(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After serving his country for nearly 10 years in the U.S. Navy, Richard Gabriel Garcia took on a new role as a student at Texas State Technical College. The Houston native is getting ready to wrap up his time in the Electrical Power and Controls program, and he is ready to dive right into another educational adventure.

Why did you decide to study at TSTC?

I wanted to work with my hands. One interest led to another, and I found myself looking into the electrical field.

What are you currently studying?

I am currently in my last semester for the Electrical Power and Controls program, and I am getting ready to start the Robotics Technology program.

Do you have a favorite TSTC memory?

Realizing that I did not miss the boat on my education has been a great thing to look back on. Starting school from scratch in your 30s is quite daunting. But with the right support system, I realized I could apply myself and still work a full-time schedule.

What do you think makes TSTC unique?

The small class sizes are very beneficial. I have been fortunate to have both Mr. (Robert) Shields and Mr. (Jonathan) Bonkoske, who are Electrical Power and Control instructors, always be willing and able to provide much-needed one-on-one guidance.

Do you have any advice for other veterans who might be considering enrolling at TSTC?

It’s never too late; there’s no judgement. And the benefits of the GI Bill are tremendous.

To learn more about opportunities available for veterans at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/veterans.

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Former military intelligence analyst Vincent Rapp spent five years serving his country in the U.S. Army. The drive to continue giving back has never left him.

The Weatherford native is still serving, only in a different capacity. The 27-year-old is now a director in the Veteran Recruiting department at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. His mission these days may look a little different, inside an office, but the goal is still the same: have the backs of his fellow veterans.

“It’s my responsibility to help veterans come to TSTC in order to obtain a better life through education and career placement,” Rapp said.

While helping TSTC recruit more veterans is important, it is the success of students he sees on the job that is most fulfilling for him.

“I really enjoy seeing our students succeed,” he said. “I love seeing their hard work pay off, and I love being part of that process.”

The location of TSTC’s newest campus is also beneficial for prospective students.

“The rapid growth of the Fort Bend County campus and the community here make it a great place to get an education,” Rapp said. “Houston is one of the largest areas that has a high demand for technically and vocationally trained skill sets. The job demand for students who meet these requirements is bigger.”

TSTC is making use of social media’s popularity. Recently Rapp helped with a virtual visit that highlighted veteran resources available at the Fort Bend County campus. The visit can be seen on TSTC’s statewide Facebook page.

“We hope to use the virtual visits to attract more veterans and help them see that TSTC truly is a college with a student-first mindset.”

Despite having already created an impact through his time in the military, Rapp also aspires to make a difference at TSTC.

“I hope to bring a greater veteran presence,” he said. “I hope that I have a lasting impact with the students that I talk to, and I want to help this college be successful.”

To learn more about veteran resources provided at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/veterans. To watch the Facebook virtual visit, visit facebook.com/TSTCproud.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Licensed professional counselor Angela Dunn makes it her mission to help Texas State Technical College students whenever and wherever the need arises.

Serving both the Fort Bend County and Harlingen campuses, Dunn aims to provide mental health counseling, programming, and awareness to students. In helping to deal with our new normal, she discussed a few beneficial strategies that people can use to cope with social distancing.

“I have a heart for helping, and I love seeing that spark that happens when a student finds their passion and life falls into place,” she said. “I enjoy the process of self-discovery and watching someone learn to love and accept themselves.”

Currently, we are all adjusting to a new normal.

“Things are so uncertain right now, but one of the easiest things we can control is our schedule,” she said. “Having a sense of control can lower your anxiety levels, and knowing what to expect from day to day can lower your stress. Set a schedule where you wake up at the same time every day and go to sleep at the same time every evening.”

This advice also is great for parents to help children whose school schedules have been disrupted.

“Children crave predictability, and having a set schedule will make them feel more comfortable during this time.”

While an essential part of social distancing is making sure we stay inside and away from others, it is important that we step outside safely for a few moments when we can.

“Sunlight helps us in two ways,” she said. “We absorb vitamin D from the sun, which boosts our mood levels. Sunlight also helps regulate our melatonin production, which is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. Take a walk outside, open a window, sit on your back porch, or take your pet for a walk.”

Above all else, social distancing practices have made utilizing new technology optimal during this time.

“Use (social media) to connect with friends and family,” she said. “Try to check on someone every day. It is OK to feel lonely during this time. Many people feel the same way that you do. Reaching out and talking about your feelings or asking how others are feeling will make you feel better.”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker Technology and Welding Technology programs at the Fort Bend County campus are expanding.

