Author Archives: Daniel Perry

TSTC Alumni Share Brotherhood, Career in Dallas

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Alvaro and Andy Juarez have more than a family tie; they also share an alma mater and workplace.

The brothers are graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, and both have an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology. Alvaro graduated in 2015 and Andy in 2017.

“I feel like Precision Machining Technology is the best program to major in because the process of making a functional block of aluminum, metal, plastic, etc., is very interesting,” Alvaro said. “Almost every product you look at in everyday life was part of a machining process, from something as small as a bottle cap to the components of a vehicle.”

The brothers are machinists at Raytheon Technologies in Dallas. Alvaro lives in Hurst, and Andy calls Irving home.

Alvaro said communicating with co-workers is key to maintaining product continuity during shift changes.

“Raytheon consists mainly of castings, or billets, and very close tolerances,” he said. “The main focus at work is safety and making sure you are running good parts and keeping scrap to a minimum. What I love most about my job is the complexity of the parts that I run, being able to figure out issues when they arise and being a mentor to co-workers when they need help.”

Alvaro’s inspiration comes from his wife and 4-year-old son.

“They motivate me to be the best I can be and keep me going daily,” he said. “Being able to provide for my family also keeps me motivated.”

Andy said he is currently operating a five-axis horizontal milling machine to do his work.

“A typical day at Raytheon includes a 12-hour night shift, interacting with co-workers, and running different parts and setups while learning new stuff every day,” he said.

Andy said he likes the challenges his job brings.

“I enjoy going to work knowing that every day at Raytheon there is something new to learn, especially when issues arise,” he said. “That is where I love my job — in being able to figure out the issue.”

Andy’s drive comes from pushing himself to be a great machinist.

“My motivation in life is to work hard and to have what I didn’t growing up, and to build a future for me and my fiancee,” he said.

The Juarez brothers grew up in Rio Hondo and are graduates of San Benito High School. They said they miss their family, fishing, food and being outdoors in the Rio Grande Valley.

Alvaro said he was inspired to study precision machining because a friend graduated from TSTC and recommended it.

“It caught my attention because I love math, and that is mainly what machining is — numbers,” he said. “TSTC has a good reputation of helping you find a job once you complete your certificate or associate degree, and it being affordable is definitely a plus.”

Andy said his brother influenced his decision to study precision machining.

“I was advised by my brother that Raytheon was a great company to work for,” he said. “My brother and I are very good at math and figuring out problems, no matter how long or difficult the situation may be. He said the PMT instructors at TSTC were very helpful and made themselves available with any questions or concerns.”

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

TSTC Avionics Graduate Motivated by Perseverance

(WACO, Texas) – Jeffrey Potts’ fascination with aviation began when he was in high school in Michigan.

He later joined the military and attended Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus, where he graduated in December 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Avionics Technology.

“I loved my time in the avionics program,” said Potts, who now lives in Whitney in Hill County. “I learned so many things that I use every day at both work and home, everything from how electronics work to how complex systems interact with each other.”

Three days after graduating from TSTC, Potts began work as an avionics technician at JAG Aviation in McGregor.

Potts said his motivation comes from the American dream.

“Yes, I know that sounds cliche,” he said. “However, I’ve seen what hard work and perseverance can do for people.”

Texas had more than 2,900 avionics technicians with an annual mean wage of $64,110 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs for avionics technicians are projected to be at 21,000 by 2028, according to the agency.

After graduating from high school, Potts joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He trained in California and North Carolina before being sent to the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy in San Angelo. He later served in Hawaii as an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist.

“I liked working around aircraft so much that I decided to work on them,” Potts said.

Potts chose TSTC because of its aviation programs and the desire to start a new life in Texas. While attending college, he worked part time at Ellison Avionics Services in Waco as an avionics technician performing component-level repairs on avionics systems and radios.

Potts’ advice to prospective students is to pay attention to instructors.

“It was enjoyable having Jeffrey as a student,” said Martin Segraves, TSTC’s chair of the Avionics Technology program. “He’s smart, quick-witted and a skilled problem solver.”

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

TSTC Programs Teach Students About Respirator Usage

(WACO, Texas) – What people wear on their faces to protect themselves has taken on greater importance in the time of COVID-19.

“We train our students how to determine which type of respirator is proper for various tasks,” said Mark Wilfert, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Occupational Safety Compliance Technology program in Waco. “When they get into the industry, it will be a responsibility that some of them will be required to perform.”

