been involved in Ketchum’s dry-run presentations and practices since before the state competition and he knew immediately that he would be hard to beat.

“It’s obvious that Troy has what it takes to win. He’s a strong contender,” said Wooten. “And having our college represented in Kentucky means that even though we’re the newest and one of the smallest right now, we can run with the big dogs.”

The United States Navy veteran has been preparing his presentation, “The Importance of Proper Tread Depth and Safety of Truck Tires,” and his delivery non-stop for this competition.

Ketchum has taken two days out of the week since the beginning of the year to present in front of students, faculty and staff at the campus.

“I practice in front of anyone who is willing to listen,” said Ketchum. “And I welcome all feedback.”

Spencer Paige, lead instructor for Diesel Equipment Technology and SkillsUSA advisor, said Ketchum has told him that he even practices while driving, at work and at home in front his brother or a mirror.

“He has put in so much work and effort into SkillsUSA. We are proud him,” said Paige. “We are positive that he will do well and represent TSTC positively.

Paige added, “The fact that this is our campus’ first SkillsUSA chapter and we’re headed to nationals is remarkable and we hope that more students join us next year. This is a great organization that teaches lessons and skills that stay with you forever.”

Ketchum, who is also looking forward to graduating in August said that the skills he has learned in class and by competing in SkillsUSA have prepared him for a job in his field and for what he calls a leap from waiting tables full time.

“As soon as I return from SkillsUSA I’ll start on job applications. I feel so accomplished and excited entering this next phase in my life,” he said. “But first, I want to bring home the gold for TSTC and Fort Bend County.”

Ketchum and at least 50 other TSTC students statewide will be competing at the week-long event, June 25-29.

Ohio Company Offering Tuition Reimbursement to TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology Graduates

(WACO) – Crown Equipment Corp. is making it enticing for Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology majors to work for them.

The Ohio-based company specializing in forklift parts and production is offering tuition reimbursement for TSTC’s DET certificate and associate degree graduates from the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses who are hired as technicians. The tuition plan started earlier this year.

“Every candidate (in the past) we have brought on board has been excellent,” said Joe Razza, a Crown regional recruiter for Louisiana and Texas based in Arlington.

The new hires will have five weeks of training, and after six months they will begin receiving extra money each pay period that can be put toward student loans, Razza said. The amount the company will reimburse is capped at $10,000.

“Getting tuition reimbursement from companies like Crown helps students get off to a solid start,” said Henry Macik, TSTC’s statewide chair for Diesel Equipment Technology. “Instead of worrying about paying off student loans, they can buy tools and invest in their future.”

Crown Equipment Corp. has four Crown Lift Trucks locations in Arlington, Houston, San Antonio and Waco. Razza said there is a push to hire more personnel at its locations in Texas and nationwide.

Kacey Darnell, TSTC’s executive director of Talent Management and Career Services, said students learn about the tuition reimbursement if they express interest in Crown. Razza also tells students about it when he visits TSTC campuses.

“Joe is an auto mechanic by trade and knows what it’s like to be a student,” Darnell said.

Razza said after several visits to TSTC’s campuses, he saw the value in the hands-on education that Diesel Equipment Technology students are receiving. He spoke to staff in Crown’s corporate office and the reimbursement plan was quickly approved.

“We have had a better success rate with TSTC because of the additional training students receive,” Razza said. “TSTC is also willing to train students with workshops in professionalism and soft skills.”

For more information on Crown Equipment Corp., go to crown.com.

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

TSTC in Brownwood to Host Registration Events This Summer

(BROWNWOOD) – Texas State Technical College will have two Registration Rally events this summer in Brownwood.

The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 26 and July 31 at the Enrollment Center/Learning Resource Center at 305 Booker St. in Brownwood. The events are part of an effort to make the registration process as easy as possible for incoming students planning to take classes in the fall semester.

“We make it fun,” said Devin Crenshaw, a TSTC college outreach representative. “They can come and do every single thing in one day. It’s easier for people that don’t want to deal with the lengthy process and do a lot of back and forth. They can just come and get it done and not wait until the first class day.”

Visitors can take campus tours and learn about the seven technical programs offered at TSTC in Brownwood, including Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Welding Technology.

People interested in enrolling should bring a copy of their driver’s license, high school transcript or GED, any college transcripts, proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination and TSI scores.

TSTC is having registration events at its 10 campuses throughout the state this summer. For information on the closest Registration Rally, log on to tstc.edu/rally.

