Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Promotes Social Diversity with Empowerment Conference

(HARLINGEN) – Student Support Services at Texas State Technical College will host its Third Annual Empowerment Conference on January 26 to increase awareness about Chicanos and the lowrider movement.

“The purpose of the conference is to provide a cultural awareness to the unfamiliar,” said Patty Flores, TSTC Student Support Services coordinator.

Past conferences have focused on Human Trafficking, and Gangs Next Door, aimed to educate a law enforcement, caseworker and advocate audience. This year’s conference is open to the general public.

The idea for this conference stemmed from a session held last year at TSTC’s Humanities Symposium during which the Chicano history and the culture surrounding it was highlighted.

According to Flores, response from students was impressive, so her department decided to take it to the next level.

“People belonging to the lowrider communities are always facing stereotyping which has negatively affected this subculture said Flores. “This population in the RGV is large, making it time to show the positive impacts they have on the community.”

There are a number of lowrider car clubs across the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in the RGV Lowrider Council. In addition to cruising the cities and participating in car shows, many of the clubs are also fundraising for their communities.

Flores said many lowrider car club members join forces to hold benefits, fundraisers and toy drives for the less fortunate, in addition to assisting local military veterans.

“It is these positive contributions we want people to become aware of during our conference,” said Flores. “This is a multi-generational lifestyle and the majority aren’t troublemakers, like many may think.”

To help dissolve negative stereotypes, there will be several keynote speakers who will discuss the past, present and future of the lowrider community. Representatives from the RGV Lowrider Council; Boss Entertainment; Vatos, Rucas and Ranflas; and car clubs will lead discussions.

Adan Hernandez, whose art was used for the 1993 movie “Blood In and Blood Out,” will also speak. A banner replica of Hernandez’s famous “Carnalismo Portrait” and his art work will be on display during the event.

“Not only do we want to send out a positive image, but we also want students and our community to be exposed to different cultures and lifestyles,” said Flores. “This will be an educational experience for everyone.”

TSTC students, faculty, staff and the surrounding communities are invited to attend this conference. It runs from noon to 5 p.m., and will conclude with a Show and Shine Car Show from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There is no fee to attend the conference or car show.

To register, TSTC Support Services has set up an Eventbrite page at http://bit.ly/2gdp9bb.

For more information call TSTC Support Services at 956-364-4525.

TSTC Challenger Learning Center Hosts First Students

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College’s Challenger Learning Center is taking the first groups of students on their own space adventures this month.

Last week, more than 20 students from Eagle Christian Academy (ECA) in Waco and 16 juniors and seniors from Bruceville-Eddy High School visited the center to participate in the simulated space mission, “Rendezvous with a Comet.”

The learning center on Airline Drive was formally opened in September. The Challenger Learning Center is only one of three in Texas and is affiliated with the not-for-profit Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Washington, D.C. The center was established to honor the seven astronauts who died Jan. 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed on the Challenger space shuttle launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Glenna Kendall, a Bruceville-Eddy biology and scientific research and design teacher, said the excursion marked the first science field trip she has been part of in six years teaching at the high school. She prepared her students by having them watch movie accounts about the Challenger space shuttle and conduct research on comets.

“Science can be fun and engaging,” Kendall said.

At the learning center which promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies), students were assigned roles in the laboratory and Mission Control and learned about star fields, sampling and analysis. Students also put communication and critical thinking skills to good use.

Bruceville-Eddy senior Megan Attaway, 18, said the lessons made her see the stress and pressure that people in aerospace deal with daily.

“It is kind of interesting but I never thought about a career in space,” she said.

Eagle Christian Academy students also visited the center’s planetarium.

“I liked the planetarium because we got to look at different star combinations and comets,” said Matthew Mathis, 14, an eighth grade student at ECA.

Josh Bridges, the academy’s science teacher, said the trip was made possible with donations from parents. He prepared students for the visit by leading discussions on the solar system and space exploration.