Wilfert said students learn how workers need to be protected from airborne hazards in two industrial hygiene classes. In the program’s fourth-semester Safety Program Management course, students learn how to write a respiratory protection plan.

“Our students are required to fit test each other using qualitative methods while wearing respirators,” Wilfert said. “They also are required to disassemble and reassemble the respirator for proper cleaning.”

A respirator is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as personal protection equipment that blocks people from inhaling dangerous chemicals, dust, gases, smoke and other substances. Respirators can range from masks worn in the health care environment to heavy equipment used by firefighters.

OSHA sets guidelines on how respirators should fit over the face, along with their storage, maintenance and disposal.

“Quantitative fit testing requires the use of a machine, which is typically done by other trained professionals,” Wilfert said. “It is, however, usually the responsibility of safety personnel to make sure certain people are trained on respirator use. Discussing facial hair and company policy will be included in the training.”

The N95 respirator is the one most commonly used in the health care field.

“We teach personal protection equipment and handwashing as the first things in the lab in their Applied Nursing Skills class,” said Marchelle Taylor, TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program director in Breckenridge. “This is done before they go to clinicals to protect the patients, families and themselves before they ever go out into the real world.”

The Better Business Bureau has issued a scam alert regarding fake masks being sold online. The agency said people buying them are typically doing so from online retailers they have not shopped with before. The agency said the temporary websites are ways for scammers to get names and credit card information. If masks are ordered, they may not make it into the hands of consumers, according to the agency.

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

TSTC Cybersecurity Program: Use Different Passwords for Online Shopping

(HUTTO, Texas) – As Central Texans adapt to an uncertain future of self-isolation and businesses temporarily closing, online shopping is becoming the way for consumers to acquire what they want.

“That is where everybody is headed, especially with the coronavirus,” said Joshua Schier, a Cybersecurity instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus. “It is the way for us to have less contact. It is a simple convenience. Anyone who uses Amazon realizes how nice it is.”

People who are new to online shopping could be prime targets for scammers.

“These scammers capitalize on every opportunity like this anytime there is panic and fear and people are vulnerable,” Schier said.

He said consumers should diversify the passwords they use for online accounts.

“To do that, people are using a password manager to hold and store them,” he said.

Schier cautioned against shopping through mobile and social media apps because of security risks.

The Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration recently sent warning letters to seven companies selling essential oils, teas and other products claiming to prevent or treat COVID-19, according to a blog recently written by Colleen Tressler, an FTC agency consumer education specialist.

“Both agencies will continue to monitor social media, online marketplaces and incoming complaints to help ensure that the companies do not continue to market fraudulent products under a different name or on another website,” Tressler wrote.

In 2018, the Better Business Bureau received more than 28,000 complaints and at least 10,000 scam reports nationwide related to online shopping.

Emily Gaines, a public relations coordinator for the Better Business Bureau in Austin, said scammers are using health as a way to get to consumers.

“Medical face masks can be counterfeited and sold at a lesser quality than advertised, making them less safe than the consumer would hope,” Gaines said. “Scammers may advertise fake cures or preventions for sale, and there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines, drugs or preventions available to purchase online.”

The bureau recommends consumers do online research before making purchases. The agency advises to research sellers, use a credit card for secure online payments, take time to think about purchases and keep documentation of all orders.  And, consumers should not do online shopping using Wi-Fi hotspots because of security concerns.

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

TSTC Visual Communication Technology Student Honored With Scholarship

(WACO, Texas) — Shannon Hudson of Riesel grew up with an interest in drawing and fashion, and she had a vision of starting a T-shirt business.

She realized she did not have the technical skills to make her a plan a reality.

“So, I decided to learn about something that I was really passionate about,” Hudson said. “Texas State Technical College was a great choice for me because I’m a very hands-on learner. I wanted to learn something very specific.”

Now her dedication to the visual design field has been recognized.

Hudson has received the Baxter + Korge Education Scholarship from the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston. She will be honored at the organization’s scholarship luncheon in October. 

“Ms. Hudson carries out her assignments going above and beyond,” said Stacie Buterbaugh, an instructor in TSTC’s Visual Communication Technology program. “She is eager to learn new techniques using graphic design software to help bring her conceptual ideas to fruition. In the classroom, she is often seen participating in lectures and collaborating with her fellow classmates as she serves as our department’s peer tutor.”

Hudson’s inspiration to pursue her degree comes from her two young daughters.

