Author Archives: Kristina Campos-Davis

TSTC Car Show to Benefit Student Veterans

(HARLINGEN) – Nearly 30 student veterans at Texas State Technical College have been awarded veteran scholarships by the Veteran Students Alliance Club, a student-run organization that helps veterans and their families with the transition to civilian life and assists them with getting the veteran benefits available to attend TSTC.

To continue awarding scholarships, a tradition started by the club in 2013, the Veteran Students Alliance Club will host a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show on March 26 at the TSTC campus.

This is the second annual show. The club’s president Maria Rincon, said last year’s show was a success, earning approximately $2,100 and having more than 60 car show contestants.

“Our goal for this year is to get more car show participants,” said Rincon. “With more contestants, we raise more money and increase the number of students we help. This is our way of giving thanks to the veterans for their service.”

All proceeds from the car show go toward veteran student scholarships. Every semester, three students receive a $300 scholarship that can be used to cover tuition, books and supplies, or room and board.

Student veterans who apply for the scholarship must have prior military service, 90 plus days, or 30 days medical discharge; be a part-time student; have a 2.0 grade-point average and complete a 300 word essay.

There are 12 competitive categories car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts can compete in such as muscle, classic and work in progress. There are first and second place awards for every category including three specialty awards: President’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Club Affiliation.

The show is free and open to the public, but for those wanting to contribute to the club’s mission, tickets can be purchased for $1. Each tickets counts as one vote for their favorite car, truck or motorcycle in each competition category.

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

“All money raised from competitors, spectators and vendors goes a long way when you’re helping students pursue an education,” said Steve Guevara, Veterans Center director.

Any vendors interested in advertising their services at the show can purchase a table for $50. Sponsorships for gift cards or discounts are also welcomed. Gift cards and discounts will be used as door prizes for car show contestants.

To enter a car, truck or motorcycle in the “Show ‘N’ Shine category preregistration is $10 and ends March 18. The registration price after March 18 is $20. Any vehicle in this category is only eligible for specialty awards.

The “Competition” registration fee is $20 preregistration until March 18 and $30 after that. This category is eligible for specialty awards and first and second place trophies all competition categories.

Registration for “Competition” and “Show ‘N’ Shine” ends March 26.

For more information or to request a registration form contact Jose Villegas at 956-364-4387.

Event Information:

March 26

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

TSTC Student Center Parking Lot (off Oak St.)

1902 N. Loop 499 Harlingen, Texas 78550

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Student Success Profile – Billy Ruiz

(FORT BEND) – Billy Ruiz, 37, from Rosenberg is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County working toward a certificate in Precision Machining Technology. He expects to graduate in August 2016.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to find a job in the machining industry as an operator. I would like to work for Schlumberger, but I know there are also a lot of opportunities outside of the oil industry. We’ll see what the future holds.

What’s your dream job?

My ultimate dream job is to be a machine programmer. I want to be able to produce a blue print and install the program onto a machine to create a part.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

Everything I’m learning is so new to me. I’ve never done anything like this before, so being able to handle the workload and becoming familiar with the equipment in machining is a huge accomplishment for me.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that if I stay focused on my classes that I can get through them. Being focused can get you through a number of challenges.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?

The person with the most influence in my success at TSTC is Mr. Michael Barnes. He is the man who took the time to explain the program to me, he introduced me to everything. He is full of great advice and always looking for bigger and better opportunities for his students.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

There are several things I would like to tell future TSTC students. First, do a lot of research on the field you want to study and see if it is right for you. You don’t want to end up picking a field you are not going to be happy with. Second, stay strong, focused and inspired.

3-D Printing Streamlines Processes in Drafting

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College’s Computer-Aided Drafting program is now using high-tech 3-D printing as a way to streamline processes and teach students more effectively.

“The intent is to 3-D print in every class,” said Victor Ramirez, computer-aided drafting program chair. “The output is no longer the end result of a paper drawing. Because the technology is there for us to print it and see it and have a model of it, that’s what the end result should be.”

Before, the lengthy process involved the drafting students sending plans to the precision machining program to be cut from metal, having it welded, and finally receiving it back to analyze it for changes.

“Now, in engineering and research and design, that all happens virtually,” Ramirez said. “You don’t even have to have a set of drafting prints anymore because you have a 3-D model. You send that 3-D model to the printer and it prints out. It’s really changed the output of manufacturing and design.”

Chace Groves, a student in the Computer-Aided Drafting program, has probably used the 3-D printers the most, working on a project he originally built out of parts from the hardware store.

