(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Career Services department at Texas State Technical College recently hosted its Interview Practicum, an annual tradition that prepares soon-to-be graduates for job interviews.

In line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans into great paying jobs, the two-day event brought industry partners, community members and TSTC faculty and staff together to conduct mock interviews.  

“Our interview practicum has grown so much over the years,” said TSTC Career Services Director Viviana Espinosa. “It’s popular among our faculty and students, so each practicum has expanded into more than one day.”

Interview Practicum is also hosted in the fall semester and has extended into a three-day event due to its popularity.

This year more than 100 students participated and more than 320 mock interviews were conducted.

Each interview includes three, 20-minute rounds in which the student is required to dress to impress, submit a resume and answer questions as if it were an actual interview with an employer.

At the end of each round the student is given feedback on strengths and weaknesses and advice on how to improve their interview skills.

Rudy Piñon, who will be graduating from the Auto Collision & Management Technology program this semester, had a lot to reflect on after the interview practicum. 

“I’ve received great feedback from my interview coaches, even making me think back about past interviews and what I could have done differently,” said the 19-year-old. “This is an amazing opportunity that TSTC has given us and I’m ready to conquer interviews and start my career.”

Jazlyn Roque, who is a first-semester student in Auto Collision & Management Technology, said she is thankful that even though she isn’t graduating yet, she was still able to take part in the event.

“It’s never too early to polish your interview skills,” she said. “By the time I know it, I’ll be getting ready to graduate and start my career too. So this event has been a great experience.”

The Mission native said she already feels more confident with the interview process after this year’s event, and looks forward to attending other practicums throughout her college career.

Espinosa said the idea behind interview practicums is to help students gain the confidence they need to have a successful interview and get the job they want.

“When we hear that students are leaving more confident than when they arrived and their nerves have lessened, then we know that our event was a success,” she said. “And many here are industry partners so these students leave with no doubts as to what employers are expecting.”

She added that soft skills is something employers say job candidates, in general lack, and TSTC is working diligently to change that and ensure that college graduates can ace their interviews.

“Not only are we training our students with technical skills, but also soft skills that are vital to success after college,” she said. “So TSTC is meeting industry demands all the way around.”

Registration for Spring 2020 begins November 11. For more information, visit https://tstc.edu.  

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Precision Machining Technology students at Texas State Technical College are celebrating this week thanks to a generous donation from the Gene Hass Foundation.

The foundation, with a mission of increasing the number of skilled computer numerical control (CNC) machinists out in the workforce, awarded the program $15,000 to use for scholarships to help students finish the Precision Machining Technology program strong.

“Their mission is like ours: produce highly-skilled machinist and get them placed in the workforce,” said TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez. “We appreciate everything this foundation is doing to inspire our students and new generations of machinists, and helping them reach their goals.”

The scholarships will be awarded to Precision Machining Technology students based on need and will range from $250 to $2,500 to help with tuition, books, supplies or room and board.

“This type of money is a huge help for our students. Financial insecurity among students is more common than realized,” said Gonzalez. “And this gives them that motivation to finish.”

For Precision Machining Technology student Aaron Lerma, who will be graduating with his certificate in Fall 2020, this money came at just the right time.

“My family is having a hard time right now, it’s been difficult just paying the bills,” said the Brownsville native. “So this money will help not only me, but my parents. Hopefully I can help alleviate some stress and have money for gas since I commute.”

The 19-year-old added he’s excited to graduate so he can start working and contributing to his family’s finances.

“I would have loved to get an associate degree, but I really need to start working. Maybe someday once I can save up enough money,” he said. “For now, I want to give a big thank you to the organization that gave my program this money. Because this is a big deal for many of us and will allow me to graduate.”

His fellow classmate Maria Lara from Progresso shared the same sentiment.

“I’m currently not working so things have been tough,” said the 22-year-old. “And with this scholarship I can now afford to get food.”

Lara will be graduating with her associate degree in December and said she is grateful for this scholarship.

“This money is really going to come in handy and I want the organization that gave us this opportunity to know that it is greatly appreciated,” she said. “This is going to help me continue working toward my dream of starting my career and owning a business someday.”

Gonzalez said this isn’t the first time they’ve worked with the Gene Haas Foundation to give students scholarships. The foundation has donated to the program for at least three years.

And an added bonus is that this year’s donation will also go toward paying for precision machining students’ SkillsUSA uniforms, literature and tools.

SkillsUSA provides quality educational experiences for junior high, high school and college students who are in training programs focused on trade, technical and skilled service occupations. These educational experiences include conferences and hands-on competitions, which TSTC Precision Machining Technology students participate in annually.

“SkillsUSA is a big part of our year and plays a role in our students’ training, networking opportunities with industry professionals and showcasing their skills,” said Gonzalez. “And this contribution will help us continue that tradition.”

