Category Archives: Waco

TSTC Instructor Finds Success and Love

(FORT BEND) – Success and love is what Kalli Ford found at Texas State Technical College in Waco. The Katy native graduated in 2011 with her associate degree in Welding Technology. After leaving college for several years to pursue her career she finds herself back at the place that started it all, this time as the welding instructor for TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus.

Ford, a first generation college student, had several career options she wanted to pursue while she was in high school, until she took a welding class that changed everything.

“You could say I grew up in the garage with my dad,” said Ford. “He was a diesel mechanic and I was always helping him with something. So when I took welding in high school, it wasn’t too farfetched. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I do.”

Ford’s interest in welding grew during this time in her life. So much so, that she let go of her dreams of enlisting in the military and becoming nurse, pursuing a career in marine biology, and becoming a teacher.

Ford said besides her love for welding, the cost of a college education was also a deciding factor.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of money,” said Ford. “So to have my parents pay thousands of dollars for a university didn’t seem right to me. At TSTC, I got to study what I love and it was affordable.”

Immediately after TSTC, Ford was offered a position with Acute Technological Services, a Houston company that provides welding services to energy industries on- and-offshore. In her three years there, Ford had the opportunity to participate in a one-year NASA project working on the James Webb Space Telescope.

“If I had not studied at TSTC there’s no way I would have made it at Acute,” said Ford. “I learned all the skills I needed at TSTC and my instructors really prepared me for the workforce.”

Not only did Ford find her career at TSTC, but she also found her partner in life.. Her husband is also a welder and sat next her during class. They have been married for two years and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

As for Ford’s career, the future looks bright. She has accepted a position as the welding instructor at TSTC’s new Fort Bend County campus and will officially start August 2016..

“I’ve always loved teaching and now I can combine it with welding,” said Ford. “I also have a passion for helping people and this will definitely allow me to help others build successful careers.”

Ford said this career path was unexpected, but knows it was meant to be.

“TSTC definitely changed my life for the better,” said Ford. “I’ve already seen it change other lives as well and I’m ready to be a part of that.”

Welding Technology is offered at eight TSTC locations and will be offered in Fort Bend County beginning August 2016. For more information on the program in Fort Bend call 281-239-1548.

Registration for summer and fall 2016 begins April 4. You can apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

TSTC Alumna Keeps Construction Projects on Track

(WACO) – The white board in Vivian Bourque’s office at Lake Air Interiors keeps her organized with the prices, contract statuses and commercial projects she juggles daily.

People driving throughout Waco will notice construction cranes, steel structures and new hotels and restaurants under construction.

“Waco is booming,” Bourque said. “Waco is such a hot spot. If you are in construction, this is the place to be.”

Bourque, 28, is Lake Air’s project estimator/manager. Her work involves project architects and interpreting blueprints to determine interior costs and labor. Many times she is the only female at work sites.

Bourque graduated in 2010 from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology. She was the only female in most of her classes.

“I felt I had to prove myself constantly,” she said. “I felt I had to out perform everyone else.”

She will soon complete the membership process to join the Waco Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction.

“I encourage more females to get in the field,” she said. “There is a definite need.”

Bourque said people interested in the field should have good organizational skills along with a comfort in mathematics and accounting.

Michael Hubbard, assistant chair and instructor in the Industrial Systems Technology program, taught Bourque when she was a student. She admired his encouragement in fostering her career.

“He’s the one who told me you should go to school to be an estimator,” Bourque said. “This was at my first year at TSTC.”

Hubbard described Bourque as a serious student.

“She asked a lot of questions and was focused and inquisitive,” he said.

Bob Howard, co-owner of Lake Air Interiors on Lake Air Drive, said he has been impressed with Bourque’s knowledge.

“I have not met someone in the construction industry that knows from designing to project completion, pricing and installation,” he said. “This is a male dominated industry. It needs the detail and I would say class of more females.”

Bourque is a Robinson native and is a graduate of Robinson High School. In high school her plans were much different. She said she was not good at mathematics and considered nursing as a potential career. After high school Bourque earned a real estate license before attending TSTC but determined she enjoyed the construction-side better.

She also received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2013.

For more information on the TSTC Alumni Network, contact The TSTC Foundation at 254-867-3900 or tstc.alumni@tstc.edu.

