Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC Hosts Mock Interview Sessions for Students

(WACO, Texas) – Several Texas State Technical College students have become better prepared for job hunting after practicing their interview skills on Wednesday and Thursday.

TSTC’s Career Services department in Waco hosted an interview practicum at the Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center for students to sit down with business recruiters and TSTC staff for mock interview sessions.

“Many of our students have not had an interview before, and this event is a great opportunity for them to get practice in doing so,” said Jose Muniz, TSTC’s Career Services director in Waco.

After the sessions were completed, students received forms highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Josue Lopez of La Grange is a first-semester Electrical Power and Controls student who attended the practicum to see how he can refine his interview skills. He said he is eager to use what he learned when he meets with potential employers upon graduation.

“I’m feeling confident, but I don’t want to be too confident,” Lopez said.

Jeff Williams, an Industrial Systems major from Temple, said he wants to better his soft skills. He said what he learned will help him throughout the fall as he prepares for graduation in December.

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

TSTC HVAC Technology creates cool careers in a hot job market

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians is high and continues to grow as the number of residential and commercial sites increases.

And Texas State Technical College is working diligently to meet industry demand and fill the jobs that are vacated as people retire.

TSTC HVAC Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers is increasing by 13 percent, faster than average, and will have more than 46,000 jobs available nationwide by 2028.

“In the RGV alone, construction is booming. Imagine that tenfold across the state,” said TSTC HVAC Technology instructor Jorge Cabrera. “This is leading to greater opportunities for our students, and we’re training them right here at TSTC.”

Cabrera went on to explain that HVAC systems are becoming more complex as technology advances, and TSTC is training its students to master those skills and more to give t

hem a leg up in the industry.

What is the length of the program?

The program offers two pathways: Certificate 1, which is three semesters, and an associate degree, which is five semesters.

What can a student expect when they graduate?

When a student graduates from the program with either a certificate or degree, they will also hold an EPA608 refrigerant certificate and an employment-ready certificate, which recognizes the mastery of industry-standard HVAC equipment and skills.

Both additional certifications can mean more job opportunities, promotions and a salary increase.

What skills do you learn in HVAC Technology?

In the program, students learn all of the fundamental basics of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, such as basic electricity for HVAC; refrigeration principles; mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in construction; air conditioning installation and troubleshooting; and residential air conditioning systems design.

As the program transitions to performance-based education in Fall 2020, students can expect to work toward mastering skills quicker to graduate sooner.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

TSTC is constantly working with advisory boards, made of industry partners, to stay up to date on the latest technologies in the field. In HVAC Technology, students have access to industry-standard tools and equipment like Bluetooth gauges; phone and tables application downloads for reporting; air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units; and online video content and three-dimensional simulators.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

A company’s goal is to hire an already technically trained and licensed graduate who will need little to no on-the-job training, so the skills students learn in this program through hands-on learning prepare them to enter the workforce ready as entry-level technicians. By the time they graduate, they are familiar with what’s expected in industry, familiar with equipment and tools and how to troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and service all types of HVAC units. This makes them more marketable and leads them into successful careers.

What kinds of positions can a graduate from this program obtain?

Graduates from HVAC Technology can become heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, mechanics and installers, and can work in schools, hospitals, and residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration companies.

Companies that have hired TSTC HVAC Technology graduates range from Central Air and Heating, Coca-Cola, George Cunningham Air Conditioning and Heating, Southern Mechanical LLC, and Trane Heating and Cooling.

TSTC gives student spark of hope during dark time

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Fifteen inches of water took it all from Texas State Technical College student Nelda Chavez and her family.

“The only way to describe the situation is devastating and overwhelming,” said the 52-year-old.  “The image and smell of the mess and debris still haunts me.”

The family returned to their home barely a week ago; the massive amount of rain and flooding that devastated their home occurred in June.

TSTC student Nelda Chavez

Chavez’s family has gone from living in a hotel to a compact-size travel trailer while working nonstop to repair their home and replace ruined appliances and furniture.

All of the cleanup, as well as the majority of the rebuilding, was completed by Chavez and her family.

“It’s been quite a process, and a lot of money we do not have,” said Chavez. “We were blessed to have been helped by the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and TSTC.”

The TSTC Foundation’s Snyder Helping Hands fund awarded Chavez $1,000 to put toward the rebuilding and restoration of her home.

The fund was created to assist TSTC students during times of need — to help get them back on their feet and focused on their education toward a great-paying career.

“The money we received was our first form of assistance after the flood, and that allowed us to purchase all of the cleaning supplies we needed to dry up our home and for food,” she said. “Without this money, there is no way we could have done it.”

Chavez added that receiving the money was their first step in recovery. Because she is a full-time pre-nursing student, she and her family rely heavily on her husband’s income.

“I’m so grateful for the help TSTC provided me and my family,” she said. “The money went a long way, and (TSTC was) my light of hope during this difficult situation.”

The flood could have been a devastating setback for Chavez’s education had she not received help from TSTC.

“This is the kind of event that makes someone reflect, dig deep and question what they’re doing,” said Chavez. “I wanted to quit and work to help my husband, but this money saved me from that. And here I am, still going strong. TSTC needs to know how much that means to me.”

