Author Archives: Ben Barkley

Flores experiences college life while training for career

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Isaiah Flores wanted a 24/7 college experience.

He decided to attend Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program in Sweetwater and live on campus. He has not regretted the decision to leave his childhood home of Hamlin to attend school.

“I toured the Abilene lab and knew that welding would be a career for me. But I chose Sweetwater because I wanted to have the college experience,” said Flores, who is pursuing a certificate of completion in welding.

College life for Flores includes meeting new people and being able to walk around campus. When he is not in the lab working on projects, he makes sure to complete his online assignments in between other activities.

“I have made a lot of friends living on campus. We like to hang out and have fun,” he said.

Flores’ favorite time of the week is welding in the lab and helping his friends with advice.

“I like welding, and it is good we can work in the lab every day,” he said. “(Instructor) Taylor (Elston) explains things a lot, and it helps us complete our projects.”

Elston said Flores works hard to complete projects and help others.

“Isaiah does his work really well and is always asking questions. He wants to be the best he can,” he said.

One of the first things that Flores and the other students completed was a weeklong safety training course.

“We have to be safe in the lab, and spending a week reviewing what we need to do was helpful,” he said. “Taylor really wants us to be safe, and we work to make sure we are not doing anything that could cause an injury. The sparks are always flying, and it is easy to get hit. We make sure we watch to see where our friends are before we get to work.”

Flores said people who do not have experience could begin this program. He had some welding experience helping his uncle in Hamlin, but for others, Flores said Elston is the perfect instructor to help them get started.

“One of my friends did not have any experience welding when he started the program. Taylor worked with him and showed him how to weld,” he said. “Now he is doing projects really well and becoming a better welder. I hope more people look to start a welding career because Taylor has the experience and can teach you everything you need to know.”

While Flores enjoys the campus life, he also enjoys returning to Hamlin to visit friends and going on an occasional fishing trip. But he is looking forward to the day he can show his uncle what he has learned in the lab.

“I have texted him some photos of my work, but he has not seen my full potential,” he said. “I cannot wait to show my uncle what I can do with a welding torch.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

With construction increasing, TSTC fills welding needs

(ABILENE, Texas) – With construction projects increasing in West Texas, the need for welders will only grow.

Greg Nicholas, Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructor in Abilene, said the number of area job postings for welders increases on a weekly basis, and that means construction is underway.

“Currently there are more jobs available than we have welders in our area. That is a good problem to have,” he said.

With two major construction projects underway in the area, Nicholas said TSTC will play a key role in filling positions. In Abilene, Great Lakes Cheese Co. is planning to build a facility, and Georgia-Pacific is building a second gypsum plant in Sweetwater.

“There are several construction projects going on in our area, and I know many contractors will be needing qualified welders,” Nicholas said.

In West Texas, the average salary for a welder is $46,490, according to onetonline.org. Indeed.com lists more than 60 welding jobs in West Texas.

Nicholas said many of his students are already working on jobs while attending school. One of those students is Jeremiah Hall, who is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“People are looking for welders all over. I am working at a fabrication shop and doing some welding on the side,” he said.

Hall said when Texas began reopening businesses, people were looking for jobs. He said with more businesses opening up, construction will return at a brisk pace.

“I know that the oil and gas industry is still not what it used to be, but once we get that going, Texas will be booming with even more welding jobs,” he said.

Hall said many contractors are looking for welders to do frame work on projects, and having a degree or certificate from TSTC will help.

“The program is amazing and will prepare you for a great job with great pay,” he said.

Donavan Gomez is also pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree and will have a job waiting when he completes the program.

“I know things are going to pick up for us, and I am glad I am studying for a degree,” he said. “The instructors want all of us to be successful, and that is the most important thing. Our success is the school’s success.”

Nicholas said welding opportunities will always be available, and he works to make sure that TSTC provides quality employees.

Welding Technology is one of five programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to welding students is simple: If they do not have a job within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/about/moneybackguarantee.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Paramedic student takes advantage of second chance at life

(ABILENE, Texas) – Brittney Sims said she received a second chance at life for a reason.

