TSTC EMS Program Receives National Accreditation

(HARLINGEN) – It has been four years in the making, but the Continuing Education Emergency Medical Service – Paramedic program at Texas State Technical College has been nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – becoming the only accredited EMS program in Cameron County.

TSTC EMS Program Director and Advanced Coordinator Salvador Acevedo said that with national and state demand at its highest for paramedics, this national recognition gives them a greater opportunity for meeting industry need.

“I’m beyond excited. I’m so proud of the work everyone has done to achieve this recognition,” said Acevedo. “This was a lengthy four-year process and it has been validated.”

In addition to extensive paperwork, the program went through a peer review from CAAHEP’s board of directors and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions.

With the accreditation in hand, set to take effect January 2018, Acevedo and his team can now offer an associate degree paramedic program, which will mirror the already accredited EMS program offered at TSTC’s Abilene campus.

“We’ve worked closely with the folks in Abilene for guidance with the accreditation process and the curriculum,” said Acevedo. “It’s been a great partnership between programs and now we can offer even more to our students.”TSTC EMS Program

The plan is to combine the EMS program’s emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic certificate courses to one EMT-to-paramedic pathway.

The program will be two years long and students will receive training in the EMT basic, intermediate and paramedic fields. Students must successfully complete all coursework, clinical site training and an ambulance practicum to receive credit for the associate degree.

The pathway will also prepare students to take and pass the required National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, which will allow them to work anywhere in the United States.

“Students who enroll in this program can rest assured that they will be receiving the training they need from a national curriculum to have a successful career,” said Acevedo.

Acevedo added that every instructor, including himself, are seasoned paramedics who still work in the field, either full-time or part-time, ensuring that students in the program will always receive the most up-to-date information on medical protocols, additional certifications and skills used in industry.

TSTC paramedic student Morgan Putbrese earned her EMT certificate in July 2016 and is working toward her paramedic certificate, but said this new accreditation will take her education to the next level.

“With the program now being accredited I have the opportunity to earn my associate degree,” she said. “This is an exciting time for current and future students. This will help people in our field grow and continue their education.”

Once Putbrese completes the additional courses she needs for her associate degree she plans to work locally and give back to her community in the form of health care.

According to Acevedo, TSTC’s EMS program holds a 100 percent job placement rate. Students are either placed locally with companies such as South Texas Emergency Care Foundation (STEC), Med-Care EMS or Willacy County EMS, or elsewhere in the state with centers such as Austin-Travis County EMS.

“We’ve jumped the biggest hurdle and achieved accreditation,” said Acevedo. “The future of our program is bright and we’re looking forward to growing and offering more opportunities to our students.”

For more information on TSTC’s EMS program visit tstc.edu/harlingence/ems or call 956-364-4739.

Student Success Profile

(HARLINGEN) – Eli QuinteroEli Quintero, 21, is a recent graduate and current student at Texas State Technical College. He earned his first associate degree in Telecommunications Technology in Summer 2017 and has returned to pursue a second associate degree in Automotive Technology.

When the Los Fresnos native is not studying, he is a work study in the Office of Student Life with the New Student Orientation team and is an active member and treasurer for the Intramural Sports Club on campus.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps and work at AT&T. He has had a successful 19-year career in telecommunications and I want that also. Once my career is established I want to continue my education to receive a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to grow in my field and someday be a director and supervise a team. Also, I hope to use my automotive degree to improve in my hobby of collecting and refurbishing classic cars.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I’m a first-generation college graduate and student, so receiving my first degree has been my biggest accomplishment. I’m the oldest of six siblings and I hope my experiences are showing them that a college education is in reach and possible.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that the key to college success, mine at least, is to get involved on campus. The more you are involved the more you learn and know, and the more you know, the more you can accomplish.

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

TSTC Business Management Technology student and Intramural Sports Club President Denice Molina has been my greatest influence. She’s the one who encourages me to be active on campus and study and work hard. She keeps me motivated.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future students is to be active on campus and their communities, meet new people and make new contacts; it helps you grow as a person.

TSTC Hosts First Fall Industry Job Fair

(HARLINGEN) – For the first time Texas State Technical College will be hosting two Industry Job Fairs for TSTC students and alumni – one in the fall and another in the spring.

The first job fair will be held October 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at TSTC’s Cultural Arts Center.

The annual job fair, hosted by TSTC’s Office of Talent Management and Career Services, has been around for at least two decades, but is usually held in the Spring semester.

The goal of each job fair remains the same each year and that is to help students network and learn about potential employers and job opportunities in an informal setting that helps to ease nerves and anxiety.