“I saw a product that I liked, but I wanted to make it better,” Groves said. “I opened up my tool box and built one, brought it to Mr. Ramirez and asked him what he thought.”

According to Ramirez, the first three variations of Groves’ project took three months to make.

“He did the drawings, but it had to be fabricated by somebody else,” Ramirez said. “It was a process. Draw it, have it fabricated, see what it looks like and make revisions.”

After the program started 3-D printing, the processing time was shortened by more than half.

“After printing the first one, we critiqued it and designed a second iteration of it,” Ramirez said. “These only took days of change, versus months. Once we got used to the printer, from the fourth to the fifth one, it took one day. Now we’re able to design so fast with the software, it’s the printing process that takes the most time.”

Groves believes the printing process is beneficial to the program, and has created most of the projects used in the mechanical class.

“When we print out the plans, it’s one thing to look at it on the computer or print this out on a sheet of paper,” Groves said. “It’s another thing to hold it and work with it. Now we have something for people to look at, and a way for the students to see what they’re actually drawing.”

Since 70 percent of all classes at TSTC require hands-on learning, this is particularly important.

“In classes, some of the students have never seen the parts we talk about,” Ramirez said. “Now when we talk about these things we can pass them around and show threading patterns and nuts and bolts.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23 percent increase in Texas drafting jobs through 2022, with a median annual salary of $64,240. TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science and a level two certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting at the North Texas campus.

TSTC will begin enrolling new students for the summer and fall semesters on April 4. For more information on the Computer-Aided Drafting program and the college, or to apply, visit www.tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Jacob Blazek

(FORT BEND) – Jacob Blazek, 20, from East Bernard is a student at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. He is pursuing an associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. Blazek expects to graduate in August 2016. In addition to going to school full-time, Blazek works part-time in a law office in Wharton to help pay for school.

Blazek said he first discovered his love for diesel technology in high school while taking an agriculture class. He said one of their lessons was in agricultural mechanics, so when it came time to choose a college he knew the diesel equipment program at TSTC was for him.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan on attending TSTC in Waco to continue my education and work toward another associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in John Deere Construction and Forestry Specialization.

What’s your dream job? I want to work as a diesel mechanic for John Deere, but of course my options are open. I will go where there is opportunity for me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC? My greatest accomplishment at TSTC was passing my first semester. It took a lot of effort on my part and extra work, but I did it. And I’m now doing well in all of my classes.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life? I have learned that no matter what I need to be on time with my assignments. All of the training we get here applies to school and the workforce. If something for class is not done on time we do not get a grade for it and once I’m working if I do not meet a deadline I risk losing my job.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success? Gary Voelkel has been my biggest influence because he has taught me a lot and has been very patient. All of his experience in the field really impacts what we learn and how he teaches it. He is a great instructor.

What is your advice for future TSTC students? I would like to tell other students to make sure to get their work done on time, and no matter how hard it gets, do not give up.

Photo Cut Line: Jacob Blazek from East Bernard, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his associate degree.

TSTC Office Manager Can’t Imagine Herself Anywhere Else

(FORT BEND) – Judy Cox, Texas State Technical College’s office manager in Fort Bend County, started with the college in 2001. Cox said she cannot imagine herself working anywhere else and is excited for the college’s future.

Cox handles all of the day to day duties at TSTC. She is responsible for completing and managing all clerical work, assisting students, faculty and visitors, and helping with recruiting at local community events.

“I love my job. It changes every day, it’s never the same thing,” said Cox. “I enjoy working with people and still being able to work with students, even though I’m not in a classroom setting. Watching them learn and making their own dreams come true is my favorite part.”

Cox comes to TSTC with extensive experience in office management. She worked as a division secretary at Wharton County Junior College for nearly 5 years, prior to that she worked at South Texas Medical Clinic for 3 years.

“When I came to TSTC I knew it was the right place for me,” said Cox. “I could see that technical jobs were the future and TSTC was and still is a leader in educating students for these jobs.”

Coming from a junior college herself, Cox knows the value of a one or two year certificate or degree. She is a product of WCJC, where she earned her associate of arts in 2000. She now finds it her duty to educate students and parents about the benefits of a technical education.

“Many see technical jobs as pertaining only to machinery or automobiles, but it’s so much more,” said Cox. “Many don’t realize what “technical” really is and it’s my mission to expand the knowledge because “technical” is also digital media design, computer science and dental hygiene, only naming a few.”

Cox said with the new TSTC campus opening in August 2016, she is now ready to come together with her team, more than ever, and offer the surrounding communities an affordable, hands-on technical education close to home.