In 2005, Sims attempted to take her own life as a teenager and at one point was not responsive to paramedics trying to save her. Sixteen years later, Sims is now a student in Texas State Technical College’s Paramedic program and is studying under the paramedic who was the first to arrive at her house that day.

Ronnie Pitts, TSTC’s Emergency Medical Services instructor, was that paramedic. Doctors said Sims would not have normal brain function, but Sims wanted to prove everyone wrong.

“Ronnie Pitts played a key factor in saving my life. Without him, I would not be here today,” Sims said.

She earned her emergency medical technician certificate from TSTC and began the paramedic program for one reason.

“I knew I could do more with my life, and I knew that I wanted to help people the way that Ronnie helped me,” she said.

Pitts said when Sims began the program, he did not remember who she was at first. It was through an email that took Sims some time to write that he learned who this student was and what he meant to her.

“Out of the blue, I received her email, and it hit me,” Pitts said. “Many times as EMTs and paramedics, we wonder what happens to our patients after we drop them off. It is only normal. I am able to see what became of her, and I know she will be a successful paramedic.”

Sims said it took her some time to decide to leave her position in an orthodontics office to attend school, but she is glad she made the choice.

“(Pitts) was thrilled I made the decision to come back to school. I was glad I could show him that the outcome of his call to my house turned out for the best,” she said.

Sims currently works as an EMT at both MetroCare in Abilene and Scurry County EMS in Snyder. She said having experience at both a rural and a larger city service will pay off in the future.

“There are some things I do in Scurry County that I do not do in Abilene. I am impressed that I am learning something new every day,” she said.

Scurry County EMS Director Jason Tyler said Sims has shown signs of becoming a good paramedic.

“She is very confident in what she does and is a quick learner,” he said. “She is getting her eyes open to what rural EMS is about and what we stand for. She is beginning to understand that it is an entirely different system and one she could be successful in.”

Sims said she wants to help pay it forward by promoting TSTC’s program as often as possible. That included recruiting her best friend to join the program earlier this year.

“I hope we will be able to work on an ambulance together one day. Right now, it is good that we are able to see each other on a daily basis,” Sims said.

Sims is also able to talk to her instructors about the calls she had to answer. She said that makes the program appealing to many students.

“There is such amazing team support with all of the instructors. We know that we will be able to talk to them about things we experience in the field,” she said. “I knew I was saved for a reason. I just needed to search for what it was — and it was to become a paramedic and help people like Ronnie helped me.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Hands-on approach leads Ramos to TSTC Automotive Technology

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Noe Ramos likes to work with his hands — especially on automobiles.

After graduating from Mercedes High School in 2020, Ramos wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice but decided to change his career path. He learned about Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program and is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“I found out quickly that criminal justice was not the route I wanted to take in my life,” Ramos said. “I have always liked working with my hands and had some experience with cars.”

Ramos works at AutoZone, where he uses the knowledge he learns in class with his customers.

“Almost every day at work, someone comes in with a problem, and I can help them with the right solution,” he said. “It is amazing that I am able to help my customers by telling them what is wrong with their vehicle.”

One reason that Ramos chose TSTC was because it is close to his family.

“I wanted to go to school close by to help my parents. I am able to stay home and help around the house,” he said. “If something goes wrong with our car, I am able to work on it because of what I am learning in school.”

Ramos’ high school counselor referred him to TSTC.

“My counselor’s son went to school there, and I was able to tour the campus,” he said. “I knew it would be a good place to learn a skill.”

Ramos said the best part of the program is attending lab sessions and working on vehicles.

“I get to learn more each day in the lab. It is good that we can talk to each other and form friendships,” he said. “I like to learn new things and share what I learn with others.”

With lofty goals, including graduating with a perfect grade-point average, Ramos said he will be set up in the field because of TSTC’s goal of training today’s workforce.

“I want to get a good job so I can buy property and build a house. A good job will allow me to support my family,” he said.

Ramos knows that automotive technicians will be in demand over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, Texas is expected to add more than 6,600 automotive technicians by 2028.

His ultimate goal is to open an engine performance shop in the Rio Grande Valley.

