Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Students Represent Texas at National SkillsUSA Conference in Kentucky

(WACO) – Students calculated, hammered and stirred their way through the first day of competitions Wednesday at SkillsUSA’s 54th National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Texas State Technical College students from the Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, Waco and West Texas campuses participated in events such as Additive Manufacturing, CNC Technician, Internetworking and Medical Math at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The students qualified for the national conference by winning at SkillsUSA Texas’ state conference in April in Waco.

Noah McCoy, 21, a 2015 graduate of Saint Joseph Academy in Brownsville, represents TSTC in Harlingen in the Automated Manufacturing Technology team contest.

“There are different expectations,” McCoy said. “We are a three-man team. Miguel (Zamarripa) knows machining and Carlos (Davila) is strong in drafting. It’s pretty cool.”

McCoy went to the national contest in 2017 and competed in Technical Drafting.

I’m a little more prepared,” he said. “We show the other students around and how things go.”

Alexander Oldham, 30, is a Computer Networking and Systems Administration major at TSTC in Brownwood taking part in Technical Computer Applications. He said the contest’s components complement what he is studying.

“You never stop learning,” Oldham said.

Oldham, like many students attending the conference, has been trading state delegation pins. So far, he has gotten pins from Georgia, Illinois and Iowa, but has not gotten the elusive Hawaii or Puerto Rico pins yet.

The buildup to Wednesday began Monday night when state meetings were held to go over conference information and rules.

On Tuesday, the opening ceremony was held at historic Freedom Hall and included national awards, a high school parade of states and remarks from NASCAR Team Penske driver and Michigan native Brad Keselowski.

Keselowski talked about his development in racing and how several technical careers factored into his line of work. He said the more effort people put toward their goals, the better the results will be.

“I think the USA will continue to get stronger because of you guys,” Keselowski said, vowing his support to SkillsUSA.”

Attendees cheered when Keselowski changed on stage out of the navy blue blazer he was wearing into SkillsUSA’s signature red jacket.

“Everyone here is a winner,” he said. “This coat represents winners. I like winners.”

The national conference has 102 events with an attendance of 18,000 people, including students, teachers and representatives of 600 national companies, trade associations, labor unions and businesses, according to information from SkillsUSA.

Competitions continue Thursday, along with students visiting Kentucky Kingdom, an amusement park on the grounds of the exposition center.

The closing ceremony will be Friday night at Freedom Hall, where more than 1,000 gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to secondary and postsecondary competitors.

“When students succeed, America succeeds,” Timothy Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA, told attendees at Tuesday night’s opening ceremony,

For more information on SkillsUSA, go to skillsusa.org.

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

TSTC Presents Faculty Member of the Year Award

(MARSHALL) – Employees at Texas State Technical College in Marshall celebrated Employee Appreciation Day on June 15, a day that included fun for employees and awards for employees of the year.

Josh Stampley, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design instructor, was chosen as faculty member of the year for the Marshall campus.

Stampley, a Marshall resident and graduate of Kilgore College, began working at TSTC in September 2016 after working in the industry for nearly 20 years.

“I was doing all the drafting and eventually became the general manager,” Stampley said. “I had daily duties of drafting, running machines, welding — whatever I needed to do to keep it running.”

Employees of the campus submitted nominations for the award, and the winner was chosen by vote. Stampley’s fellow employees had great things to say about him, with one teammate writing, “Josh is an exceptional team player. He is always willing to help others without any hesitation. Additionally, Josh has a very cheerful disposition and always exemplifies professionalism.”

Stampley said he was happy to receive the award.

“It’s a very neat feeling to get that since I don’t have a whole lot of years in education. It’s been a blast here. The people are great, and it was a good experience. I enjoy every bit of it.”

He is glad his co-workers notice his enjoyment for the job.

“I hope that everyone sees that I try and do a good job,” he said. “I really like what I do and try hard.”

He takes pride in knowing he is getting his students ready for work.

“My favorite thing, besides the help of the faculty and everyone being there for you, is the students and how you can turn them, and mold them, into a ‘product,’” he said. “I dealt with metal and steel products in industry; now I’m dealing with a human product. I can mold (students) into the best drafters that I can and put them in the workforce. I thoroughly enjoy that.”

Knowing that his former students enjoy their jobs keeps him motivated.

“I keep in contact with several students that have graduated and moved on into jobs,” he said. “They enjoy their jobs. To see that they like doing what they’re doing really helps me to stay focused and keep toward my goal of trying to educate these students and get them out there and working.”