For more information, contact TSTC in Brownwood at 325-643-5987 or visit tstc.edu.

TSTC in Marshall Welcomes New Recruiter

(MARSHALL) – For one Longview native who enjoys getting to know people, a satisfying job was not far from home.

Clayton Brooks now brings his people skills and enthusiasm to Texas State Technical College in Marshall, where he joined the recruitment team on June 1.

He is excited to be at TSTC, and he hit the ground running on his first day with a large tour group.

“The tours were really good for me. I was learning as the students were learning,” he said. “I feel like having that tour on the first day helped me get a jump-start in the role.”

So far he is enjoying getting to connect with students.

“I love getting to meet the students and sharing information with them and sharing my background, getting personal with them,” Brooks said. “I like helping them find something that they want to do in their life.”

Brooks attended Hallsville High School in Longview and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana Tech University in 2017.

He enjoys the different perspective TSTC offers potential students.

“Everybody has this one viewpoint where you have to go to the four-year school,” Brooks said. “We’re offering something completely different. And because of that, TSTC can help so many more students.”

Coordinator of student recruitment Patty Lopez said she is happy to have filled her team.

“We’ve expanded our student recruitment team, and we are thrilled at the addition of Clayton to our TSTC family,” she said. “Growing our team has been one of the greatest things to happen this year, and I am excited for the upcoming fall recruiting season.”

TSTC prides itself on being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

TSTC Chemical Dependency Counseling Student Teaches Inmates Life Skills

(BROWNWOOD) – Offenders in the Texas prison system sometimes are the forgotten ones who need a guide to find a path toward personal fulfillment.

But people like Norma Vandenberg, a Chemical Dependency Counseling major at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood, are there to teach the life skills they need.

“We do not tell people how to live,” she said. “We help them find better coping skills and how to make better choices.”

Vandenberg, a resident of Dublin in Erath County, is doing a summer practicum in substance abuse and addiction counseling at the Thomas R. Havins Unit in Brownwood. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice pre-release facility holds more than 575 male inmates.

“I teach classes that help the addict understand addiction, anger management, and understanding mental illness and how it mimics addiction,” Vandenberg said. “I also do individual counseling and group counseling and assessments as new clients come in.”

Elizabeth Jones, an instructor in TSTC’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program, said people working in treatment at the Havins Unit are chosen by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. She said a majority of the facility’s counselors are TSTC graduates.

“Norma has the discipline and dedication because of her past career as a nurse,” Jones said. “She is following the guidelines that I tried to establish concerning ethics, professionalism and establishing good boundaries with clients.”

Vandenberg is scheduled to graduate in August with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from TSTC. Program majors learn about criminology, individual and group counseling skills, and substance-related and addictive disorders.

“I enjoyed school and learning new things and new challenges,” she said.

Vandenberg grew up in Worthington, Minnesota, and is a graduate of Worthington High School She studied nursing at Minnesota West Community and Technical College.

“I worked with women recovering from addiction and enjoyed the work,” she said. “I enjoy helping people. I am burned out with nursing, and CDC is still in the medical field.”

After graduation from TSTC, Vandenberg will work full-time at the Havins Unit as a certified criminal justice addiction professional.

Jones said program graduates also go on to work in Austin, Belton, Dallas, San Angelo and San Antonio. She said the Chemical Dependency Counseling program has been used by graduates to work on bachelor’s degrees in nursing, psychology and social work.

“We receive compliments on our students from the program director (at the Havins Unit), and I have received phone calls asking me when I would be graduating students because the Havins Unit was short-staffed on counselors,” said Jones. “Our program lays the foundation for understanding the disease of addiction, and this understanding can be beneficial to all career paths associated with allied health.”

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

TSTC in Breckenridge to Host Registration Events This Summer

(BRECKENRIDGE) – Texas State Technical College will have two Registration Rally events this summer in Breckenridge.

The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 19 and July 24 in Room 103 in the Breckenridge Center at 307 N. Breckenridge Ave. The events are part of an effort to make the registration process as easy as possible for incoming students planning to take classes in the fall semester.

“This is the best time for everyone to come and get everything done to get registered or check on what they are still needing,” said Cassandra Love, an enrollment specialist at TSTC in Breckenridge.

Visitors can take campus tours and learn about the four technical programs offered at TSTC in Breckenridge: Chemical Dependency Counseling, Environmental Technology, Vocational Nursing and Welding Technology.