“It is growing in popularity in the Valley, and I would like to be part of the new trend,” he said.

With his education goals in mind, Ramos said he will be ready for the future.

“I know what I get out of life depends on how much I learn and how much effort I put into learning everything I can,” he said.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Oil field salesman finds second career at TSTC

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – An oil field salesman is finding a second career, thanks to Texas State Technical College.

Brett Dupre, of San Angelo, said the pandemic made him pivot his career plans, but he still wanted to get his hands dirty. He remembered touring TSTC while in high school, and now he is enrolled in TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program.

“After what happened last year, I knew I would need a change,” he said. “Since graduating high school, I worked in the oil field. My dad was an oil field salesman, so it came naturally to me. I knew I would have to move forward from that field.”

He has not regretted the decision to attend TSTC to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“It is really interesting what we learn. There is nothing like it,” Dupre said. “I like the hands-on approach because I love fixing things. I always have.”

Dupre has friends who work in the oil field and others who work on wind turbines. He said both forms of energy are needed to power Texas.

“We are going to have to have both forms of power in our future. I do not know how that is going to go, but energy needs to work together,” he said.

Dupre said he wants to be more than a salesman. TSTC Wind Energy Technology instructor Billie Jones said that is one of the best features of the program.

“We have students who enter so many different fields. It could be wind, it could be the oil field or electromechanical,” she said. “We can offer our students so much of a career option.”

One aspect of the program students enjoy most is the first climb inside the TSTC wind turbine tower in Nolan County.

“I have not climbed yet, but I am looking forward to it,” Dupre said. “I have a friend who works on the turbines, so I have been inside one.”

With his career options open after graduation, Dupre said TSTC was also a good choice because of its success in placing students in jobs.

“People really seem to do a lot more than they have to in order for us to be successful,” he said. “That is one reason I decided to enroll. This is a good place to start your career, because you will be successful in your field of study.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

IDEA San Benito students announce plans to attend TSTC

(SAN BENITO, Texas) – Family and friends of 26 IDEA San Benito seniors learned that Texas State Technical College would be the students’ school of choice beginning this fall.

The high school students revealed their decision to attend TSTC during the annual college signing day celebration earlier this month.

“Most of the students said they wanted to attend TSTC for Automotive Technology, Nursing and Dental Hygiene,” said Casey Theivagt, the school’s director of college counseling. “They chose TSTC because it was close to home for them.”

The IDEA Public School system, which was founded in 1998, has a goal for students to enter the first year of college without needing remedial courses in any area. Theivagt said that goal is reached on an annual basis.

“We serve the underserved and low-income students of our communities. We are proud to have a 100% college articulation rate with our students,” she said.

The college signing day event is a way for students to celebrate their college choice while also meeting the school’s goal of having every student prepared for college.

Theivagt said students are required to submit six college applications during their senior year.

“They choose the schools in which to apply, and they choose the school they want to attend,” she said.

Past students have chosen TSTC because of the hands-on programs. Theivagt said students have shown interest in several programs, including Aircraft Airframe Technology, Automotive Technology, Dental Hygiene, Nursing and Wind Energy Technology.

“TSTC offers students a wide range of options,” she said.

Cledia Hernandez, TSTC’s Harlingen provost, said working with IDEA San Benito and other school districts to attract students pays off when she sees them enter the workforce.

“For many years, students believed their only option in higher education was a four-year degree,” she said. “It is great to see the awareness of the benefits and value of technical careers. With 70% of Texas jobs requiring a technical degree, we are excited to work with our secondary education partners to help students transition to our technical programs and prepare them to enter the workforce.”

Theivagt said having TSTC close to its campus is also helpful.

“Students who have toured the campus love what they see,” she said. “They have enjoyed attending events like the open house. The students have had a chance to visit some programs, and that helped them make their choice.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Childhood passion turns into career for TSTC student

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – From an early age, David Lopez-Cortez showed an interest in cars.

The graduate of ATEMS High School knew by the age of five that he wanted to work on vehicles for a living. Lopez-Cortez said his passion started by playing with Hot Wheels toy cars at his childhood home.