TSTC prides itself on being “a great place to work” and is currently hiring for positions at its 10 campuses statewide. For information on open positions at TSTC, visit tstc.edu/about/employment.

Gerdau donates ten thousand dollars for TSTC scholarships

(RED OAK) – Gerdau’s Midlothian Steel Mill has pledged to donate over $10,000 for scholarships to Midlothian ISD students to attend Texas State Technical College.

For the first year, Gerdau pledged $3,000, which will be matched by The TSTC Foundation to provide six $1,000 scholarships to students in the college’s Industrial Maintenance program. The second year will bring another $3,000 for first-year students, with at least $4,000 more for second-year scholarships.

Gerdau’s relationship with TSTC began in 2015, when the company sent 13 of its employees to train at the college’s North Texas campus in Red Oak. Gerdau later received a Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund Grant to train an additional 189 employees at TSTC.

“Gerdau has had a very strong relationship with TSTC for the last couple of years and currently sends over 50 — and growing — of their employees to North Texas to get their associate degree in Industrial Maintenance,” said Jessica Ford, field development officer at TSTC.

With these scholarships, Gerdau hopes to help fill the expanding shortage of skilled workers.

“There is a growing resource gap in skilled trades across the U.S. And in a booming area like Dallas-Fort Worth, that gap is becoming even more challenging,” said Gerdau Midlothian Human Resources Manager Ryan Hube. “Encouraging today’s youth to enter into these programs will be instrumental in attracting them to careers at Gerdau and other domestic manufacturers.”

Hube also hopes the scholarships will encourage local high school students to look into technical fields like Industrial Maintenance at TSTC.

“Our goal is to recruit young talent with the technical aptitude we need directly from TSTC’s program,” he said. “We are confident that this scholarship is a great first step in attracting local talent to manufacturing in order to meet our future needs while at the same time continuing as a partner for this community for years to come.”

Hube said the company is proud to support the local community.

“The scholarship presented itself as a unique opportunity to give back to our community while at the same time developing a pipeline of talent to fulfill future people-needs at the mill,” he said. “We’ve had great success thus far by partnering with TSTC to develop our own employees through the Industrial Maintenance program. We’re hoping to build on that success by providing scholarships to local high school graduates and eventually give them opportunities with Gerdau.”

Besides TSTC, Midlothian students are the winners overall, Ford said.

“This benefits TSTC by allowing us to provide scholarships to students from Midlothian ISD that we could not do otherwise,” she said.

The TSTC Foundation supports the Texas State Technical College campuses across the state, supporting the critical needs of students and providing funds to enhance TSTC’s ability to provide new and emerging technical programs to support the Texas workforce.

For more information on The TSTC Foundation, visit tstc.edu/tstcfoundation.

TSTC is registering now for the fall semester. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Windthorst Student Aims for Gold in Louisville for TSTC

(WACO) – Cody Scheffe is building a staircase to gold forged from sawdust and determination.

Scheffe, 21, of Windthorst, is a Texas State Technical College in Waco Building Construction Technology student. He made his SkillsUSA debut in April at the State Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference, where he claimed gold in carpentry. He will now go on to represent Texas at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference being held June 23-29 in Louisville, Kentucky.

“The first I’d heard of SkillsUSA was when I got to TSTC. My instructor, Mr. (Michael) Carrillo, was talking about it, and it sounded like a good opportunity,” Scheffe said.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce.

The carpentry competition consists of one student working in an allotted time to frame walls, cut and install rafters, demonstrate knowledge of stair construction and more. Contestants are judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety, and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials.

“I didn’t think I was going to win because I was going against a guy who had competed before and had already gone to nationals. I thought it would be close, but I was pretty surprised,” Scheffe said.

After winning at state, Scheffe’s drive to win at the national level was encouraged as he began training regularly with TSTC Building Construction Technology instructors John Russell and Michael Carrillo.

“It’s his first year, he won state, and he’s a third-semester student. That’s really impressive because some of the things that the project is testing him on are on the advanced level and he hasn’t learned yet in the classroom,” Carrillo said.

Carrillo also competed in carpentry at SkillsUSA when he was a student, placing fourth at the national level. He pulls from his personal experience to offer guidance.

“It’s understanding the game of the contest. It’s more aesthetics than anything, so geometry is real big. But it’s all a learning experience, and their overall goal is not that medal.” Carrillo said. “I owe a lot to SkillsUSA career-wise, job placement-wise, and that is worth more than any medal.”