Students enrolling in Precision Machining Technology in Spring 2020 will also have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship.

“This money all around has been a great benefit to our program and its students,” said Gonzalez. “It is helping us fill a demand that is increasing in the industry by allowing our students the opportunity to worry a little less about money and more about graduating.”

For more information on Precision Machining Technology, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/PrecisionMachiningTechnology.    

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Pursuing an associate degree in Biology from Texas State Technical College can lead to a number of career possibilities in a field that is growing rapidly.

TSTC Biology program chair Paul Leonard said that with advances and more opportunities in technology moving into the Rio Grande Valley and the state, such as Space X and oil and gas companies, the demand for biologists will increase.

“Opportunities in the field are already there, but there are more coming and we are creating the skilled workforce needed for the industry,” said Leonard.

Leonard goes on to explain what skills biology students learn, to prepare them for the workforce and the types of career opportunities available to them.

What is the length of the program?

The program is five semesters long.

What can students expect when they graduate?

After a student graduates from Biology, they will receive an associate degree and will be able to gain entry-level employment or transfer to another TSTC program such as Surgical Technology, Dental Hygiene and the Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse transition program.

What skills do students learn in Biology?

A student in Biology will obtain skills in a wide array of areas such as general biology, botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. They will also learn the soft skills needed for cataloging and indexing information and research. Ultimately, they will graduate from the program as critical thinkers who can figure out the whats and whys of experiments and studies.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Students in the Biology program have access to virtual-based labs for electronic measuring and comparisons, and hands-on labs that will allow them to gain skills in dissection; plant, respiratory and sensory testing; and organ comparisons.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

The work and testing conducted in the classroom and labs is industry-standard and what will be done out in the field. The information collection and analysis process is also what they will see when they enter the workforce.

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

Graduates from the Biology program can find entry-level positions as biological technicians, biological scientists, microbiologists, forensic science technicians, laboratory animal caretakers, and can even find government jobs in public water works or parks and wildlife. 

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With no intention to go to college, Texas State Technical College Mechatronics Technology alumnus Matt Lashbrook is now thankful that he did, because he said college took him from rags to riches.

The Rio Hondo native always put effort into his schooling, even taking dual enrollment courses while in high school, yet he didn’t think he was cut out for college.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do and when my aunt told me about mechatronics I figured I had nothing to lose,” said Lashbrook. “I did it to try it and I was surprised.”

That aunt that encouraged Lashbrook to enroll in Mechatronics is TSTC Associate Provost Jean Lashbrook and the younger Lashbrook said he’s glad he took her advice.

Today Lashbrook is the Project Automation Analyst for Chevron, where he has worked for six years with benefits and a competitive salary that continues to increase.

“I was still 19-year-old when I got this job,” said the now 26-year-old. “I hadn’t even graduated from the program, yet I had a career lined up for me.”

Lashbrook started at Chevron immediately after graduating with his associate degree in 2013 as a field specialist trainee, and within his six years with the company, the foundation he built in TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program and his hard work have earned him several promotions.

“While at TSTC I found that I really enjoyed automation. It just clicked; I found what I was good at and my interest in the field grew,” he said. “And now my position allows me to hone in on those skills.”

From digging ditches to bury conduit pipes and traveling across Texas and New Mexico sites, Lashbrook said each level of his career has allowed him to support his family and remain debt- free.

“My wife and I used to live in a camper and now we own a home, a car and a truck and none of it is owed,” said Lashbrook. “This career has allowed me to save and give my wife and daughters the life they deserve.”

Lashbrook said TSTC was the stepping stone to this great career and life that he has made. From the instructors and the one-on-one, hands-on training they provided, he was able to become well-rounded in several areas and sharpen his skills.

 “I grew up working on boat motors and never, in a million years, did I think I would be where I am today,” he said. “It’s been hard work to grow, but I remain steadfast in learning and always remaining teachable.”

Lashbrook added that enrolling at TSTC was the best decision he made and he is always recommending it to others who are looking for a new career or a career change.

“I don’t just recommend TSTC, I encourage others to attend because if you’re looking for a career, this is the place to go,” said Lashbrook. “And I’m proof because with my degree I’ve found opportunities I never thought would be possible. Without TSTC I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Graduates from Mechatronics Technology can work as mechanical engineering technicians, electrical engineering technicians, field service technicians and electronic engineering technicians for companies such as Toyota, H-E-B, American Electric Power, Oncor and Schlumberger and can make an average salary that ranges from $56,000 to six-figures.   

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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After four years in the Navy, Mayra Diaz set out to find a new career she could love and new goals she could achieve; this led her to Texas State Technical College.

The 27-year-old is now expected to graduate from TSTC’s Cybersecurity program in Spring 2020 and Diaz couldn’t be any happier with her decision to pursue this path.