Lopez-Cortez wants to turn that passion into a career by earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College.

“I have always been interested in cars and how they work,” he said. “I did not think it would end up being a career option, but I am happy I made this choice.”

Lopez-Cortez’ love for cars continues after class when he is working at an oil change service in Abilene.

“I am constantly helping people at work and learning what other people do,” he said. “I also have friends who want me to help them with their cars when I am at home.”

TSTC was a perfect fit for Lopez-Cortez, and enrolling was a decision that he easily made, thanks to his mother.

“My mom went to culinary school at TSTC in Sweetwater and was hired as the head chef at the Hilton in Abilene,” he said. “She later opened her own restaurant and is now at home. She is still the best chef I know.”

Lopez-Cortez said his mother told him that TSTC would be a good place to learn a trade.

“She said the environment is small and simple. Everyone on the campus wants you to succeed,” he said of his mother’s time at TSTC. “That has not changed today.”

The biggest difference between his time at TSTC and his mother’s is the style of learning. Lopez-Cortez completed many class assignments online through remote learning. When he is in the lab, things change.

“This is a totally different learning environment. Each of us in class has our own vehicle project and bay,” he said while standing in his bay, preparing to mount a tire.

Lopez-Cortez also likes the class size and attention that classmates receive from instructor Gerod Strother.

“We are always willing to help each other with projects,” he said. “Gerod makes you feel confident in your decisions, but he is also there when you have a problem. He wants you to succeed.”

Strother said Lopez-Cortez and his classmates have shown a passion to learn.

“Everyone is willing to put in the effort to learn to be the best they can. It is good to see these students training to enter the workforce,” he said.

According to onetonline.org, auto technician/mechanic positions will continue to increase in Texas. The online site forecasts that an additional 6,610 mechanics will be needed by 2028.

Lopez-Cortez plans to use his newfound knowledge in Abilene.

“I want to open and own my own performance car shop,” he said. “I know there are marketing and business plans to get ready, but this is preparing me for a career.”

TSTC is setting him up for success, something that Lopez-Cortez did not realize when he started the program earlier this year.

“TSTC offers you all the tools you need for a career, and they even have the tools in the shop you can use to learn the trade,” he said. “This has been the best experience of my life.”

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC graduate plans to expand knowledge this fall

(WACO, Texas) – Zachary Muth is planning to continue his education in the fall.

Muth, who graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program last month, wants to add an occupational skills award in welding to his associate degree.

“I plan to return this fall because the more skills I have, the better my chances of being hired,” he said. “I am currently looking at all of my options in the diesel field.”

Muth likes the options because they have one thing in common.

“I have always liked working with my hands. I was never a big fan of sitting behind a desk,” he said.

Muth was drawn to TSTC after attending an open house suggested by his high school English teacher.

“I have always been interested in cars, but I wanted to do that more as a hobby,” he said. “I was looking for a career, and after touring the diesel program, I could see myself doing this as a career.”

Entering his final semester, Muth said he overcame the challenge of motivating himself to complete online work. He said the best part of his week is when he is in the lab, completing a task.

Having experienced instructors helped him overcome other obstacles.

“I was never into the electronics and how things may work. All of the instructors are great in understanding how you need help in some areas,” he said.

The instructors also help students by bringing in company representatives for job interview sessions.

“The instructors have so many different contacts. We had a company from Georgetown in here one day for interviews,” Muth said.

Muth said he is proud of completing his associate degree work and hopes other people look at TSTC for a career.

“If you have recruiters come to your campus, listen to what they have to say,” he said. “TSTC is a good launching point for a lot of hands-on skills.”

As for the fall, Muth is ready to learn a different trade in welding. The occupational skills award allows students to take a nine-week course to learn basic technical skills needed for an entry-level career.

“I am ready to learn a different skill to help me with a career,” he said. “I am excited to be part of the welding program and look forward to what I learn.”

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC honors spring graduates with virtual celebration

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 337 candidates for graduation during a spring virtual commencement celebration last month.

TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments with a video message.