“The whole area has been driven to keep us here, so when I heard about the expansion it was a dream come true,” said Cox. “The programs at our college have been tailored to the growing industries in the area. Students can now study and find a good paying job while staying close to their families.”

Family is important to Cox, she has been married for 11 years and has three daughters. Besides being busy with work, she also finds the time to volunteer at her daughters’ schools with the Parent Teacher Organization and works closely with Jump Rope for Hearts, an organization working to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes.

“After my dad passed away from cardiovascular disease, we made Jump Rope for Hearts an annual family event to raise money for research,” said Cox.

Cox and her daughters also enjoy doing arts and crafts, and baking together. Decorative sugar cookies are their specialty, in addition to creating ornamental crosses out of wire and rocks.

“My girls are my pride and joy. I’m so proud of the young ladies they’re becoming,” said Cox.
When the time comes, Cox said she will encourage her daughters to attend TSTC, the way she encourages others. She said as a parent herself, she understands what it is like to want the best for your children.

“I hope prospective students and their parents keep an open mind when they tour our campus,” said Cox. “Here at TSTC you’re not just a number, you’re a name. It’s a great place to work, a great place to come to school. It’s a great place to be.”

For more information on TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. Registration begins April 4. You can apply anytime at tstc.edu.

Judy Cox is the Office Manager at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. She has been with TSTC since 2001 and is excited for the region’s new TSTC campus to open in August 2016.

TSTC’s Auto Collision Technology Program Receives National Grant

(WACO) – Tyler Ashby has a passion for paint.

Ashby, 26, of Burleson grew up watching his relatives work on vehicles. He once owned a paint and body shop and through all of this, he discovered he enjoyed automobile painting. Ashby, a first-year student at Texas State Technical College, is pursuing an associate degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Refinishing Specialization and a certificate in Auto Collision Repair.

Ashby and other students will soon get to use new equipment to work on in labs. TSTC’s Auto Collision Technology program recently received for the first time a $50,000 Collision Repair Education Foundation Makeover Grant.

“It’s a great idea to have this equipment in the shop,” he said.

Money for the grant was made possible by Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, Caliber Collision, GEICO, Herb’s Collision and Nationwide Insurance. Faculty members put together a wishlist of the program’s equipment needs which will be delivered soon.

“The faculty will be able to continue to sharpen our own skills and then pass that knowledge on to the students,” said Ranson Bandy, an Auto Collision Technology instructor. “The better we learn the better we will be able to teach.”

Second-year student Robert Lee Pecina Jr., 36, grew up in Marlin and remembered watching his grandfather run his own paint and body shop. In high school he toured TSTC and saw the Auto Collision Technology labs. Now living and studying for an associate degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Refinishing Specialization in Waco, Pecina said is looking forward to using new air dryer guns.

The program has applied for the grant in recent years and though it did not win the top award before now, it still received gifts in kind such as two wrecked vehicles for students to repair. Through the grant initiative, the program has also received an aluminum repair kit and laptops for instructors to use in class.

“We received several welders that our budget would not allow us to buy,” said Clint Campbell, Auto Collision Technology’s program chair. “We were able to move toward aluminum welding with the equipment.”

Campbell said faculty are planning to apply for the grant again.

“We need to keep our name out there and the work the program does,” Campbell said.

Students can earn associate degrees in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Refinishing Specialization or Repair Specialization. Students can also earn a certificate in Auto Body Refinishing or a Certificate 2 in Auto Collision Repair. The program also offers an enhanced skills certificate in Sheet Metal Fabrication and advanced technical certificates in Auto Body Refinishing and Auto Collision Repair.

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.

TSTC Expansion Brings New Opportunities in Sweetwater

(SWEETWATER) – As industrial trades continue to grow in the West Texas area, Texas State Technical College is at the forefront, ready to supply graduates to fill new job openings.

Starting this fall, TSTC in Sweetwater will expand two of the college’s flagship programs, welding and diesel equipment, to increase its capacity to produce more work-ready technicians. The welding program, which currently houses 25 welding booths, will be expanding to hold 60 booths, and the diesel equipment program will expand from 30 enrollment slots to 60.

“Diesel and welding jobs are plentiful and projected to grow,” said Provost Eliska Smith. “TSTC chose to invest $1,750,000 to expand these two in-demand programs and equip even more quality welders and diesel mechanics.”

With the expansion, TSTC will be able to serve more Texans – both dual enrollment and full-time students – schedule courses more effectively, add additional course offerings, and grow its residential student body.