“Most of the kids are curious yet excited,” Bridges said. “There may be some future teachers and engineers.”

The Midway Independent School District, Abilene Independent School District and Brownwood Independent School District are scheduled to send groups to the learning center in the next few weeks.

The learning center’s programs are tied to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills tests administered by the Texas Education Agency. The state guidelines indicate students should progress through school knowing about planets, the role of gravity, asteroids, comets, the history and future of space exploration, temperature and other concepts.

The Cooper Foundation and the Rapoport Foundation, both in Waco, made substantial financial gifts to create the local learning center.

For more information on the Challenger Learning Center or schedule a tour, go to tstc.edu/challenger.

TSTC Building Construction Technology Programs Aim to Fill Growing Industry Demands

(WACO) – Qualified workers for construction trades are expected to be in demand in 2017 amid a projected increase in building projects along with a wave of personnel retirements, according to a nationwide construction survey released earlier this month. Texas State Technical College is preparing to fill that demand.

More than 60 percent of Texas construction companies are expected to increase their payroll this year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America’s survey “Expecting a Post-Election Bump: The 2017 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook.” More than 130 construction firms responded to the organization’s Texas survey.

“We are very worried about where the next generation of subcontractors are going to come from,” said Scott Bland, president of Jim Bland Construction in McGregor and board president of the Heart of Texas Builders Association in Waco.

More than 30 percent of construction businesses indicated they were having a challenging time finding salaried and craft workers. Some companies have resorted to providing bonuses, incentives, increased pay and better benefits to attract workers, according to the survey.

Texas State Technical College’s campuses in Harlingen and Waco have Building Construction Technology programs which have experienced enrollment boosts.

The Harlingen campus offers a three-semester Certificate in Building Construction focusing on residential and light commercial construction. There is also a five-semester Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology concentrating in heavy commercial construction and construction project management.

“The Building Construction Program numbers have doubled compared to this time last year, telling me that the need for a trained construction workforce is growing at a faster pace than the past,” said Rolando Cuellar, lead instructor of TSTC in Harlingen’s Building Construction Technology program. “The program plans to continue recruiting and working with elementary, middle schools, high school students, continuing education students, local cities and nonprofit organizations to help get the word out that the construction industry wants you.”

The Waco campus offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology – Project Management Inspection Specialization and a Certificate in Building Construction – Craftsman. Students can also work toward certifications in Energy Efficiency Specialist, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology and Electrical Construction Technology and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology.

“In six semesters you can get an associate degree and two certificates,” said Earl Leonard, lead instructor in TSTC in Waco’s Building Construction Technology program. “We get calls for tradesmen, plumbers, carpenters and solar installers. There are also management requirements. We have some people call for estimators.”

There are efforts underway to create a pathway for potential students to follow.

Bland said the addition of a construction science division at the Waco Independent School District’s Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy in the 2017-18 academic year should help build a crop of high school students who have desires to study at TSTC and eventually enter the construction industry.

“The main thing is to get the information out to the kids that there are wonderful careers in our industry and that it is dying for applicants,” Bland said. “You can make good money and raise a family and have a good career. It’s a message we haven’t been getting across the last 20 years. I think that is why we have a manpower deficit right now.”

Bland said he wants potential employees to be goal-oriented and have good time-management skills.

“We massively encourage girls to get into this field,” Bland said. “There is no reason why we need a male-dominated industry. These kids – 22-, 23-years-old – have certifications and making money and don’t have student loan debt. They are the ones buying cars and these are our consumers. It’s a win for everybody.”

Perry A. Vaughn, executive director of the Associated General Contractors Rio Grande Chapter in Harlingen, said work is occurring with TSTC and Rio Grande Valley school districts, including the Harlingen Independent School District, to revamp construction trades programs.