Through SkillsUSA, Scheffe has become aware of numerous prospects made available to him and plans to capitalize on them.

“SkillsUSA means job opportunities,” Scheffe said. “I’ve had people ask me to send them resumes and even had a job offer already, but I’m looking forward to the networking and travel and potential scholarship money.”

Scheffe has earned the respect of his instructors, who were already impressed with his performance in the classroom, while competing at the state level. They have high hopes for him at nationals.

“A lot of what I like to do is work with (students’) psyches,” Russell said. “They can have the skills, but do they have the mental attitude? He does. Cody doesn’t get flustered, he doesn’t get upset, he’s levelheaded, and he pays attention. He’s got the skill level and the attitude, and I think he’ll place — if not win.”

Time spent training with his instructors and previous experience working with his father’s company have combined to give Scheffe a sense of confidence when approaching the national level.

“Mr. Carrillo and Mr. Russell have really helped me prepare for SkillsUSA by helping me come up with a game plan,” Scheffe said. “And I’m used to pressure, working with my dad’s business where it’s always go-time. They’ve all helped me with everything.”

Scheffe will graduate in spring 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.

For more information on SkillsUSA, visit skillsusa.org.

Registration for fall classes at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC and Hendrick Provider Network Celebrate TWC Skills Development Grant

(ABILENE) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the Texas Workforce Commission and Hendrick Provider Network gathered Thursday to commemorate a TWC Skills Development Fund grant.

The original grant amount was $110,512, which created or upgraded 66 jobs at the health care provider, but an amendment to the grant added another $121,044 and helped an additional 58 employees.

“We offer a great solution to working with industry partners and are fortunate to work with the TWC,” said Rick Denbow, provost of TSTC in Abilene.

Of the employees trained, 24 became certified medical coders, 10 became certified medical office managers and 35 earned certificates in medical front office skills. TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education partnered with the Practice Management Institute to fulfill the training.

Some of the classes Hendrick employees took at TSTC dealt with insurance claims processing, procedural terminology, advanced coding and auditing.

“Health care has been underserved in the education realm,” said Hendrick Provider Network Operations Manager Marjohn Riney. “The health care industry has changed. Nobody has been educating front office staff.”

Riney said the training has led to increased tenure among employees and an empowerment in knowledge and competence.

The regional economic impact of the grant is expected to be $1.2 million, said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez III, who presented the check.

“What you are doing is keeping up and listening to industry,” Alvarez said. “You are customizing training to industry needs.”

Hendrick Provider Network in Abilene is a multispecialty group with providers in cardiology, infectious disease, nephrology, orthopedic surgery and other medical fields. It is part of the Hendrick Health System.

“Hendrick is one of our primary employers, and their growth is critical to our economy,” said Justin Jaworski, executive director of the Abilene Industrial Foundation.

The Skills Development Fund has been used since 1996 to localize workforce training for Texas companies. This enables companies to work directly with local partners to develop training tailored to employees’ needs. The competitive grant has assisted more than 4,200 employers statewide, according to the TWC.

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

TSTC Offers Precision Machining Scholarships Through HAAS Grant

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College has been granted $10,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation to award Precision Machining Technology students with scholarships.

The program will award 10 new students with $1,000 each — $500 for the fall semester and the other half for the spring.

TSTC’s Precision Machining program will begin hosting weekly Lunch and Learn sessions on the program beginning Friday, July 6, and continuing through Friday, Aug. 10. Potential students must attend one of these sessions and enroll in the program to be eligible to receive the scholarship.

The Gene Haas Foundation, which is headquartered in Oxnard, California, was established in 1999. Haas started Haas Automation Inc., a builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, in 1983. Aware of the “Skills Gap,” a lack of skilled workers to fill jobs in the U.S., Haas directed the board of his foundation to focus on scholarships in manufacturing education.

Daniel Nixon, head of TSTC’s Precision Machining department, hopes the scholarships will help boost enrollment in the program and said now is an opportune time to join the machining industry.

“Right now there is a shortage of good machinists not just statewide, but nationally and worldwide,” he said. “It’s a good time for a young person to get in at the ground level and build themselves into a career.”

Nixon elaborated on some positions that may be available after receiving training in the field.

“Some of the job descriptions they would be looking for after they graduate are CNC operator, CNC machinist or just machinist in general,” he said. “In the job, employees will be modifying and repairing tools, using precision instruments to measure products and organizing leadership while following safety protocols.”