“Those have been two of the hottest trades in the region for several years,” said Jeremy Heath, executive director of the Rosenberg Economic Development Corp. “Everyone who goes through either program has a job in hand upon graduation or very quickly after. And these jobs pay well, so the city gets an immediate return on its investment in TSTC, because those paychecks get spent at our local businesses.”

The Electrical Lineworker Technology program’s building will be expanded, said Randall Wooten, TSTC provost. The Welding Technology program in the Industrial Technology Center will double the number of welding booths. Both programs anticipate accommodating more students when the fall semester begins.

“We are open in our fourth year (here) and are ratcheting up with the projects,” Wooten said. “We can see that in a year or so we will need more room or turn students away.”

The Electrical Lineworker Technology program will get additional classroom and storage space, along with more poles for students to practice their skills. Wooten said the program will grow to accommodate 90 students. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) while in the program. The program has two trucks that will be shared with TSTCorkforce Training.

“The employers want the CDL because there are big pieces of equipment with trailers that need to be towed,” Wooten said. “In order for them to get the jobs and get in the front of the line, if they have a CDL, that helps them a whole lot.”

Eric Carithers, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Electrical Lineworker Technology department, said linemen are needed. Recent TSTC graduates in Fort Bend County have been hired by CenterPoint Energy and North Houston Pole Line.

“All of them in that area are making excellent money,” Carithers said. “We are trying to accommodate the growth of the enrollment and the demand in the area.”

The number of electrical line installers and repairers is projected to increase nationally to 128,900 by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and an Electrical Lineworker certificate.

The Welding Technology program is expanding into an open storage area being fitted with 80 more welding booths. Wooten said the program will have the capacity to accommodate 240 students after the expansion.

“Houston is a large area and highly populated,” said Ashley Yezak, TSTC’s statewide chair of the Welding Technology department. “I know we are making a smart move in order to offer more availability so we can run more sections and serve more Texans.”

Yezak said the expanded space will give flexibility in offering a mix of day and night classes as necessary. 

The need for brazers, cutters, solderers and welders nationwide is projected to grow to more than 439,000 up to 2028 due to the nation’s aging infrastructure and the construction of new power generation facilities, according to the federal labor statistics bureau.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology and certificates in Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding.

TSTC is an important tool that the Rosenberg Economic Development Corp. uses in its recruiting efforts. Heath said the city is seeing rapid residential and commercial growth.

“A skilled labor force is the number one most important factor in recruiting new businesses to our city,” he said. “The price of dirt, reasonable tax rates and financial incentive packages help seal the deal. But every prospect I have spoken to in almost six years of business recruitment asks the same question first: Do you have a strong enough workforce to accommodate my needs?”

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. 

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Friday, Jackie Cook joined nearly 100 other Texas State Technical College graduates who received a certificate or an associate degree during the college’s commencement ceremony at the Stafford Centre.

The 31-year-old walked across the stage to receive his associate degree in Cybersecurity Technology as his family and friends witnessed the graduate’s proud moment.

“This is a huge achievement for me,” he said. “It’s a brand-new chapter. I’ve been working toward this for a while now.”

After his first stint in college didn’t go as planned, Cook served in the Army for nine years, with a deployment in Afghanistan.

“College wasn’t going so well, so I enlisted,” he said. “I decided to follow in my father’s footsteps.”

Cook was no stranger to military life. His father served in the military, and the family moved to destinations around the world, including Japan, where Cook was born.

“It was challenging as a child, moving from place to place,” said Cook. “But as I got older, I found the adventure in it, and meeting new people was always the silver lining.”

Although meeting new people and experiencing new places was exciting for Cook, he realized he wanted more stability for his family. In 2018 he decided to leave the military.

That was when TSTC came into the picture.

“I needed to return to school and get an education,” he said. “I needed a new career, and education was the key.”

With an interest in computers and a father who specialized in information technology and encouraged him to pursue a career in the field, Cook found Cybersecurity at TSTC and thought of it as a perfect match.

“I have found that I really enjoy network security processes,” said Cook. “I want to be the person that blocks threats, and TSTC has prepared me for that career.”

He added that although hands-on training and getting to practice what he learns has given him confidence to enter the real world, it has been his instructors’ eagerness to help that has made all the difference.

“Our instructors have been there to help and go above and beyond,” he said. “They ensure that we understand the material and that we are learning skills that will make us marketable to employers.”

And with his student worker position at the Cybersecurity labs, Cook has had the opportunity to learn even more by using his skills to help others in his class.

“Overall, my entire experience at TSTC has prepared me for the future,” Cook said. “And I’m definitely ready for what’s next.”