“After the Navy I returned home and tried everything from customer service to the medical field, and I wasn’t enjoying any of it,” said Diaz. “I was having trouble leaving my life as an electrician in the Navy behind, but I knew I needed to move forward, especially because of my back injury.”

Knowing how to cable and create electrical plans, she knew she needed to find a career similar to her last.

That’s when college program and career research, and memories of the networking crew on the ship she lived in while stationed in Virginia, inspired her to enroll in Computer Networking and Security Technology, now Cybersecurity at TSTC.

“Cybersecurity and network cabling is pretty similar to what I did as an electrician,” she said. “And now I have added bonus skills, such as programming and troubleshooting networks.”

And as president of the Cyber Squad, the program’s student-run club, and a National Cyber League competitor, she has had the opportunity to learn not only from her instructors, but other TSTC students.

The National Cyber League is a non-profit organization that provides ongoing virtual training ground for participants to develop, practice and validate their cybersecurity knowledge and skills using next-generation, high-fidelity simulation environments.

“Competing with National Cyber League has opened my eyes to the industry and has allowed me to expand on the skills I’ve received while in the program,” said Diaz. “We all get to learn from each other and apply what we’ve learned.”

Diaz added that as a competitor there are also teachable moments, because she not only competes, but she also helps younger cybersecurity students find their way in the competition arena.

She has also had the opportunity to present to middle and high school girls using cyber lab projects to engage them, give them a look into cybersecurity and give them a hands-on experience.   

“Class cohorts come and go, so it’s important that we take time to teach our first-semester students the way because when we graduate and leave, we need them to continue the legacy,” said Diaz. “Plus, when we teach, we also learn.”

Diaz said she is more than confident to enter the workforce and credits her instructors’ knowledge and willingness to share experiences and supplemental resources, the hands-on training she has received while in the program and the opportunities she has gained.

Upon graduating, Diaz plans on moving to Corpus Christi to begin her career and to reunite with her husband. The mother of one has been living in the Rio Grande Valley for the past two years with her daughter, while she finished the program.

“It has been really difficult living apart and only seeing each other on the weekends,” said Diaz. “But I can see the prize and it’s been worth it. I can’t wait to begin my new career.”

There are two areas that Diaz said she hopes to work in when she graduates: penetration and web application testing or networking.

“It’s really hard deciding what I want to do, but it’s great knowing I have options,” she said. “But I do hope whatever it is I do I am successful and able to grow within the industry because the love I had for being an electrician is the same love I’m finding in cybersecurity.”

Cybersecurity is also offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses.

TSTC’s Cybersecurity program at the Harlingen campus is recognized as a National Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.

For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/Cybersecurity.

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics graduates from Texas State Technical College are finding that the demand for their skills is increasing as highway, road and subdivision developments are growing across the state.

TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics statewide Department Chair Samuel Pizano said students are being recruited across the Rio Grande Valley and statewide, maintaining the programs already 98% job placement rate.

“The projected trend for this industry shows an increase in demand over the next five years,” said Pizano. “In fact, I recently learned that a Texas bill was just passed to allow those with associate degrees to obtain a land surveying license, previously only offered to those with a bachelor’s degree.”

Below, Pizano goes on to explain the skills students in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics are learning and how these skills and the program’s technology is making them job-ready.

What is the length of the program?

The program offers an associate degree track that is five semesters or 20 months long.

What can a student expect when they graduate?

At the moment, students can test to receive a surveying technician certification, a certificate that is impressive to employers and gives students an advantage when applying for jobs.

What skills do students learn in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics?

Students in the program will gain skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional designing for architecture, civil and mechanical industries, and Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). By the time a student graduates, he/she will be familiar and have experience in all three areas allowing them to choose the area that suits them best.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics students have access to five computer labs and a workshop equipped with high-end, industry-standard computers for design and rendering, industry-standard software such as AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit, three-dimensional printers, a water-jet cutter, HoloLens mixed reality and a drone for land surveying.  

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

Program faculty and staff focus on real-world, hands-on training that emulate what students will see when they enter the workforce. The goal is to make our graduates’ transitions smooth because they are familiar with every aspect of the industry.

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

Graduates from this program can obtain positions as architectural and civil drafters, entry-level CAD technicians and designers, GIS technicians and surveying technicians. Local and statewide companies such as TEDSI Infrastructure Group, CASA Engineering Civil and Structural, Pape-Dawson Engineers and CONSOR Engineers hire TSTC grads.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eleazar Lumbrera started his journey at Texas State Technical College when he was in high school, but with doubts about his future, he decided not to attend college.

But now he’s back as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) student and is expecting to earn his associate degree in Spring 2020.

“My mom has always pushed me to return to college, but I was stubborn,” said the Santa Rosa native. “I wanted to work and make money, but it was time to come back to school. I had put it off long enough.”