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 Alumnus Makes TSTC a Career

(FORT BEND) – From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001. Klix was first introduced to TSTC as a student in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning pursuing a certificate and associate degree.

Prior to graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and earning his certificate in 2002, and his associate degree in 2004, Klix worked in food service and retail management.

“Let’s just say I haven’t been unemployed since the age of 13,” said Klix.

As a young teenager, Klix started working at his family’s butcher shop “Village Food Lockers,” located at University Village in Houston. He has been unstoppable since then. He went on to work in the foodservice industry as a supervisor in restaurant maintenance and service, and in food retail management.

“Working in food retail management required such long hours and traveling between stores. It definitely wasn’t suited for a man with a family,” said Klix. “After five years, I needed a change. I always liked HVAC and working in restaurant maintenance, but I needed an education.”

Klix had attempted college during his working years. He attended San Angelo State University where he studied math, photojournalism and computer science, but couldn’t find the right fit.

“I never earned a degree,” said Klix. “I got three quarters of the way in each major, but I knew a four-year degree wasn’t for me and I had to work. I have a wife and a son.”

So when Klix decided to return to college, he found TSTC which had just opened its doors in the county.

“I went to school fulltime and worked part-time, never regretting my decision,” said Klix. “And when I graduated with my associate degree I got called back by TSTC to teach the night classes offered for HVAC associate degree.”

Klix’s teaching stint at TSTC started in the spring of 2006, and in the spring of 2007 he officially took over the program full-time.

“I love teaching,” said Klix. “I teach all of the time. I love helping people better their career/life and improve or learn new skills.”

When Klix is not at TSTC, he can be found teaching remote control airplane flying. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration Drone Pilot Registration Certification. Klix is also an Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Advisor with the Boys Scouts of America.

With TSTC’s new campus opening in Fort Bend County in Fall 2016, Klix is looking forward to the opportunity of being able to increase the number of students he teaches.

“We’re going to have so much more space, new equipment and more visibility” said Klix. “This is definitely a new chapter for the program.”

For information on the HVAC program at TSTC in Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548. HVAC is also offered at the Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

TSTC registration begins April 4. Apply anytime online at tstc.edu

Keith Klix is the HVAC instructor at the TSTC Fort Bend County campus. From student to instructor, Keith Klix has called Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County home since 2001.

Student Success Story – Colt Rutledge

(FORT BEND) – Ganado, Texas native Colt Rutledge dreams of owning his own business one day after graduating from Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County where he is currently studying Diesel Equipment Technology with a specialization in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate in August 2016 with his certificate and knows this achievement will help make his dream a reality.

Rutledge first became interested in diesel mechanics when he worked on a farm rebuilding tractor engines prior to enrolling in college. This experience and the education he is receiving at TSTC is helping him get closer to his dream of owning a diesel performance shop where he can use his skills to rebuild engines and handle all types of repairs.

“After graduation I want to open up a diesel shop with a friend of mine who will be studying diesel mechanics at TSTC in Waco starting this summer,” said Rutledge. “We want to focus on automotive and heavy truck maintenance and repair.”

Rutledge said his greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been being able to turn around his grades.

“Classes have been a challenge, but with hard work and by asking questions I am doing very well now,” said Rutledge. “I’ve learned that hard work and dedication pays off. They make all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a goal.”

Rutledge added that the person at TSTC who has most influenced his success is his instructor Gary Voelkel.

“He has so much experience in the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge,” said Rutledge. “He has already taught me so much and I know everything I am learning is getting me closer to making my dream of owning my own shop come true.

There are two things Rutledge would like future TSTC students to remember.

“Try your best,” said Rutledge. “And make sure you choose a career you are really interested in and will make you happy.”

Colt Rutledge is a student in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program specializing in heavy trucks. He expects to graduate with a certificate in August 2016.

TSTC Students Learn the Lines at Oncor

(RED OAK) – Four of Texas State Technical College’s brightest High Voltage Electrical students have been brought on as interns at Oncor Electric for the spring 2016 semester. The students, Ricardo Perez, Nicholas Garus, Jesse Vasquez and Caleb Santos, began their internships in January.