Ken Becker, executive director of the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development said as Sweetwater’s economic base continues to expand into logistics, energy and manufacturing, the need for developing the skill sets in welding, diesel, electrical and hydraulics also grows.

“TSTC continues to meet and exceed the current training needs while growing opportunities for their students and our companies’ future employees,” Becker said. “TSTC has expanded programs to not only meet the needs of today but to prepare students for expanding opportunities at new and existing companies.”

“Another benefit of more welding and diesel students living on the TSTC campus in Sweetwater is more dollars being spent in the Sweetwater economy as well,” added Smith. “TSTC residential students become a part of the community, eating at restaurants, and buying gas and groceries here.”

Taylor Elston, a welding instructor at TSTC in Sweetwater, agrees, and said the expansion also brings new opportunities for instructional growth, increasing the knowledge base of students.

“It’s an opportunity to get into different welding processes that haven’t been offered here yet,” Elston said.

TSTC currently offers a pipe welding certificate in Sweetwater, but the expansion would allow the college to branch out to offer a structural welding certificate as well. A structural welding certification is a valuable credential for welders who work with structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal and chemical refinery materials. The annual median wage for welders is $41,000, a great return on a $5,000 investment for a one-year certificate.

Keith McDonald, the district service manager for Yellowhouse Machinery South Texas, says the company employs three TSTC diesel graduates, and would benefit from the growth in qualified workers.

“Techs are few and far between,” McDonald said. “Not everyone can grab a wrench and say ‘I’m a technician.’ There are definitely more openings than there are qualified technicians.”

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 21 percent increase in jobs for diesel engine specialists in Texas through 2022, and a whopping 43 percent increase in welding jobs in the same time period.

TSTC currently offers welding at the Breckenridge, Brownwood, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco and Williamson County campuses. Associate degrees and certificates are available, varying by campus. Diesel equipment technology is also offered at TSTC’s campuses in Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater, and Waco.

TSTC will begin enrolling new students for the summer and fall semesters on April 4. For more information on the college, or to apply, visit www.tstc.edu.

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TSTC Grad Collaborates on Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo Project

2008 TSTC Aviation Maintenance graduate Brandon Westley stands in front of SpaceShipTwo at Virgin Galactic’s unveiling event. Westley’s team at The Spaceship Company were a part of the ship’s construction.

(WACO) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College don’t just reach for the sky, sometimes they reach even higher than that. Brandon Westley, a 2008 Aviation Maintenance graduate, took on the role of Lead Production Technician at The Spaceship Company in 2013, knowing there were great things coming for the company.

The Spaceship Company is a sister corporation to Virgin Galactic, who unveiled its commercial aircraft, SpaceShipTwo, on Friday. Westley’s team at The Spaceship Company played a large role in ensuring flawless operations. The ship is designed for space tourism, and will be able to transport six passengers (and two pilots) into space.

“As a team, we go over what is on the agenda and look for any conflicts that may inhibit our work flow such as job overlaps in close quarters, or problems we may have run into the day before,” Westley said. “After the day’s agenda has been distributed I thoroughly go through my job determining what parts, tools, and possible problems may exist.”

But the job is anything from monotonous.

“A normal day can range from laying up parts, to building an oven over a section needing to be cured, to training other techs on safety and tool usage,” Westley said. “It’s ever-changing and there are lots of opportunities to learn new things here.”

Wanting to make a difference in the world, and not at a desk, Westley chose to attend TSTC for his education.

“I wanted to contribute to something greater than myself,” Westley said. “TSTC was the likely choice to learn what I needed in order to find the right path for myself, and gaining my Airframe & Powerplant license was a huge step in having the right skill set and training to succeed in the aviation industry.”

Now, Westley has about eight years of aviation experience and more than 12 years of technician experience, mostly focused on mechanical and systems areas. He previously worked for L-3 in Waco before moving to his current job in Mojave, Calif.

He chose to go into the field of aviation maintenance to fuel his passion for tinkering.

“I have always been mechanically inclined,” Westley said. “I loved to take things apart to figure out how they work. I think mostly every child has dreams of space travel and flying, and it was just a natural progression for me to combine my love of mechanics and flight into a career I would enjoy.”

It’s a good fit, since technical industries have surrounded Westley in most aspects of his life.

“I have two older brothers both with technical backgrounds,” Westley said. “I also just recently got married in October, and my wife works for The Spaceship Company in the Engineering department.”

The Spaceship Company is located in the Mojave Air & Spaceport, a leading aerospace test center for commercial operations in North America.