O*NET OnLine predicts a healthy 15 percent increase in machining jobs, or 90 new jobs annually, in Texas through 2024.

For more information on TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC SkillsUSA medalist prepares for nationals one brick at a time

(HARLINGEN) – Rodrigo Patron built a fire pit brick by brick, 200 to be exact, in only six hours, to earn a spot at the 54^th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Mexico native is the only student from Business Construction Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen to earn a gold medal in Masonry at the SkillsUSA competition held at TSTC in Waco earlier this spring.

At the end of the month, Patron will have the opportunity to compete against thousands of other students from across the United States at the SkillsUSA national competition.

“This was my first time doing SkillsUSA or any competition like this,” said the 22-year-old. “I was nervous, yet felt pretty confident that I could do a good job if I set my mind to it.”

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

Students in Skills USA participate in hands-on competitions in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, building construction and culinary arts.

Patron, who has lived on his own since high school, said he came to America to chase opportunity and dreams.

He played baseball for an Arizona high school, before arriving in South Texas to be closer to his brother, who is a local attorney.

“Had it not been for me leaving my home in Mexico, I would have never had an opportunity like SkillsUSA or TSTC,” said Patron.

Patron said nationals is something he has been preparing for since his first day of practice for local and state SkillsUSA competitions.

“Living on my own has taught me to be disciplined, a self-starter and someone who manages their time well,” said Patron. “So having to spend extra time in the lab to practice was nothing for me, especially since I wanted to do well.”

He has spent every Friday afternoon in the lab since the beginning of the year honing in on his masonry skills.

TSTC Building Construction Lab Assistant and SkillsUSA Advisor Alfonso Gonzalez said Patron is one of the program’s best students.

“Rodrigo is self-motivated and always willing to work hard; and at nationals all of this will be exposed to industry professionals and potential employers,” he said. “He has a bright future and will be a tremendous asset to the construction industry.”

Gonzalez has some advice for students like Rodrigo who are competing at nationals.

“SkillsUSA is a wonderful experience for our students and I want them to know we are already proud of them…the big step is taking the initiative to compete in the first place,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez added, “I hope students will take advantage of this time to make good first impressions, do as much as possible on their projects correctly, take their time, concentrate, focus and most importantly, have fun.”

Patron said SkillsUSA has already been a fun and memorable experience for him and he hopes to represent well in Kentucky.

“My goal is to represent TSTC well and make the college proud,” he said. “And of course I wouldn’t mind bringing home a gold medal.”

Building Construction Technology is offered at both TSTC’s Harlingen and Waco campuses.

For more information on the program, visit tstc.edu.

Student Success Profile – Arleth Olvera

(HARLINGEN) – Arleth Olvera is an Engineering student at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native holds a 3.8 grade-point average and expects to graduate with her associate degree Spring 2019.

The 19-year-old said she is grateful that she can study what she loves close to home, at a college where the programs are exciting and the hands-on training in invaluable, all while still being able to help take care of her younger brothers.

What are your plans after graduation?

When I graduate I hope to transfer to the University of Houston or University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

What’s your dream job?

Since I was young I’ve been fascinated with designing, drawing and building things, so I hope I can build a career in engineering and architecture and show other women, especially young girls, that we can succeed in a male-dominated field.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I have dyslexia, so school and learning has always been difficult for me. Not many people thought that I would finish high school or go to college, but here I am. So, my greatest accomplishment so far has been showing those who didn’t believe in me that I can do whatever I set my mind to and I will not stop until I make my dreams come true.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that the only person who can let me down, is myself. I have learned to not give up and keep trying until I succeed. Anything is possible.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success?

My best friend Karla Dalet Ramos, who is studying Education and Training at TSTC also, is my biggest influence. She has shown me how to be free and open with my thoughts and opinions and how to have fun and enjoy life.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is don’t skip class, study hard, work hard and don’t give up on your dreams. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.

TSTC gears students up for early registration

(HARLINGEN) – Alberto Torres and his mother Haydee Torres got a head start on Fall 2018, his first semester of college, by taking advantage of Texas State Technical College’s first Registration Rally of the summer.

Torres, who graduated from Rivera Early College High School in Brownsville only a couple of days ago, was able to select his majors: Computer Maintenance Technology and Mechatronics Technology, register for classes, apply for financial aid, take a tour of the campus and meet some of his instructors during the event.