“Throughout your time at TSTC, you strengthened yourself with the skills needed to make your life better and for those that matter most to you,” Reeser said.

Cledia Hernandez, TSTC’s provost in Harlingen, said graduates are ready for the next stage of their careers.

“You are fully trained and ready to go into our workforce. We know a lot of hard work and dedication went into that,” she said of the college experience. “Now, go out and impact the world.”

Many of the graduates thanked families, friends and instructors with messages posted on social media following the virtual celebration.

“I just want to take the time to thank God, my mom, my brothers and my friend Cynthia for believing in me to get to where I am right now. The path will be long, but you will eventually get to where you want,” said Evelyn Davila, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Education and Training.

Abigail Cortez, who received an Associate of Science degree in Biology, said several people supported her during college.

“Thank you to my family and parents for supporting me, day in and day out, during this chapter of my life. I am beyond grateful for having such a strong support system throughout my journey,” she said. “This is just the beginning of what is yet to come, and I cannot wait to achieve it all.”

Arick Ortiz also said he had a strong support system while attending TSTC.

“I’d like to thank my wife for her endless support, and our kids who keep us motivated to become better people every day,” said Ortiz, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

Before the virtual celebration, graduates could pick up a graduation “swag bag” that included a TSTC diploma cover, travel mug and face mask.

Catherine Guardodo, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology, said her degree is just the beginning for her and other graduates.

“This is only just the beginning of my career, and I am ready for the next stage,” she said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC welding competition get high school students fired up

(ABILENE, Texas) – Some enthusiastic high school students in West Texas competed for scholarships during welding competitions at Texas State Technical College campuses in Abilene and Sweetwater in April.

Students used TSTC’s lab equipment to make a piece designed to test their welding skills. All four of TSTC’s West Texas campuses hosted events in April to promote the college’s Welding Technology program and allow students to tour labs and learn about scholarship opportunities.

“Welding is a high-demand skill that takes many hours of practice and attention to detail,” said Chris Johnson, TSTC’s lead recruiter in West Texas. “It is a great day for us to see young men and women who have spent that time and energy in improving this skill.”

For one competitor, it was a chance to see how the lab will work when he returns to Sweetwater this fall. Floydada High School senior Alexyz Alvarado will begin studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree this fall.

“I enjoyed coming here because it gave me some experience,” he said of the Abilene campus.

His father, Erik Alvarado, accompanied him to the Abilene event and was impressed with his son’s ability.

“I knew he was nervous in the beginning, but this will help him when he starts college this fall,” Erik Alvarado said. “He knows what is expected of him after talking to some of the instructors.”

Alexyz Alvarado began welding as a freshman and said the Abilene event was challenging.

“I practice all the time, and I have done some of the same angles we did here,” he said. “I cannot wait to come back and learn more.”

Welding instructor Dillon Burton said the Abilene contest was designed to show more than the students’ technique. It also made competitors think about the measurements and angles needed to make a perfect piece.

“This project was designed for the students to see some progress,” Burton said.

Greg Nicholas, TSTC’s lead welding instructor in Abilene, wanted the event to be a showcase for the lab.

“I wanted to get students in here and see what we have,” he said. “This helped promote our program and got our name out to a lot of different people. No one in our area has shops like we do at TSTC.”

Nicholas also used the daylong contest as a way to talk to advisors and teachers.

“This gave me the chance to build relationships with people in our area. All of our instructors were able to do that this year during the contests,” he said.

More than 70 students competed at the four campus events, with prizes and scholarships awarded at each. High school students that competed this year were from Big Spring, Breckenridge, Canyon, Clyde, Cross Plains, Floydada, Hawley, Liberty Hill, New Castle, Rolling Plains Technical School, Roscoe, Seymour, Stamford and Trent.

Stephen Hope, Breckenridge’s welding instructor, said plans are being made to continue the competition each year.

“This is a great way for us, as instructors, to promote our program and show people our facilities all at the same time,” he said.

The Welding Technology program is eligible for TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds tuition money to a student if he or she does not find a job in their field within six months of graduation. 

For more information, visit tstc.edu.