By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians is high and continues to grow as the number of residential and commercial sites increases.

And Texas State Technical College is working diligently to meet industry demand and fill the jobs that are vacated as people retire.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers is increasing by 13 percent, faster than average, and will have more than 46,000 jobs available nationwide by 2028.

“In the RGV alone, construction is booming. Imagine that tenfold across the state,” said TSTC HVAC Technology instructor Jorge Cabrera. “This is leading to greater opportunities for our students, and we’re training them right here at TSTC.”

Cabrera went on to explain that HVAC systems are becoming more complex as technology advances, and TSTC is training its students to master those skills and more to give t

hem a leg up in the industry.

What is the length of the program?

The program offers two pathways: Certificate 1, which is three semesters, and an associate degree, which is five semesters.

What can a student expect when they graduate?

When a student graduates from the program with either a certificate or degree, they will also hold an EPA608 refrigerant certificate and an employment-ready certificate, which recognizes the mastery of industry-standard HVAC equipment and skills.

Both additional certifications can mean more job opportunities, promotions and a salary increase.

What skills do you learn in HVAC Technology?

In the program, students learn all of the fundamental basics of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, such as basic electricity for HVAC; refrigeration principles; mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in construction; air conditioning installation and troubleshooting; and residential air conditioning systems design.

As the program transitions to performance-based education in Fall 2020, students can expect to work toward mastering skills quicker to graduate sooner.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

TSTC is constantly working with advisory boards, made of industry partners, to stay up to date on the latest technologies in the field. In HVAC Technology, students have access to industry-standard tools and equipment like Bluetooth gauges; phone and tables application downloads for reporting; air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units; and online video content and three-dimensional simulators.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

A company’s goal is to hire an already technically trained and licensed graduate who will need little to no on-the-job training, so the skills students learn in this program through hands-on learning prepare them to enter the workforce ready as entry-level technicians. By the time they graduate, they are familiar with what’s expected in industry, familiar with equipment and tools and how to troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and service all types of HVAC units. This makes them more marketable and leads them into successful careers.

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

Graduates from HVAC Technology can become heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, mechanics and installers, and can work in schools, hospitals, and residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration companies.

Companies that have hired TSTC HVAC Technology graduates range from Central Air and Heating, Coca-Cola, George Cunningham Air Conditioning and Heating, Southern Mechanical LLC, and Trane Heating and Cooling.

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Fifteen inches of water took it all from Texas State Technical College student Nelda Chavez and her family.

“The only way to describe the situation is devastating and overwhelming,” said the 52-year-old.  “The image and smell of the mess and debris still haunts me.”

The family returned to their home barely a week ago; the massive amount of rain and flooding that devastated their home occurred in June.

Chavez’s family has gone from living in a hotel to a compact-size travel trailer while working nonstop to repair their home and replace ruined appliances and furniture.

All of the cleanup, as well as the majority of the rebuilding, was completed by Chavez and her family.

“It’s been quite a process, and a lot of money we do not have,” said Chavez. “We were blessed to have been helped by the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and TSTC.”

The TSTC Foundation’s Snyder Helping Hands fund awarded Chavez $1,000 to put toward the rebuilding and restoration of her home.

The fund was created to assist TSTC students during times of need — to help get them back on their feet and focused on their education toward a great-paying career.

“The money we received was our first form of assistance after the flood, and that allowed us to purchase all of the cleaning supplies we needed to dry up our home and for food,” she said. “Without this money, there is no way we could have done it.”

Chavez added that receiving the money was their first step in recovery. Because she is a full-time pre-nursing student, she and her family rely heavily on her husband’s income.

“I’m so grateful for the help TSTC provided me and my family,” she said. “The money went a long way, and (TSTC was) my light of hope during this difficult situation.”

The flood could have been a devastating setback for Chavez’s education had she not received help from TSTC.

“This is the kind of event that makes someone reflect, dig deep and question what they’re doing,” said Chavez. “I wanted to quit and work to help my husband, but this money saved me from that. And here I am, still going strong. TSTC needs to know how much that means to me.”