So with his family’s support, especially from his mother Martha Lumbrera, who works as a custodian at the college, the 24-year-old enrolled at TSTC.

Lumbrera said he has always had an interest in HVAC systems and processes and with a passion for  working with his hands, he felt this was the perfect fit.

Prior to TSTC, Lumbrera worked part-time with Walmart and at Discount Tire as an assistant manager.

It was during this time that he said he grew as a person and as a leader.

“I was not the studious type. And after my first unsuccessful go around at TSTC I was nervous to return, but things had changed: I had grown up quite a bit,” said Lumbrera.

The HVAC student who now boasts a 3.1 grade-point average, said taking time to grow and realize his potential was the right choice for him because now he’s ready to study, focus on his classes and think about his future career.

In fact, his prior managerial experience has come in handy in the classroom as the program’s and campus’ Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) student ambassador, representing the student body in a plan that is set to get all of its students job-ready.

“My classroom and hands-on training at TSTC has been great, but what I do outside of the classroom is what has made my experience remarkable,” he said. “I never imagined that I would be considered a student leader or trusted with these types of responsibilities.”

Lumbrera also competed last year in SkillsUSA, in the HVAC category and placed second statewide and was awarded a silver medal.

SkillsUSA serves nearly 400,000 middle and high school and college students and is a partnership of teachers, college instructors and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce by giving students the opportunity to practice and improve on their skills through conferences and technical competitions.

“Because of what I am learning and doing at TSTC I feel confident in my skills,” said Lumbrera. “I feel like I’m accomplishing things in life and I’m more than prepared to enter the workforce.”

Before the end of the year, Lumbrera said he will begin his internship search for next semester so that he can continue to practice his skills before graduating.

And although the future is still unfolding, he said he has an open mind and feels grateful that he now has a path to follow.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of HVAC technicians is expected to grow 13% by 2028 and with commercial and residential building construction expected to increase and drive employment growth, job opportunities for students like Lumbrera are expected to be good.

HVAC Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses.

For more information on HVAC Technology, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/HVACTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With commencement only a few months away, Texas State Technical College student Gabriel Flores still can’t believe that he’ll become a college graduate at only 19-years-old.

The Precision Machining Technology student said college was always the only option in his home, but when got to his senior year in high school panic set in because he had no idea what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“I knew I had to go to college, there was no other choice. That rule came straight from my mom,” said the 19-year-old. “Only problem was I didn’t know what I wanted to do or study, but one high school teacher changed that for me.”

That high school teacher was Javier Martinez from Los Fresnos High School who taught Flores about machining, drafting and robotics.

It was also Martinez who recommended TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program to Flores.

“His class, his way of teaching is what sparked my interest in machining,” said Flores. “I was lost and Mr. Martinez helped me find my path.”

Currently, Flores is pursuing an associate degree in Precision Machining Technology and has found success at TSTC, boasting an almost perfect 3.8 grade-point average and a state SkillsUSA gold medal in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling, which also earned him a spot at the SkillsUSA national conference in Kentucky last year.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving nearly 400,000 middle school, high school and college students and industry professionals enrolled in training programs that include trade, technical, skilled service and health occupations.

“Never would I have imagined having opportunities like the ones I have found at TSTC,” said Flores. “I’m so grateful that my high school teacher led me in this direction because what I have been able to do is leading me to job readiness.”

From the program’s instructors to the hands-on training, Flores said his skills have improved ten-fold and he is confident with the knowledge under his belt.

“I don’t only recommend my program to others, but TSTC in general,” he said. “I feel like I grow every day because of the college’s caring instructors and the focus on real-world training. I’ve gained experience and have had access to opportunities, like SkillsUSA, where I get to showcase my skills. And this is the type of education that every student at TSTC has access to if they are open to it.”

Flores said he hopes his experiences reflects positively on his two younger brothers because as the oldest, and the first to graduate college, he wants them to see that a college education and degree are possible.

“A college education is important for broadening horizons and living a better life,” he said. “And I want my brothers to continue down this same path so that they too can have successful lives. Education is the key.”

Upon graduating in December, Flores plans to continue his education as an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student to improve his drafting skills that go hand-in-hand with his machining skills.

“I never expected to be graduating from college at only 19,” said Flores. “I’m ahead of many of my friends who still need a couple of years to earn their degree, and it was all possible because of TSTC. I look forward to continuing my education as part of the TSTC community.”

Precision Machining Technology offers a Certificate 1 and Associate Degree of Applied Science. Graduates from the program can expect to work as CNC tool programmers and metal and plastic machinists and can find jobs in commercial and military aircraft, medical and telecommunications equipment, automotive tool and oil tool manufacturing.

The program is also offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses.

For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/PrecisionMachiningTechnology.