“We’re excited about being able to offer our students and alumni this additional opportunity to speak with employers and practice their interview skills,” said Viviana Espinoza, TSTC director of Talent management and Career Services.

Espinoza added that she has received a great response from industry as well, with at least 25 employers already booked for the October event.

Companies such as Toyota, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Wylie and Sons, SpawGlass, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Stewart and Stevenson and the United State Department of Agriculture will be on hand to present job opportunities and answer questions.TSTC Industry Job Fair

A common practice during TSTC’s job fairs is for industry representatives to not only speak with attendees, but also interview and hire on the spot.

“In past years we have had success with on-site interviews,” she said. “Many of our attendees have left with job offers, some even before graduating.”

Those attending the job fair are encouraged to come prepared with at least 10 copies of their resume, dressed to impress and ready for an interview.

To help students and alumni prepare for the job fair, TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services offers year-round assistance with resume building and writing and in-house mock interviews to help students improve interview skills and gain confidence.

Additionally, every semester, the department hosts an Interview Practicum, where soon-to-be TSTC graduates complete mock interviews with local and statewide industry professionals to polish their interview skills.

“Our goal at career services is to place our students and alumni in high-paying jobs in their field of study,” said Espinoza. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a current student or you’ve graduated, our services remain the same and are here to stay.”

Espinoza encourages students and alumni to attend the Industry Job Fair and to take advantage of all the services the department provides locally and statewide.

TSTC’s campuses in Marshall and Waco will also host the same job fair on October 19 and November 2, respectively.

“Overall this is a great event that gives our students and alumni from all over the state the opportunity to find their dream job,” said Espinoza.

For more information on the Industry Job Fair or the services provided by Talent Management and Career Services call 956-364-4131.

TSTC Auto Tech Students Learn Up-to-Date Vehicle Technology

(WACO) – Carlos Encarnacion of Waco walked into Texas State Technical College with knowledge about electrical engineering from having earned a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university.

But Encarnacion, 27, said he had difficulties finding a job in his field and needed a plan. He followed a hobby for working on vehicles into working on an automotive technician certificate and is scheduled to graduate in December.

Some of Encarnacion’s hands-on learning involves troubleshooting the hardware in vehicles. On a recent day, he worked with other students outside one of the Automotive Technology program’s garages searching for a bad sensor.

Encarnacion said he has been impressed at how far technology has progressed in vehicles.

“It is almost impossible to keep it in memory,” he said. “You have to do research to keep up with it. I find it amazing that 15 years ago you were lucky to have a television screen in the back. The possibilities are endless.”

Students in TSTC’s Automotive Technology program take classes in electrical systems and learn about wiring diagrams, manufacturer service information and networking.

“We don’t write code so we can’t change the software,” said Thomas Breshears, an instructor in the Automotive Technology program. “We have to know software to figure out the hardware. If one manufacturer does something, the rest will do the same thing.”

Manufacturers are moving toward having software updates downloaded through in-vehicle radio systems.

“They are planning to do that for all modules in vehicles in the future,” said Eric Upton, service director at Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Waco. “They are trying to work out the kinks globally.”

Students who enter the Automotive Technology program should have good reasoning and mathematics skills, Breshears said.

Upton said prospective employees need a basic understanding of mechanics to do standard repairs. But, service technicians should feel comfortable troubleshooting and replacing modules for vehicle functions, such as window switches. Manufacturers typically have their own training for employees to learn the technical specifics of their products.

Service technicians are seeing more vehicles with integrated mobile phone capabilities.

“As technology increases, the cybersecurity portion of it is not a huge threat yet, but I would strongly suspect in another 10 years it is going to be a lot more prevalent,” Upton said.

The Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2017 sponsored by Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-MA, is currently in the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The proposed legislation calls for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate vehicles with accessible data or control signals have the capability to detect, report and stop security breaches to driving operation and data.

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

TSTC in Waco Students, Faculty Answer Call to Provide Hurricane Help

(WACO) – Adam Pechacek saw it as a sign.

Pechacek, 27, of West and a student at Texas State Technical College, said he and his girlfriend prayed as Hurricane Harvey made its destructive visit in late August to the Texas coast. They wanted to help the people affected, somehow.

His neighbor, Bryce Grimes of Georgetown and a TSTC Welding Technology student, appeared shortly thereafter with the answer Pechacek was seeking.

“He (Grimes) knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to go south,” he said.

Although Grimes and Pechacek planned a relief trip to Port Aransas that was to start on Labor Day, a few days earlier two TSTC faculty members had been activated by the Texas Army National Guard. Angel Newhart, statewide Aerospace chair, was with troop members in Katy and in the Beaumont area while Aaron Gilbert, a fixed wing pilot instructor, also worked near Beaumont.