Chavez said that after receiving her money, she did extensive research into other services and resources TSTC offers because she was impressed with the amount of help it provides its students.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who TSTC has helped and allowed to continue working toward their dream,” she said. “Overall, this has taught me not to take anything for granted and that there is always hope.”

To learn more about helping students like Chavez, visit tstcfoundation.com.

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Madison Freeman is a long way from her hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and her move to the Rio Grande Valley was inspired by TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program. 

As a woman who grew up in the foster care system, being a college student is a dream come true.

“I moved from house to house until my grandmother was able to gain custody of me. But no matter what happened, college remained in the forefront,” said the 18-year-old. “And it was all somehow a blessing in disguise.”

At a young age, Freeman took an interest in robotics, engineering and how things work. So throughout junior high and high school, she focused on learning just that.

“This field (mechatronics) is so intriguing to me, and I’m happy to finally be at TSTC pursuing it as a career,” Freeman said. “I love breaking things apart and studying their complexities and mechanics, and my family knows that. So even though they were skeptical about me moving, they knew this was something I had to pursue.”

Before graduating from high school, Freeman competed in SkillsUSA’s state and national competitions in the Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue Challenge, placing in the top three statewide and earning a $1,500 scholarship from TSTC and the SkillsUSA organization for her achievement.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. 

Freeman said that in addition to the scholarship she received from TSTC and SkillsUSA, she receives assistance through a state foster care higher education program.

“All of the help I’ve received is a big deal for me,” she said. “It’s allowing me to follow my dreams.”

Freeman said that as a woman in a male-dominated field, her goal is to break barriers and help other women find their place in the industry without fear of failure.

“This is a man’s world, but if you take a look, more and more women are joining the industry. And we are just as successful,” she said. “And I want other women to come into this field confident and strong, because there are a number of opportunities for us.”

Freeman is starting out her college career with clear goals of what she wants to achieve, from stellar grades to a first-place spot at SkillsUSA nationals. She also hopes someday to make a difference as an inventor of new technology for the medical and educational fields.

“I’m excited for what’s to come and to see where I go,” said Freeman. “TSTC has given me a new perspective on my future.”

After receiving her associate degree in Mechatronics Technology, Freeman hopes to earn additional degrees at TSTC in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics and Digital Media Design to become a well-rounded inventor.

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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – This summer more than 50 high school students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties have participated in the Migrant Academic Achievement Residential Summer (MAARS) program at Texas State Technical College.

MAARS is designed to meet the needs of high school migrant and seasonal farmworkers in pursuing higher education and to provide community service opportunities.

The six-week program is for rising juniors and seniors, who are selected by their school counselors. It assists the students in recovering class credit or helps them accelerate their anticipated course load at their high school.

Students reside on campus during the summer and are placed into technical programs offered at TSTC such as Precision Machining Technology, Auto Collision and Management Technology, and Mechatronics, which allows them to explore postsecondary education as well as career possibilities.

Throughout the MAARS program, students also have the opportunity to hear from TSTC representatives from Recruitment, Housing, Student Life and Career Services, along with professionals in law enforcement, marketing and entrepreneurship. They also complete community service hours at the Ronald McDonald House, Harlingen Recycling Center or the RGV Food Bank.

Upon successful completion of MAARS, students receive two high school credits and a $1,200 stipend.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – From ambulances and sirens to a classroom setting, Crystal Espinoza is Texas State Technical College’s newest Emergency Medical Services instructor.

Completing her sixth week on campus, the 32-year-old said this is a dream come true.

“Since stepping foot into my paramedic class, I knew I wanted to teach,” said the McAllen native. “Watching the way my instructors worked and how they helped us understand even the hardest of concepts was my inspiration.”

Espinoza earned an Emergency Medical Technology Associate of Applied Science degree from a McAllen college and has worked in the field for six years.

Before arriving at TSTC, she worked as an emergency medical technician with Hidalgo County EMS in Edinburg for three years, then as a paramedic with Med-Care EMS in McAllen.

She said many have asked her what motivated her to enter such a demanding health care field, and her answer is simple: compassion.