The program, now called Electrical Power & Controls, teaches students about automatic and programmable controls, alternating and direct current circuits, details of electrical power distribution centers and how to design commercial and residential electrical systems.

Program Chair Leroy White said he believes his students were chosen because of their familiarity with the equipment used.

“The ABB metal clad medium voltage switchgear that we use in our lab is the same type of equipment they have at Oncor,” said White. They were impressed with that because the students were learning on a major piece of equipment they will work with at Oncor on a daily basis.”

But according to White, an even more important aspect the students learn is safety.

“The electrical field is very dangerous, so safety is number one,” White said. “We teach them to be safe by themselves, and to be safe working in a group. They learn to have a respect for electricity, the proper use of tools and testing equipment, and we give them an excellent foundation of electrical principles.”

Jerry Pierce, Oncor‘s Maintenance and Construction Supervisor at Fort Worth Transmission, oversaw the process of hiring the students. He said Oncor chose to recruit at TSTC because the college is respected by industry.

“Their High Voltage Electrical degree plan prepares students for real-life experiences,” Pierce said. “TSTC offers degree plans that prepares their students in electrical theory, high voltage electrical equipment, microprocessor relays, programmable logic controllers and instrumentation. These skills are highly desired in today’s electrical utility business.”

Each of the students is working in a different area of north Texas, including Grand Prairie, Forney, north Dallas and Fort Worth.

Jesse Vasquez works in Fort Worth under Jerry Pierce. Pierce said Vasquez is doing a good job.

“He’s motivated to learn our business and wants to make the most of this opportunity,” Pierce said. “I really appreciate his efforts.”

Ricardo Perez, who is working in the Grand Prairie area, said he is helping with whatever tasks are thrown at him.

“Right now we’re repairing a load tap changer. We’re taking out the old parts and putting in new ones,” Perez said. “We’ve also been working on a Mitsubishi breaker. One of the phases had actually failed, so we had to take it out, clean it and replace it.”

His schooling has helped prepare him for what he’s seeing on the job.

“Because of the classes I took at TSTC I’m able to understand what my supervisors are explaining,” Perez said. “I understand the language and I’m able to grasp what’s going on.”

Nicholas Garus, who is working in Irving, said he is learning a lot from his mentors.

“I’m only an intern right now, so I’m learning a lot of new things,” Garus said. “I’m not an expert like these guys are. It’s good information to know, because there’s a lot to learn.”

The students will graduate in August.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $66,090 for Electrical and Electronics Repairers in Texas. With a 22 percent increase in jobs expected through 2022, its career outlook is bright.

TSTC offers the Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Power & Controls at the North Texas and Waco campuses. The college will begin registering for summer and fall classes on April 4. For more information on the college, or the Electrical Power & Controls program, visit www.tstc.edu.

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TSTC Employee Dedicates His Life to Service

(FORT BEND) – Meet John C. Kennedy, field development officer for Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County. Kennedy, a hospitality professional, ordained Deacon, husband and father, came to TSTC in 2014 and is excited to tell the college’s story.

“TSTC’s story is so easy to talk about,” said Kennedy. “And in my position I have the great opportunity to help develop something special for Fort Bend County that will be here for generations to come.”

Kennedy’s hospitality and golf career spanned 24 years before he came to TSTC. Kennedy earned his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in communications and immediately after graduation landed a job as an assistant golf pro.

“I enjoyed playing golf with my dad growing up and unfortunately he passed away before he could see me graduate from college,” said Kennedy. “Every time I play I have such fond memories of him, so I took it on as a career endeavor.”

Working his way up the ladder, Kennedy eventually became a general manager, working in country clubs from Texas to California, managing properties, staff, memberships and providing excellent customer service and experiences for members and guests.

However, Kennedy felt he was being called for something bigger. In 2013, he received his Masters of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Studies from the University of St. Thomas and became an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon.

“This was my calling,” said Kennedy. “The formation process was nearly seven years, but I kept an open mind. It’s a life of service.”

Kennedy just celebrated his three-year anniversary serving as a deacon. He is assigned to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Sugarland, and the Office of the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Galveston and Houston.

In the summer of 2014, Kennedy was still working in the golf industry, but was introduced to an opportunity with TSTC that peaked his interest. After a tour of TSTC’s Waco campus, he knew this was his chance to help create a college that would help his community become a better place. So, in October 2014, Kennedy left his career in golf and hospitality behind for a new adventure with TSTC.