Hurricane Harvey was the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the Coastal Bend since Hurricane Carla landed in 1961 on the northwest part of Matagorda Island, according to The Weather Channel.

Grimes, 25, said he wanted to help those affected by the hurricane in a direct way. He and Pechacek asked friends and neighbors for items to pack in Grimes’ white 1990 GMC Suburban to take to Port Aransas. Grimes also gave some of his personal belongings to the effort.

“We went down there with $60,” Grimes said. “The last place we topped off the gas tank was in La Grange.”

Grimes and Pechacek ended up at Cowboy Camp David in Port Aransas, a volunteer effort at feeding residents, first responders, law enforcement and workers cleaning up the city. Volunteers cooked donated food on stoves run off propane and generators.

“We had people from all over the state pulling together for one goal,” Pechacek said.

Grimes, who grew up in a military family, and Pechacek, a member of the U.S. Air Force for five years, said their military and survival knowledge helped them through the sunup-to-past-sundown work of feeding people.

“You were finding a solution to everything,” said Pechacek, a certificate major in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Specialist.

Grimes said leaving the camp on Sept. 8 was a hard decision to make. He and Pechacek consulted with their instructors to miss classes and catch up once they returned to Waco.

“I feel like four days wasn’t enough,” Grimes said. “I didn’t want to leave.”

Grimes and Pechacek said they want to return to the area later in the fall.

“You have to still move forward,” Grimes said. “People said we will rebuild.”

As Grimes and Pechacek worked in Port Aransas, Newhart was waist-deep in water alongside Guardsmen rescuing people in Katy and later in Orange and Jefferson counties. Newhart, a chaplain, was activated from Aug. 27 to Sept. 10.

“We help the members have the opportunity for religious services,” she said. “Soldiers are people too and have the freedom of religion. We take care of the soldiers to make sure they have what they need spiritually and maintain their moral compass.”

Newhart said it was the first time she had seen hurricane damage and its impact on people up close.

“My faith gives me strength and that’s what I depend on,” she said. “As long as I have God, I’m good.”

Newhart returned to her office in TSTC’s Col. James T. Connally Aerospace Center on Sept. 11.

“The first day it was relaxing,” she said. “You get to take a breath. I found myself wanting to go out and take care of somebody. It’s different when you are in the water praying with someone.”

Newhart spent four years in the U.S. Army as an aerial intelligence specialist and later worked in counterintelligence. She joined the Texas Army National Guard in 2011.

Aaron Gilbert, 22, of Paradise, joined the Texas Army National Guard when he was in high school. He was activated for hurricane duty from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7 and was a driver on search and rescue missions. He saw vehicles floating in several feet of water.

“The local communities were excited to see us,” he said. “They donated a lot of food to us.”

Gilbert graduated in 2017 from TSTC with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Pilot Training Technology. His career goal is to fly for a commercial airline.

“Being a flight instructor is a lot of fun,” Gilbert said. “You get to meet a lot of students from different places.”

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

R.E. Dye Partners with TSTC for $102,285 Job Training Grant

(BRECKENRIDGE) – Texas State Technical College has partnered with R.E. Dye Manufacturing Corporation of Breckenridge to train 51 workers using a $97,568 Skills Development Fund grant. The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation provided a matching amount of $4,717, bringing the total to $102,285.

 

Dale Robertson, manager of the Office of Employer Initiatives at the Texas Workforce Commission, presented the check to officials from TSTC and R.E. Dye at a 2:30 p.m. ceremony held at TSTC’s Technology Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

 

The training was designed specifically to meet R.E. Dye’s needs in two critical areas: efficiency and aircraft manual updates. Training will be provided by TSTC instructors. TSTC has partnered with the West Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) to provide training for specific aircraft manual updates.

 

“This is allowing R.E. Dye to expand their customer base and go out and be able to work with more aircraft manufacturing companies to produce precision equipment for that industry,” said Rick Denbow, interim provost at TSTC in West Texas. “We’re so excited about this. It’s great for Breckenridge, it’s great for TSTC and it’s great for all parties involved.”

 

Robertson said it takes a team to bring an opportunity like this to light.

 

“It doesn’t happen by ourselves,” Robertson said. “It starts with the local folks, West Central Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas State Technical College, economic development partners and of course businesses.”

 

Virgil Moore, executive director of the Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation, said they were glad to contribute.

 

“The Breckenridge EDC is proud to have participated in this,” Moore said. “In addition to the $97,568 grant that comes directly from Texas Workforce Solutions, the Breckenridge EDC also contributed $13,517 to this project.” ($8,800 was provided directly to the TMAC for their training.)