“I was in a major car accident several years back, and it was one of my scariest moments,” she said. “I was panicking, and the paramedic that took care of me was so calm and collected. He was patient, understanding and calmed me down. From then on I knew I wanted to be someone’s calm in their storm.”

Espinoza calls her accident a blessing in disguise because before that day she had no clear path in life, and it gave her purpose.

“At the end of the day, this career is about helping people. And for me, that’s rewarding,” said Espinoza.

Now, at TSTC, her opportunity to help others continues.

Espinoza said her goal is to incorporate everything she has learned and her experiences from the field into the classroom.

“I have been lucky to have worked with some of the most seasoned paramedics in the field,” she said. “These are the ones that have taught me a lot of what I know. And now I’m excited to pass that knowledge along to my students.”

She said her goal is to produce skilled students who are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the field.

“Our goal is to get them trained, certified and employed with compassion and passion for this line of work,” said Espinoza. “Not just anyone can do it. It takes a special person. On top of that, it takes a lifelong learner because every day is a new day of learning.”

The fact that there is always something new to learn and always room for improvement keeps Espinoza moving forward.

“I have found my dream job, but I’m not stopping here,” she said. “There’s room for growth and opportunity of advancement here at TSTC.”

Students who enroll in TSTC’s EMS program can earn either an associate degree or a certificate as an emergency medical services paramedic or a certificate as an advanced emergency medical technician, with the skills needed to treat and assess patients at the scene and en route to a hospital.

Information sessions are hosted every Tuesday at 2 p.m. for those interested in the program.

The deadline to register for fall 2019 is August 23. The first day of classes is August 26.

To attend a session or for more information, call 956-364-4741 or visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The state and national shortage of registered nurses is increasing, with 203,000 job openings projected nationally through 2026, according to onetonline.org. And the Dallas Observer recently reported that Texas will have the second-largest shortage in the country.

The associate degree program in nursing at Texas State Technical College, with its 100 percent job placement rate, is helping to fill that gap for the Rio Grande Valley region and the state.

TSTC’s Director of Nursing Shirley Byrd said most of the program’s grads are hired before they even graduate, with an average starting salary of $35 an hour.

The program, which debuted in 2017, will see its second graduating class this August. Byrd said she is excited to see the program continue to grow, and she explained what a student can expect when they are accepted into the program.

What is the length of the program?

The associate degree in nursing at TSTC is a three-semester or one-year program. To apply for acceptance into the program, a person must already be a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

What can a student expect when they graduate?

When a student successfully completes the program, they will receive an associate degree and be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam to receive their license in nursing and be able to work.

What skills do you learn in the registered nursing program?

Students entering the program will already have learned the foundation of nursing as a vocational nursing student, so as a registered nursing student they will learn advanced critical care skills, such as critical care nursing, emergency room nursing, and IV therapy. These skills and more will allow them to become skilled and professional nurses who will find success in the field.

What types of technology are used to teach these skills?

We use advanced technologies such as resource books and assessment software, Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) test reviews and progression software, and simulated labs equipped with mannequins that can be programmed to mimic a real-world scenario that nursing students must respond to.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

By learning these skills in the classroom, nursing students can then apply them and be better equipped for their clinical and hospital rotations that progress from bedside care to advanced critical care. Student rotations are in areas such as medical, surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency rooms.

What kinds of positions can a graduate from this program obtain, and where can they work?

The program’s two largest placement partners are Valley Baptist Medical Center and Harlingen Medical Center, but students have also been placed in local doctor clinics, home health companies, nursing homes, day surgery clinics, and schools.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – This summer more than 60 Rio Grande Valley students from kindergarten to third grade participated in Texas State Technical College’s Challenger Learning Center’s exciting new Atomnaut Academy. This summer program was developed show children that they are never too young to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

The Atomnaut Academy is an interactive, hands-on, STEM-based program that offers different activities to students based on their grade level. Through project-based learning, students are able to perform tasks that help to reinforce concepts they are learning about during the school year.

This summer children were able to participate in projects that included the creation of robotic hands and edible rovers, a look into the evolution of launchers, a crime scene investigation activity that required students to solve an attempted crime in the Challenger’s international space station simulator, and Challenger Rendezvous comet mission.