“I get to be at the forefront of innovation – not just with TSC here, but with all the other experimental facilities here,” Westley said. “It’s like being at an air show every day. The types of aircraft present here are better than anything you could see anywhere else.”

Westley is referring to aircraft like SpaceShipTwo, which he’s proud to have worked on.

“There is a huge sense of fulfillment knowing all these months of long hours, hard work and milestones have enabled us to build a spaceship. We build spaceships – not many people can say that,” Westley said. “We’ve built the foundation for the common man to see the stars up close and personal; It’s a remarkable feeling knowing I’ve had the chance to be a part of history.”

Westley looks forward to opportunities the future brings.

“I look forward to seeing what projects and opportunities join The Spaceship Company and Virgin Galactic brands after we head into test, and eventually, commercial operations of our spaceship,” Westley said. “I’d also like to go back to school at some point for an engineering degree – there is still so much to learn and design and I’d like to be a part of all of it.”

Westley’s advice for students is simple.

“Work hard, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge what’s always been done in favor of what can be done,” Westley said. “The sky isn’t the limit anymore.”

TSTC offers associate degrees and certificates in Aircraft Airframe and Aircraft Powerplant technology. TSTC will begin enrolling new students for the summer and fall semesters on April 4. For more information on the aviation maintenance programs, or to apply, visit www.tstc.edu.

Three Programs at TSTC Attain 100 Percent Job Placement

(RED OAK) – Three programs at Texas State Technical College in North Texas have 100 percent job placement. Graduates of TSTC’s Diesel Equipment and Logistics Technologies who graduated in December are all working in industry now, while students of the High Voltage Electrical program, now known as Electrical Power and Controls, have all been brought on as paid interns for Oncor, and will be offered full-time employment after graduating in August.

Leroy White, the program chair for the three programs, said he’s not surprised.

“You can’t imagine a modern society without electricity,” said White. It touches every facet of our lives. The field is not only lucrative, but it’s in demand. I receive calls from companies that are looking for employees and they just can’t find people. There is a demand for skilled technicians in this field.”

White says Logistics has also become very popular in the area.

“If you look at the I-35 corridor here, you see a lot of trucking and logistics companies,” White said. “For example, Amazon has three facilities in the north Texas area and Fedex has a facility in Hutchins. There are many companies that have distribution centers and warehouses in this area. Also, the DFW airport is a Foreign Trade Zone, making the Dallas-Fort Worth area a hub for international activity. TSTC’s mission is to support the workforce of Texas and here in North Texas, logistics is large part of that.”

A rise in the need for qualified diesel technicians follows the logistics boom.

“Diesel and logistics kind of work together,” White said. “To be able to transport or ship inventory, those vehicles must be properly maintained to stay in good working condition.”

TSTC in North Texas Provost Marcus Balch said the success of these programs shows the school’s potential.

“We’ve only recently began serving the North Texas area, and these achievements show that TSTC chose the right area to expand in,” said Balch. “We hope we can continue to serve Red Oak and the surrounding cities with the same fortitude.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth in Texas across all three areas over the next six years. A 21 percent increase in Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists is expected through 2022, while Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician jobs will grow by 18 percent, and Logisticians by an impressive 40 percent.

TSTC will begin enrolling new students for the summer and fall semesters on April 4. For more information on the college, or to apply, visit www.tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Colton Boaz

(FORT BEND) – Colton Boaz, 18, from Needville is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Precision Machining Technology. Currently he has a 3.7 grade point average. Boaz expects to graduate with his associate degree in Fall 2016 and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I want to use the skills I have gained here at TSTC and become a CNC Machinist for an oil company. I have my eye set on working for National Oilwell Varco.

What’s your dream job?
Someday I would love to own my own machine shop and work with oilfield companies creating and repairing parts.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?
My greatest accomplishment has been making good grades. Everything I’m learning is new to me and I feel I am successfully pursuing my passion.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?
I have learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination. I have learned that all my sacrifice will be worth it in the end.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success?
Mr. Michael Barnes has been my biggest influence. He has done some great things for our program. Every time we need help or we are struggling he is by our side, always willing to help. He always has past students visiting him, that says a lot. Mr. Barnes is also helpful when it comes to helping us find jobs because of the contacts he has made throughout the year.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?
It is important students remember that behind every success story, there has been great sacrifice.

Photo Cut Line: Colton Boaz from Needville, Texas is a student at Texas State Technical College studying Precision Machining Technology. He has a 3.7 grade-point average and will earn his associate degree in Fall 2016.

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