 

Overall, the Skills Development Fund aims to improve whole communities.

 

“You are able to get funding here that helps this community, this business and the businesses around upskill their workers, train them, retain their certifications and increase their skill sets, and that is really the essence of the Skills Development Fund,” Robertson said.

 

Coby Dye, president of R.E. Dye Manufacturing Corporation, said the company is grateful for the opportunity the grant presents.

 

“I’d like to thank the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, TSTC and the Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation for partnering to make this training possible,” Dye said. “Everyone from these organizations went out of their way to make sure the grant happened in a timely manner to meet our training needs.”

 

The Skills Development Fund is one of the state’s premier job-training programs, keeping Texas competitive with a skilled workforce. For more information on TSTC’s workforce training, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Introduces Robotics Technology Degree to Fort Bend County

(FORT BEND) – Robots are a way of the future. They can be found inside manufacturing and distribution centers and state-of-the-art factories and at Texas State Technical College.

Students can now enroll in Robotics Technology, one of four new programs being offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, and learn how to program and operate a fast-growing robotic population.

“Our program offers students a path to learning cutting-edge automated system technologies in the industry,” said TSTC’s State Department Chair of Instrumentation Technology Bob Lovelace.

Robotics Technology is a five-semester program in which students learn about automated manufacturing processes, the role of robots and support equipment through instruction in areas such as motion programming, conveyor systems and computer networking.

Students in the program will also receive hands-on, real-word experience in the class with the opportunity of setting up industrial robots and designing and building electromechanical Robotics Technology studentcontrol systems.

“Our students will train with the most used industrial robots in the industry,” said Lovelace. “Because of our training they will be able to be successful in any manufacturing job they find themselves in.”

Lovelace added that a career in robotics can be diverse and gives graduates an array of options when job searching. He also proudly stated that this type of accomplishment has been evident with the Robotic Technology program in Waco since 1999.

“The demand for highly-skilled technicians is growing,” he said. “And we provide the best entry-level technicians money can buy.”

Graduates from TSTC’s Robotics Technology can expect to find jobs as robotic technicians, electro-mechanical technicians, mechanical engineering technicians and electromechanical equipment assemblers.

“We put as much emphasis on putting people to work, as we do putting them in the classroom,” said Lovelace. “It is this effort that makes TSTC students and our funding model successful.”

TSTC has an outcome-based funding model meaning TSTC gets paid based on students’ job placement and earnings after they graduate, rather than initial enrollment.

“Our students have no limits on where they can go after getting a degree from TSTC,” said Lovelace. “And in this new program it’s no different.”

For more information on Robotics Technology and to apply and register anytime, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC National Guard Student Deployed for Harvey Relief

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College student and National Guard reservist Lino Gonzalez was recently deployed to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in coastal East Texas, derailing his plans to attend TSTC for the Fall 2017 semester.

The deployment, originally scheduled for late August through September, forced Gonzalez to withdraw from his Wind Energy Technology classes for fear of falling behind.

However, during deployment his orders changed, and Gonzalez got the opportunity to return home with his wife and two-year-old son earlier than planned. But he had already lost the semester.

“We go when and where we’re needed,” said Gonzalez. “This has in no way discouraged me from coming back.”

The Mercedes native will register to return to TSTC Wind Energy Technology in the spring.Lino Gonzalez

TSTC Veteran Center Director Steve Guevara said that, in accordance with state statutes and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules, college or university students like Gonzalez who are called to active duty as guard soldiers or reservists have three options. They can choose to receive a full refund of tuition and fees already paid; if eligible, receive an incomplete grade in all courses by designating “withdrawn military” on transcripts; or, as determined by the instructor, receive a final grade or credit if a substantial amount of coursework has been satisfactorily completed.

“We try to assist our active military and veteran students the best way we can,” said Guevara. “Our goal is to help them get the education they deserve and want.”

In Gonzalez’s case, he took the withdrawal option and dropped his courses. He said everything was settled quickly with no penalties, and it was like he never registered for the semester at all.

“Everyone was so helpful,” said Gonzalez. “My withdrawal process was smooth and stress-free, thanks to the help I received from my program instructor David Gomez and Veteran Center staff.”

While deployed, Gonzalez, who is also an Army veteran, helped the communities of Corpus Christi, Victoria, Katy, Beaumont and Port Arthur. He assisted the fire departments with evacuations, search and rescue, and debris cleanup.

“Hurricane Harvey was devastating to many communities and families. What we saw was surreal,” said Gonzalez. “That’s why, no matter the situation, it’s important to me to always help and serve.”