“As a single mom, I am motivated every single day to be the best role model and provider I can possibly be,” she said. “I’m far from perfect. But in their eyes, I want them to see their mom as someone who went against all odds and decided to pursue her dream and make it happen.”

Hudson said TSTC continues to provide her with a good education at a reasonable cost and a nurturing learning environment.

“TSTC has been a wonderful learning experience,” she said. “The small classrooms allow for such a personal experience and relationships with your mentors, which is a rarity in this day and age.”

Hudson is scheduled to graduate from TSTC in spring 2021 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Visual Communication Technology. After graduation, she wants to work in branding and campaign management.

“I absolutely love coming up with stories for companies to use to make their products fun and exciting,” she said. “I really enjoy thinking outside the box and bringing things to life. It is my ultimate goal to work somewhere that allows me to do that.”

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

Automotive students get taste of life in field

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students are getting a feel for what it will be like in the shop.

With TSTC going to online classes, the students enrolled in the program are now working remotely. According to lead instructor Miguel Zoleta, this could be what students experience in the workforce.

“The remote learning will be difficult for the students since this is an 80 percent hands-on course,” Zoleta said. “There will be online or remote learning out in the field. As technicians in dealerships, future graduates are going to be learning via online training.”

Zoleta said students will attend course lectures, which account for 20 percent of the course, during online classes.

“They will also do online tests and quizzes, as well as online training videos on equipment they are using in their course,” he said.

With remote learning, Zoleta will not be able to spotlight the program for prospective students. But he knows that the TSTC recruiting team will work to inform students.

“Throughout this time that we will be working remotely, our enrollment coaches and recruitment team are also coming up with new ideas to attract new students,” he said.

Technology is also being used to promote the program to prospective students, Zoleta said.

“We have made presentations and PowerPoints to advertise our program,” he said. “This material can be sent to prospective students via email to help attract them to our program.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, as well as an Automotive Technician certificate. Zoleta said the program can lead directly to jobs, especially at local dealerships.

“There is a large demand for automotive technicians. With an associate degree, students can work either in the gasoline industry or in the diesel industry as this industry is growing at a really fast pace,” he said.

With many people not leaving their homes due to COVID-19, Zoleta said vehicles should be routinely checked.

“A walk-around inspection every morning should be done just to make sure their tires are in good condition and properly inflated,” he said. “People should also check under the hood to make sure all fluid levels are within specification and the drive belt is in good condition.”

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

Tovar overcomes obstacles to find welding career

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Nacona Tovar did not expect to have a career in welding like his father. But as an adult, something changed, and he picked up his own welding torch.

After receiving his welding certification from Texas State Technical College in December, Tovar was hired by BNSF Railway in Fort Worth. Someday he would like to return to TSTC to work on an Associate of Applied Science degree.

A native of Sebastian, Tovar, 20, and his family moved to Harlingen when he was four. He learned to work at an early age by “picking whatever was grown in the fields behind his house.”

When he was seven, Tovar said he began playing football and after practice would help his father when he was in his shop.

“I would help him with whatever he was welding together,” he said. “I picked up on what he was doing and continued to do that as a kid.”

Tovar originally wanted to follow in his mother’s footsteps by going to medical school.

“I was going to do physical therapy because my mom was in the medical field,” he said. “My dad did not want us (Tovar and his three older brothers) to be welders. I do not know what really happened, but I turned back to welding.”

All four Tovar brothers are now welders.

Tovar said his first college choice did not offer a welding program. He turned to TSTC and with financial aid started taking classes.

He is no stranger to doing things on his own. At the age of 16, Tovar lived by himself, including two months in his truck, before starting college.

“Compared to some of the other kids I know, I had a drive no one else seemed to have,” he said. “I went out on my own and had to pay my way.”

Tovar said “it hurt” to live in his truck, but “I am on my feet now.”

He said the TSTC faculty and staff helped him during his time in school. He said his goal is to fine-tune his craft with more classes.

Tovar can see the difference in his welding since finishing his TSTC coursework. It is all thanks to his instructors at TSTC.

“My dad taught me the simple things. The old-timers thought that if it held together really good, they were done,” he said. “I actually learned in school that there is a lot more to it.”

Tovar said his instructors were more than just educators.

“I have become really good friends with them. I can still call my instructors and ask for help,” he said. “That is what I like about TSTC. People will still help you.”

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

New TSTC Electrical Lineworker Technology Pole Lab Taking Shape in Harlingen

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – More than 40 poles have been installed at Texas State Technical College’s outdoor lab for the new Electrical Lineworker Technology program to debut this fall in Harlingen.