“Having a place like TSTC in our own backyard is something that is going to changes people’s lives,” said Kennedy. “This opens up the opportunity of education. It’s a game changer for many, even the industry. Our job is to close the skills gap.”

Kennedy said he is ready to focus on the task at hand and that is to establish partnerships between the college and community entities, enroll students for the fall semester and find scholarship money to help students.

“The faculty and staff we already have in place here at Fort Bend are ready to welcome in new employees and get into our new building,” said Kennedy. “We all have the same goal and that is to increase the footprint of TSTC in the county and place more Texans in great paying jobs.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus is set to open in August. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4. Apply online anytime at tstc.edu.

For more information regarding donating to scholarships funds or partnership opportunities, you can reach Kennedy at 832-447-1473.

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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.

TSTC Student Enjoying the Creative Side of Welding

(HUTTO) – James Floyd gained not only law enforcement experience while serving as a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force, but also developed a solid work ethic and leadership skills.

“I learned to see the big picture and can organize the plan to achieve the goal,” he said.

Floyd, 30, of Round Rock is scheduled to graduate in May with an associate degree in Welding Technology from Texas State Technical College at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

Floyd observed his father take apart, put together and fix equipment of all kinds while he was growing up. From these experiences, Floyd developed an interest in welding and since attending TSTC he has grown to appreciate its science and artistry.

“If you understand the science, you can control the outcome of what you are welding,” shared Floyd.

He enjoyed learning about tungsten inert gas welding which he called a “clean” welding method with no excess fumes. Floyd likes controlling the heat and travel speed of the cutting.

Floyd’s parents were an influence in his choice to attend TSTC. Once he began researching the college and hearing about it from others, he admired the Welding Technology program’s reputation.

Keith Wojcik, a Welding Technology program instructor, said Floyd challenges him in a positive way.

“I find him very driven,” said Wojcik. “Being at the head of the class is not good enough. He’s attentive and asks intelligent questions.”

After graduation, Floyd wants to pursue an airframe and powerplant certification and work in the aerospace welding industry.

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

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

James Floyd of Round Rock and a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County, stands in one of the welding labs used for lessons.

TSTC Alumna Enjoys Hands-On Work With Machines

(WACO) – Heather LeMay is not hesitant to ask questions to further develop in her profession.

LeMay, 25, joined VanTran Industries Inc. in Waco in March 2015 as a maintenance manager. VanTran produces custom liquid filled oil field transformers for worldwide customers.

LeMay graduated in August 2012 from Texas State Technical College with a certificate in Aircraft Airframe Technology. She went back to earn a certificate in Industrial Systems Technology which she received in December 2014.

“There’s no way I would have gotten this job without going to TSTC,” she said.

She is responsible for fixing and maintaining machines, the electrical system and even the building’s plumbing. Most of the machines were built in-house, so LeMay has to figure out without an instruction manual how to make repairs. She credited her co-workers with teaching her about the machines.

“It’s different every day,” LeMay said. “I love the challenge of not knowing if I have worked on something before. I am taking this job opportunity to learn as much as I can.”

LeMay said she was the only female in many of her TSTC classes.

“I would tell other female students to not be scared to show the boys you can do it too,” she said. “I ask questions when needed. My confidence level increased.”

Michael Hubbard, assistant chair and instructor in the Industrial Systems Technology program, was one of her instructors.

“Heather was quiet,” he said. “She would ask questions. She had more ability than she thinks she did.”

LeMay has admired Hubbard’s willingness to help her out offering insights into hydraulics as they arise at work.

“Hubbard is great,” she said. “He is one of the most encouraging instructors I had at TSTC.”

LeMay developed an interest in Industrial Systems Technology while at TSTC because she wanted to learn the the science of how equipment worked.

“I just liked working with my hands and fixing things,” she said.

LeMay likes to fish and hunt deer in her downtime.

For more information on the TSTC Alumni Network, contact The TSTC Foundation at 254-867-3900 or tstc.alumni@tstc.edu.

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.

Heather LeMay of Waco, a Texas State Technical College alumna, is the maintenance manager at VanTran Industries Inc. in Waco.

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.

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