Gonzalez was 22 years old when he enlisted in the Army. The veteran Army specialist served eight years, with two tours in Afghanistan and Korea. During and after his time in the Army he worked as a generator mechanic and provided internet to military bases.

“What I did in the military goes hand in hand with what I’m studying now,” said Gonzalez. “I’m a hands-on learner and worker, and Wind Energy Technology and mechanics is what I see myself doing long term.”

The 31-year-old expects to earn his associate degree in Spring 2019 and looks forward to working as a Wind Turbine Technician.

For more information on the TSTC Veteran Center or Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile

(HARLINGEN) – Celina CasaresThis is Texas State Technical College student Celina Cazares’ first semester in college, but she is already proving herself with good grades and as an active member of the TSTC Service Squad and Agriculture Club.

The Brownsville native is a recent graduate of Lopez High School. The 18-year-old expects to complete her Academic Core by Spring 2019.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m already looking into registered nursing programs. I want to study to be a nurse once I’m done with my academic classes. The idea of me being able to help others is what I love about nursing.

What’s your dream job?

 My dream is to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing, practicing my skills in a hospital or clinic and continuing my education for a master’s degree and maybe even doctorate degree.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment so far has been being selected for the Student Success Profile honor. It has given me the confidence I need, and I hope someone will read my article and get inspired to enroll at TSTC.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned comes from my parents, who always push me to do my best. They always tell me that if I want something to fight for it and not stop until I get it. So every time I run into an obstacle I remember this and I tell myself I can do better.

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

My Anatomy and Physiology instructor, Paul Leonard, and my Diet and Nutrition instructor, Michael Gay, have been my greatest influencers thus far. I love the way they teach and keep us engaged. They make a student want to come to class. And of course I need to mention my best friend since sixth grade, Angie Cruz. She’s also a student at TSTC. She keeps me sane when I’m stressed and is one of my biggest motivators and encouragers.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want future and current students to remember one thing: At the end of the day everything you do is your choice and the future is yours, so make the best of it.

 

TSTC Receives Latest ULA Donation Installment

(HARLINGEN) – United Launch Alliance recently donated $500 to Texas State Technical College’s SkillsUSA Precision Manufacturing 2017-18 competition team.

The donation comes as the latest installment of $168,600 that ULA has already given to the college for student scholarships and equipment.

Ralph Luaces, site lead at ULA Harlingen, said they are ecstatic about being able to help a program that has proven to be effective.

“ULA is happy to support the SkillsUSA program at TSTC,” said Luaces. “The students’ recent success in competition has shown that the program is very effective in developing and preparing students to enter the workforce.”

One of ULA’s largest donations came in 2015, when the company gave TSTC $40,000 for the college’s Challenger Learning Center Planetarium.

TSTC Senior Development Officer Amy Lynch said ULA is one of TSTC’s largest partners and supporters.TSTC and ULA Check Presentation

“ULA supports our college and its students not only with monetary contributions for scholarships but also with tool and equipment donations and by hiring our students,” said Lynch. “They’re a great asset to our college and our community.”

The recent contribution made to TSTC’s SkillsUSA Precision Manufacturing team will be used to fund equipment upgrades for the team’s Urban Search and Rescue robot, SkillsUSA uniforms and blazers, and personal protection equipment.

Just last year, ULA gave $1,000 for the purchase of a new robot kit and additional upgrades that put the robot at a more competitive level, and this year’s donation will help do the same.

The robot had previously been used and upgraded for the 2016 and 2017 SkillsUSA national competitions, respectively.

TSTC Mechatronics Technology student Michael Arreola and recent Mechatronics and Precision Manufacturing Technology graduate Rick Santos were the 2017 Urban Search and Rescue team that used the robot and earned gold medals at the national competition.

TSTC Precision Manufacturing Technology Instructor Rick Limas said it is donations like this one that help TSTC’s SkillsUSA students get to the national level and remain competitive among their peers.

“Industry support is imperative to our younger generation of craftsmen and craftswomen,” said Limas. “It helps our students cross barriers and jump hurdles and gives us insight and knowledge on what employers are looking for so we can get our students hired.”

Limas hopes this longtime partnership with ULA continues to remain strong and steadfast for the benefit of future TSTC students.

“We thank ULA and all of our industry leaders for their monetary, material and training support they provide to our students,” added Limas. “And we hope to continue working with everyone so that we can continue to provide our students with cutting-edge technology that will prepare them to be successful in industry.”

To donate to SkillsUSA and help TSTC students get to the 2018 SkillsUSA national competition, call The TSTC Foundation at 956-364-4500.

For more information on Precision Manufacturing Technology, visit tstc.edu.