The program is benefiting from the construction of the 12-acre, 100-pole yard at the corner of Rio Hondo Road and 29th Street. Eric Carithers, TSTC’s statewide department chair for distribution and industrial electrical systems, said another 60 poles will be installed before the fall semester begins in August.

Carithers said the program’s two instructors will install wiring and crossarms and do other work to get the outdoor lab ready for students. Instructors will use the program’s new lift truck and bucket truck to do the work.

“We do have materials in the process of being ordered right now,” Carithers said.

TSTC’s program is projected to have 40 students in the first cohort. The students will work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology or an Electrical Lineworker certificate.

The program’s students will also work toward a commercial learner’s permit, and eventually a Class A commercial driver’s license, in two semesters of the program. Victor E. Blalack III, TSTC’s executive director of Strategic Partnerships, Workforce Training and Continuing Education in Harlingen, said students’ work will be a combination of online and instructor-led training during the first semester.

“The second semester is broken into four, two-week driving sessions, and at the end of a two-week session, that student will be ready to take their maneuvering skills and road examination,” Blalack said. “Upon successful completion of the skills and road test, a Class A CDL will be awarded.”

The need for electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow to about 128,900 jobs through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency predicts population growth in cities will spur the increase in employment.

Texas had more than 11,400 electrical power-line installers and repairers as of May 2018, according to the federal agency. Cameron County had 130 workers earning an annual mean wage of $56,660 in 2018.

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

Zoerner sees opportunities for wind energy students

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – One job need that is not going away anytime soon is that of wind energy technician.

Texas State Technical College Wind Energy Technology instructor Patrick Zoerner said that in light of today’s headlines, more people may look to change careers.

“I think what is happening today (with COVID-19) will open up everybody’s eyes,” Zoerner said. “People will be asking themselves, ‘Is this what I want to be doing (careerwise)?’”

The Harlingen campus offers a two-year associate of applied science curriculum in Wind Energy Technology and a three-semester certificate program for wind energy technicians.

“I think we will have a good influx of students coming this fall,” Zoerner said. “I think that it, along with the lineman program we are starting, will be good for the local workforce.”

Zoerner always tells new students they will need to have thick skin to work inside a wind turbine cell. But he also preaches safety “first and foremost.”

“This is not for the faintest of hearts. It is going to be hard work,” he said. “You are going to have to work in the heat. It could be up to 160 degrees in the cell at the top.”

With TSTC temporarily moving to remote classes at this time, Zoerner said current students will have several tasks to complete online, including researching wind energy companies.

He said most of the students had completed climbing requirements prior to this semester.

“It has been a lot of refresher stuff this semester,” Zoerner said of tower climbs. “I had them climb to allow them to go through the cycle on a routine basis. It (the extended spring break) should not really affect us.”

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

Davila helping fellow veterans at TSTC

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cristobal Davila served his country for eight years. Today, he is helping veterans transition to civilian life at Texas State Technical College.

On a daily basis, Davila, who is a Department of Veterans Affairs school certifying official at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, processes college applications, as well as showing veterans how to apply for GI Bill benefits.

Davila is no stranger to TSTC. After serving three years in the U.S. Army and five years in the Army Reserve, Davila attended TSTC, earning an associate degree in Business Management and a certificate in Automotive Technology.

He said after serving in the military, he knew he had to transition to civilian life.

“I was going to go to school for my future and to provide for my family,” he said. “When I got out of the service, I had no idea what I was going to do. When I had my kids, I knew that I needed to go back to school for them. It was not just about me anymore.”

Davila is now sharing his TSTC story with other veterans. He is noticing a trend in the fields veterans are looking at as a new career.

“They are wanting to go to the technical side of the workforce. Things like cybersecurity, welding and architecture,” he said. “That is just what I have seen from the students I have helped.”

Since he is both a veteran and a TSTC graduate, Davila said it is easy to talk to former service members about going to school.

“It is good to be around my peers. A veteran knows a veteran,” he said. “People know that I understand what they might have gone through. I think it is easier for them to open up to me because I am a veteran.”

Davila said working in TSTC’s Veteran Services department helps fulfill something he has missed since leaving the military.

“I do miss the camaraderie with my fellow service members. I like to hear some of the stories from the combat veterans when they come in,” he said.

Davila said his new position gives him the chance to do something special on a daily basis.

“I like the fact that we have the Veterans Center for them. We have them covered when they are looking to work in the civilian world,” he said.

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