“I feel I picked the perfect institution to attend. TSTC is for me, there are no doubts,” said Torres. “Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. I’m ready.”

His mother said she’s comforted to hear her son being so positive about college.

“As a mother you’re always worried about your child, but today has really helped me see that he will be in good hands here at TSTC,” she said. “Being able to meet college staff, my son’s instructors and walking the campus gives me peace of mind. We feel like we’re among family.”

TSTC’s registration rallies began Fall 2016 as a service to new and returning students and their families. It’s a one-stop-shop to apply and complete all registration and financial aid processes.

As in past rallies, enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Support Services, the Veterans Center, Student Life and TSTC Housing were on hand to assist students and answer all questions.

Campus tours were also available.

TSTC Director of Recruitment Dora Colvin said the idea behind registration rallies is to make the process of applying and registering easier and she is excited to know that the event is popular among students and their parents.

“Every department at TSTC comes together for this one day, in one convenient area, to help guide and answer all questions so that students have the resources and opportunities they need,” said Colvin. “And it’s rewarding to see and hear how it’s impacting students positively.”

And for prospective students like Torres, who was encouraged by his high school teachers, counselors and mother to attend the event, this is a step in the right direction.

“I’m relieved that everything is done,” said Torres. “I can enjoy the rest of my summer knowing that I got all of the classes I need. I’m officially ready to start college and begin working toward a career I’ve enjoyed my whole life.”

Just as Torres registered early, Colvin encourages all new and returning students to do the same.

“Registering early gives students a better chance of getting financial aid and the opportunity to get the classes they need before they fill up,” she said. “We encourage everyone to join us at our upcoming registration rallies.”

Colvin added, “Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime. The earlier the better.”

All 10 campuses statewide host this event every semester with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered.

The next TSTC Registration Rallies on the Harlingen campus are scheduled for July 12 and August 7 at the TSTC Student Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s newest campus sends first SkillsUSA competitor to nationals

(FORT BEND) – Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology student Troy Ketchum will be graduating in the coming months, but not before travelling to Louisville, Kentucky as the first student from TSTC in Fort Bend County to compete at the 54^th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

“You can feel the excitement around campus building up about my travel to the upcoming event,” said the 30-year-old. “I hope I can make everyone proud.”

At the end of the month, the Rosenberg native will compete against thousands of other students from across the United States in hopes of bringing home a gold medal in his category: Job Skills Presentation.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, hands-on competitions, leadership conferences and other activities.

TSTC in Fort Bend County Provost Randy Wooten said that the entire college benefits from having students like Ketchum compete in these events.

“The student body knows that they are being represented at these events and they are big supporters of Troy,” said Wooten. “All of us here are thrilled by having our first competitor at the SkillsUSA national level.”

Wooten also said that he has been involved in Ketchum’s dry-run presentations and practices since before the state competition and he knew immediately that he would be hard to beat.

“It’s obvious that Troy has what it takes to win. He’s a strong contender,” said Wooten. “And having our college represented in Kentucky means that even though we’re the newest and one of the smallest right now, we can run with the big dogs.”

The United States Navy veteran has been preparing his presentation, “The Importance of Proper Tread Depth and Safety of Truck Tires,” and his delivery non-stop for this competition.

Ketchum has taken two days out of the week since the beginning of the year to present in front of students, faculty and staff at the campus.

“I practice in front of anyone who is willing to listen,” said Ketchum. “And I welcome all feedback.”

Spencer Paige, lead instructor for Diesel Equipment Technology and SkillsUSA advisor, said Ketchum has told him that he even practices while driving, at work and at home in front his brother or a mirror.

“He has put in so much work and effort into SkillsUSA. We are proud him,” said Paige. “We are positive that he will do well and represent TSTC positively.

Paige added, “The fact that this is our campus’ first SkillsUSA chapter and we’re headed to nationals is remarkable and we hope that more students join us next year. This is a great organization that teaches lessons and skills that stay with you forever.”

Ketchum, who is also looking forward to graduating in August said that the skills he has learned in class and by competing in SkillsUSA have prepared him for a job in his field and for what he calls a leap from waiting tables full time.

“As soon as I return from SkillsUSA I’ll start on job applications. I feel so accomplished and excited entering this next phase in my life,” he said. “But first, I want to bring home the gold for TSTC and Fort Bend County.”

Ketchum and at least 50 other TSTC students statewide will be competing at the week-long event, June 25-29.

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