New workers are expected to be needed in Texas for hospital, public building, retail, warehouse, lodging and school construction – the areas projected to have the most building projects this year, according to the survey.

“The strengthening of the peso would help us in the Valley, but we anticipate a strong year in 2017 regardless,” Vaughn said.

Towering Opportunities Available in Wind Energy

(SWEETWATER) – Wind Turbine Technician tops the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual list of fastest-growing jobs with a whopping 108 percent growth over the next eight years. With Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy program, students can break into the industry in as little as one year with a certificate of completion or two years with an associate degree.

According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency, more than 8.1 million people worldwide are working in renewable energy jobs. Students in the Wind Energy program at TSTC learn to safely troubleshoot and repair all components of a wind turbine.

Lead Wind Energy Instructor Heath Ince said the program has seen a jump in enrollment this fall, but the biggest change came in TSTC’s industry partners.

“We’ve always had good placement in our program, but what I’ve noticed is that now we have more companies competing for our students,” Ince said. “They want to get in here and get them hired before they even graduate because of the demand for skilled wind technicians out there right now.”

NextEra Energy is one company that competes for TSTC graduates. The company, which employs a significant number of wind technicians in the United States and Canada, made job offers to several TSTC students who graduated in December.

“We’re the largest producers of renewable energy in the world, so we think about this growth every day,” said James Auld, director of External Training Initiatives at NextEra. “We come to TSTC to recruit twice a year. We present to the students and interview every student who’s interested in interviewing. We are pleased to have made job offers to several promising TSTC graduates.”

Auld attributes the company’s strong relationship with TSTC to its location in the Big Country area.

“We have very large wind farm sites very close to Sweetwater,” Auld said. “It allows us to take local folks who are educated locally and put them to work near home. It’s a big win for everyone.”

Ince said the fact that the job is the fastest-growing in the nation didn’t come as a complete shock to him.

“We were kind of expecting it,” Ince said. “Our other wind instructor and I have been going to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference every year, so we’ve been kind of up to date. We knew there was going to be growth and that the demand was going to be there. We’re just now really starting to see it.”

Last week Zippia, a company that helps people find the right career, named wind turbine service technician as the top-growing job in Texas, with 129.2 percent growth.

Classes at TSTC began Monday, Jan. 9. TSTC will begin registering for the summer semester on April 3.
For more information on TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology, or to apply, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Welding Grad Lands Job with Growing Company

(HUTTO) – When the oil industry crashed in 2015, Cedar Park resident Stephen Price found himself unemployed and looking for a new career.

Price’s brother had enrolled at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County and told him about it. Price wanted something in which he could use his mechanical military background, so he followed suit after learning about TSTC’s welding program.

Price said he learned a lot at TSTC.

“When I started, I knew almost nothing about welding,” Price said. “I think I picked up pretty quick. I’m a quick study. There were some things that took more time to get proficient at.”

The Air Force veteran graduated in December 2016 and found employment at 101 Mobility in Cedar Park. Price wanted to stay close to home after spending six years traveling the world with the Air Force. He served three years at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, three in Aviano, Italy, and some time in Iraq and Qatar.

“Those years in Italy were the best years of my life,” Price said. “I traveled all over Europe. I was an hour north of Venice. In three hours I could be in Poland or Germany.”

Now, he is working as the fifth member in a growing company, and he was excited to get in early.

“101 Mobility installs handicap accessibility items like stair lifts, elevators and ramps,” Price said. “I assemble and install them to the customer’s specifications. It’s what I want to do, the pay is good and I’m getting in on the ground floor.”

101 Mobility began in 2008 in Wilmington, North Carolina. The company opened in Cedar Park in 2012, and current owner and president Kellye Jennings purchased the location in 2015. At the time, the company had two employees, making her the third. She’s since almost doubled the head count.