With several job offers in hand, the husband and father of one said TSTC has changed his life and his family’s life.

“It’s been an interesting journey to say the least. Being in school with a family had its challenges, but we got through it,” he said. “Everything I am doing is for them, and now I’m going to be able to support them and give them a better life.”

Statewide this fall, more than 1,000 TSTC students will receive certificates or associate degrees and join an alumni network that is 100,000 strong.

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

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

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Friday, Texas State Technical College student David Krenek will walk across the stage at the Stafford Centre and receive his associate degree in Industrial Systems.

“It feels great knowing that I’m done and about to graduate,” said the 20-year-old. “It’s time to move forward and get my life started. That’s exciting.”

At a young age, the Rosenberg native discovered his passion for working with his hands and tinkering with machinery.

“It’s this type of work that allows me to think outside of the box,” he said. “Working with machinery and its components to create, repair or troubleshoot is something I love to do, and I’m glad that at TSTC I can create a career out of my passion.”

College was always in the cards for Krenek, but he wasn’t always sure about attending a four-year university.

“I saw this new school (TSTC) along the highway and decided to check it out,” said Krenek. “And after some research and a tour of the campus and the Industrial Systems program, I was sold. It was the modern, industry-standard equipment I would be trained on and the program’s faculty that sealed the deal.”

Krenek said the program has brought him a long way since the summer days when he worked with his uncle on the farm, repairing farm equipment and small engines.

“I knew a bit about machines, but TSTC has really given me an in-depth understanding of them and what it takes to repair and maintain them,” he said. “I can’t wait to put my training into good use.”

Krenek has already received several job offers from companies around the Houston area.

“I’m ready to start working, and I can’t believe how fast TSTC got me there,” said Krenek. “There is still so much to learn, but TSTC has given me the foundation I need to begin a successful career.”

He added that he enjoyed his experience at TSTC, from training to faculty assistance.

“I received a lot of one-on-one with my instructors, which helped in understanding concepts and processes,” he said. “And even better was the hands-on training and real-world practice I got to do in the classroom.”

Krenek will graduate as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“I’ve come a long way, and I’ve entered a new chapter in life,” he said. “I hope to gain experience, learn a lot, advance in my career, start a family someday and enjoy life the best way I can. This is only the beginning.”

Krenek will celebrate with family and friends on Friday, joining nearly 100 other students at the Fort Bend County campus who will graduate with a certificate or associate degree as part of TSTC’s Class of Fall 2019.

This month, statewide, more than 1,000 TSTC students will join an alumni network that is 100,000 strong.

Industrial Systems is also offered at TSTC’s Abilene, East Williamson County, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses.

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

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The demand for electrical power and controls technicians is high and continuously increasing, which is why Texas State Technical College and its Electrical Power and Controls program are working diligently to produce highly skilled graduates.

“The industry is growing by leaps and bounds around the industrial centers in the Gulf Coast region,” said TSTC Electrical Power and Controls instructor Jonathan Bonkoske. “And with the mix of retirees and employee promotions, the demand will continue to increase.”

To meet that demand and fill a need, students who enroll in TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in approximately 18 months.

In the program, students can gain skills such as electrical safety, electrical design and engineering practices, electrical distribution equipment and component testing and evaluation, speed motor control circuit design, programming and troubleshooting, and electrical calculations.

“This highly diverse and well-rounded set of skills and experience will produce a potential employee that can fill different roles within a company,” said Bonkoske.

To learn and practice these skills before entering the workforce, students have access to labs that include industry-standard electrical distribution, transmission, equipment testing, automation, instrumentation motion-control tools, transformers and electrical motors.

“Being familiar and knowledgeable in these different areas gives the students options to select from many career opportunities and does not lock them into a specialty, which increases their hireability,” said Bonkoske. “Our graduates in this area are highly sought-after because of their hands-on skills and directly related work experience gained in the classroom and labs.”

Electrical Power and Controls statewide has a 94% job-placement rate with many of its graduates finding work as an electrical field service technician, electrical maintenance technician, electrical designer, instrumentation technician, automation technician or motion control technician.

Program graduates have found employment with such companies as Burns & McDonnell, Dashiell, Eaton Corporation, Wood Group and Schlumberger.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a person in this field can make, on average, nearly $64,000 per year.

Electrical Power and Controls is also offered at TSTC’s Abilene, East Williamson County, North Texas and Waco campuses. It is part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee program, which refunds the tuition of participating graduates if they do not find a job in their career field within six months of graduation..

Registration for Spring 2020 is underway.

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