“I’m really trying to develop more resources and offer more products,” Jennings said. “I’ve invested in additional employees with the expectation that we’ll start realizing the additional revenue. I feel that it’s more important to have the people in place first and then experience the growth, instead of experiencing the growth and scrambling to find people. With growth comes opportunity, and I think that’s what drew in Stephen.”

Jennings was initially drawn to Price’s resume because of his military experience.

“I think it’s important to hire someone with a military background because of the connection with our customers,” Jennings said. “The discipline and the skills you develop in the military really lend themselves to the business. The fact that he recently graduated was the icing on the cake. With him focusing on his next objective, which is developing his skill, shows focus and initiative, and those are two qualities that I really feel are important.”

Spring classes at TSTC in Williamson County begin Tuesday, Jan. 17. TSTC begins registering for the summer semester on April 3.

For more information on TSTC’s welding program, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Has Role in Statewide Economic Development

(WACO) – Texas State Technical College, like other two-year institutions in Texas, must continue to be proactive in meeting the needs of state and regional business and industry partners, according to workforce and economic leaders.

“Moving forward, the colleges are going to be much more critical to our efforts,” said Jason Hilts, president and chief executive officer of the Brownsville Economic Development Council in Cameron County, home to TSTC’s Harlingen campus. “We don’t have enough skilled labor force. It’s not just a Brownsville or a Rio Grande Valley problem; it’s a national problem. If we are trying to create those sustainable jobs that help create a better community, we need to have a labor force that has more skills associated with it or we are not going to be able to compete for projects.”

The Texas Economic Development Division of the Office of the Governor focuses on attracting and retaining companies in aerospace, energy, information technology, petroleum refining, chemicals, biotechnology, advanced technology and manufacturing.

The Waco Chamber of Commerce also targets defense, supply-chain management and professional and financial services. The city of Red Oak, home to TSTC in North Texas, looks at support suppliers for Triumph Aerostructures and National Freight Industries, two of its largest employers.

“TSTC’s presence is a huge factor for economic development in our city for the industries we have now and the ones we are working on attracting,” said Lee McCleary, Red Oak’s economic development director. “In every correspondence I have with industries, TSTC is one of the top things we talk about. It is of keen interest to them.”

McCleary said he is impressed with what TSTC, which has 10 campuses throughout the state, can offer.

“I think that is why they are so successful,” he said. “They are focused on how they are doing in meeting the needs of the community and putting in programs that are market-driven.”

Hilts said the jobs of the future are focusing on automation, robotics, logistics, medical and food manufacturing, aerospace and 3-D printing.

In early 2016, the Computer-Aided Drafting program at TSTC in North Texas began using a 3-D printer to prepare students for engineering, design, manufacturing and design work. TSTC offers an associate degree and level-two certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting.

TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Waco last year received a KUKA welding robot from ARC Specialties in Houston valued at $150,000 and that is a kind used worldwide.

TSTC has resources accessible to fund industry training.

The Texas Workforce Commission offers Skills Development Fund grants for localized workforce training for technical and community colleges, economic development entities and workforce development boards. Skills Development Fund grants have helped more than 4,100 statewide employers with training for 329,000 employees since 1996, according to TWC’s “Skills Development Fund Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2015.”

TSTC’s campuses in Brownwood, North Texas and Waco received more than $2.2 million in Skills Development Fund grants through five TWC awards in fiscal year 2016. This translated into more than 1,000 Texas workers receiving customized training to improve their skills in instrumentation, advanced motor controls, logistics, hydraulics, troubleshooting and other tasks.

“TSTC has been a longtime partner of the TWC in the deployment of Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business grants that support customized workforce training for companies across the state,” said Carliss Hyde, vice president for sponsored programs at TSTC. “We are grateful to be part of the process in this successful program and anticipate nothing but continued growth in our involvement in these projects.”

Temple College, a partner with TSTC in Williamson County at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC) in Hutto, held a meeting last fall with more than 70 business representatives to talk about Skills Development Fund grants and what workforce training was needed.

“Most people categorized it as industrial maintenance, and that would be robotics and equipment maintenance,” said Dennis McDonaugh, director of workforce education at Temple College. “They also need a smattering of leadership courses. There are a lot of people promoted to leadership positions that don’t have training.”

Because of that fall meeting, McDonaugh said the colleges are now working together on Skills Development Fund applications for some businesses represented at the meeting. McDonaugh said the college partnerships are modeled after one used at EWCHEC: Temple College teaches general education courses and TSTC teaches technical courses.

The TWC offers the Skills for Small Business grant for companies with less than 100 employees. Companies can also pay for workforce training through state and technical colleges.

The resources are in place for Texas technical and community colleges to continue adapting to an evolving global economy and to train students for tomorrow’s jobs.

Student Success Profile – Victoria Ahumada

(HARLINGEN) – Victoria Ahumada is currently a student at Texas State Technical College. She is pursuing an associate degree in Education and Training and expects to graduate Fall 2017.

When the La Feria native is not busy with classes, you can find her volunteering at the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center, where she also enjoys exercising and playing basketball.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating from TSTC I plan on transferring to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and Education.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to travel the world teaching English to those who are less fortunate, while learning different languages myself. After realizing this dream I hope to settle in the Rio Grande Valley and work as an English teacher, while also sharing my knowledge of different languages and cultures.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been receiving this Student Success Profile honor and maintaining high grades. In high school I wasn’t a focused student, so these accomplishments make me very proud.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is time management. My brother always spoke with me about managing my time well and the impact it has on your life. I believe we can do anything and everything as long as we put in the right amount of time and effort.

Who at TSTC has most influenced your success?

Yvonne Browning, my English instructor, has had a major impact on me. She is strong, unique and empowering. I had her every morning at 8 a.m. and even though it was early I looked forward to attending her class. She made the course enjoyable and I learned so many new things. She continues to help and encourage me to work hard and ensures me that my decision to major in English is the right one.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future or current TSTC students is to always keep fighting for the things you want. Always make all of your dreams a reality and do not be afraid. The world is what you make it, so make it worthwhile.

TSTC Surgical Technology Recruits for Fall 2017

(HARLINGEN) – The Surgical Technology faculty at Texas State Technical College are preparing to recruit its newest cohorts for its Fall 2017 class.

Beginning January 26, through April, the Surgical Technology department chair and instructors will be hosting information sessions for those interested in applying to the program.

Not too long ago, TSTC graduate Letty Ayala found herself sitting in a session waiting to see what it would take to further her career as a surgical assistant.

The 41-year-old first graduated from TSTC in 1996 with a certificate in Surgical Technology. She returned to advance her education and pursue an associate degree, which was not yet offered when she was first enrolled in the program. She earned the second degree in Fall 2016.

“I always wanted to do something in the medical field, but I didn’t want to be in school for too long,” said Ayala. “That’s where TSTC came in. I was able to finish my degree quickly and get to work.”

The Brownsville native joined the ranks of nurses who assist doctors in surgeries more than 20 years ago, and continues to live out her dream of working in the medical field. She currently works at Valley Baptist Medical Center Brownsville as a Surgical First Assistant.

“I know it’s cheesy and sounds cliché, but I love my job,” said Ayala. “I get to help people feel better, and get them get back to their daily lives. There’s no better feeling.”

Ayala advises those showing interest in the program or those who are ready to apply to remember that pursuing this career means putting in long hours of work, studying and putting patients’ feelings first, but in the end it is all worth it.

“The program is challenging and at times emotions will run high and you will feel like giving up, but don’t,” said Ayala. “TSTC’s Surgical Technology faculty is there for you every step of the way. They prepare you for all situations and challenges through hands-on training. They want nothing more but for you to succeed.”

Surgical Technology Department Chair Robert Sanchez said the program has high expectations for the students they accept into the program. Out of the hundreds of applicants, only 20 students get accepted per class.

“This is a rigorous program. It’s not for the light-hearted,” said Sanchez. “Yet, it is also a very rewarding career.”

Program expectations range from having the ability to work under stress, possessing ability to anticipate patients’ and surgeons’ needs to having physical stamina and emotional stability.

“This is definitely a program for someone with a huge interest in the medical profession,” said Sanchez. “This is a specialized field that is fast paced, but in demand.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for other occupations.

“I’m proud to say we place nearly 100 percent of our graduates into good paying jobs once they graduate and pass their National Certifying Exam,” said Sanchez.

Graduates from Surgical Technology who become Certified Surgical Technologists can expect to find employment in hospitals, mainly operating and delivery rooms, clinics, surgical centers and in offices of physicians or dentists who perform outpatient surgery.

Surgical Technology is a six-semester program. Upon completion students will earn an Associate of Science degree.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council of Education in Surgical technology and Surgical Assisting.

To learn more about the program, you are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions to be held January 26. February 16, March 9, March 30 and April 20 at the Eddie Lucio building room 119 at 3 p.m. Or, for more information call 956-364-4805, or visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Graduate Rings in the New Year with a New Career

(HARLINGEN) – The New Year means a new adventure for Texas State Technical College alumnus Jesus Martinez, who graduated Fall 2016 with an associate degree in Tool and Die Technology.

The Mission native will soon call San Antonio home, where he has accepted a position with Takata, an automotive safety systems tool and die shop and supplier.

Martinez will first complete a six-month training in Takata’s Tool and Die Manufacturing, and Tool and Maintenance departments. Upon completing the instruction, he will get to kickstart his career in the department he likes best.

“I’m really excited to be starting my career doing something that I love,” said Martinez. “And getting to see how both departments work makes the opportunity even better.”

It was Martinez’s academic achievements; SkillsUSA awards, SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations; and experience that prepared him for this position.

Martinez graduated from TSTC as a Board of Regent graduate, meaning he obtained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (all A’s) during his college career. He also competed in SkillsUSA in the Computer Numerical Control Milling category, earning a first place at district and state competitions and eighth place at the national level.

“Jesus was an exemplary student who showed a deep passion for his trade,” said Rick Limas, Tool and Die Technology department chair. “He also shined in soft skills such as punctuality, reliability, and honesty, which are other areas of importance to employers. He’s a hard worker.”

The 21-year-old said it was in high school where he first became interested in machining and then he discovered he was good at it.

He participated in SkillsUSA competitions in high school as well, earning second place awards at the local and state level.

Immediately after high school he was encouraged by his teachers to attend a local university to pursue engineering because of his love for machining, but after two years he realized it was not for him.

“A four-year degree was not for me. I wasn’t enjoying my classes,” said Martinez. “So I withdrew, and that’s when I found TSTC.”

Martinez said TSTC, hands-on learning helped him return to his love of machining.

“I came to TSTC because of the equipment available to students and job placement,” said Martinez. It was the right fit for me and definitely the best choice. I truly enjoyed TSTC. Everything I learned is invaluable.”

Ultimately, Martinez hopes to acquire his certification as a tool and die maker through an apprenticeship program at Takata. He hopes to work his way up to becoming a Computer Numerical Control programmer, or supervisor.

Martinez is one of three Fall 2016 graduates who were hired by Takata.

For more information on Tool and Die Technology, call 956-364-4789.

Harlingen Area Students Tour TSTC

(HARLINGEN) – Recently, more than 1,000 eighth-grade students from Harlingen middle schools toured Texas State Technical College to learn more about the technologies offered on campus. They had the opportunity of speaking one-on-one with instructors and students who have fir

st-hand knowledge about each program.

Students also had the chance to take a look at the TSTC Learning Resource Center; Student Center, including the cafe and game room; University Center; and Wellness and Sports Center.

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