Chavez said that after receiving her money, she did extensive research into other services and resources TSTC offers because she was impressed with the amount of help it provides its students.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who TSTC has helped and allowed to continue working toward their dream,” she said. “Overall, this has taught me not to take anything for granted and that there is always hope.”

To learn more about helping students like Chavez, visit tstcfoundation.com.

From foster care to college: Mechatronics Technology student gets new perspective at TSTC

By Amanda Sotelo

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Madison Freeman is a long way from her hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and her move to the Rio Grande Valley was inspired by TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program. 

As a woman who grew up in the foster care system, being a college student is a dream come true.

“I moved from house to house until my grandmother was able to gain custody of me. But no matter what happened, college remained in the forefront,” said the 18-year-old. “And it was all somehow a blessing in disguise.”

At a young age, Freeman took an interest in robotics, engineering and how things work. So throughout junior high and high school, she focused on learning just that.

“This field (mechatronics) is so intriguing to me, and I’m happy to finally be at TSTC pursuing it as a career,” Freeman said. “I love breaking things apart and studying their complexities and mechanics, and my family knows that. So even though they were skeptical about me moving, they knew this was something I had to pursue.”

TSTC Mechatronics Technology student Madison Freeman

Before graduating from high school, Freeman competed in SkillsUSA’s state and national competitions in the Robotics: Urban Search and Rescue Challenge, placing in the top three statewide and earning a $1,500 scholarship from TSTC and the SkillsUSA organization for her achievement.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. 

Freeman said that in addition to the scholarship she received from TSTC and SkillsUSA, she receives assistance through a state foster care higher education program.

“All of the help I’ve received is a big deal for me,” she said. “It’s allowing me to follow my dreams.”

Freeman said that as a woman in a male-dominated field, her goal is to break barriers and help other women find their place in the industry without fear of failure.

“This is a man’s world, but if you take a look, more and more women are joining the industry. And we are just as successful,” she said. “And I want other women to come into this field confident and strong, because there are a number of opportunities for us.”

Freeman is starting out her college career with clear goals of what she wants to achieve, from stellar grades to a first-place spot at SkillsUSA nationals. She also hopes someday to make a difference as an inventor of new technology for the medical and educational fields.

“I’m excited for what’s to come and to see where I go,” said Freeman. “TSTC has given me a new perspective on my future.”

After receiving her associate degree in Mechatronics Technology, Freeman hopes to earn additional degrees at TSTC in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics and Digital Media Design to become a well-rounded inventor.

For more information on Mechatronics Technology at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology.

 

TSTC’s HVAC Technology Program Encourages Preventive Maintenance Ahead of Winter

(WACO, Texas) – Though the first cold front of the fall has not rolled through Central Texas yet, now is the time for consumers to think about testing their heating units so they can stay warm this winter.

“This is a good time to fire them up,” said Gary Lawson, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program in Waco.

Lawson said state-licensed contractors should be called to look at heating systems before the temperature drops. He said this is critical, especially for those with gas heaters.

Lawson advised people not to overly react if they smell something smoldering when heaters are turned on the first time.

“That is dust on the heat exchanger, or if it is a new one, it’s oil,” he said. “It burns off quickly.”

Lawson said people should check their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. And, they should look at digital thermometers to maintain accuracy.

Brayden Stanley, a TSTC HVAC Technology major from College Station, said people should check and replace filters and look at their heating system’s coils.

“Dirty coils won’t allow your condenser to reject heat,” Stanley said.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 49 percent of the country’s homes run on natural gas, while 34 percent use electricity. The agency recommends people set thermostats as low and comfortable as possible and install low-noise, high-efficiency exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to save on heating costs.

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

TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology Program Offers Hands-On Experience

(WACO, Texas) – Tyler Residori of Robinson is a Texas State Technical College student who has always had an interest in heavy equipment. As he said, he was “always tinkering with something” at a young age.

Residori is pursuing a degree in the Diesel Equipment Technology program that is providing him with exceptional experience.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology – John Deere Construction and Forestry gives students real-time experience in the construction world. 

Students who pursue this degree are required to be sponsored by a John Deere dealer that they plan to work for after graduation. This requires an internship with any John Deere equipment dealer across the state of Texas.

Residori is currently sponsored by RDO Equipment Co. in Hewitt, where he has worked for seven months as a heavy-equipment technician. Moving into the John Deere program was, and continues to be, a challenge for him.

“Nothing is easy,” he said. “You don’t see the same problem every day.”

While the degree program has its challenges, Residori said, “If you like working on heavy equipment, do it.”

The benefit for students who choose this degree plan is that if they maintain a 3.0 GPA, then the company will reimburse their tuition over the course of four to five years.

Another benefit is job security at a chosen John Deere dealership after they graduate. TSTC instructor Daniel Phillips said students have an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a realistic setting. 

“They are learning at school and getting hands-on experience all at the same time, and they don’t have to worry about getting a job when they graduate,” Phillips said. 

Lead instructor David Folz said the department has always had good luck placing its students in good jobs.

“If they are willing to work and they can present themselves, they have a job right now,” Folz said.

The Diesel Equipment Technology program also offers associate degrees in Heavy Truck and Off Highway Equipment. 

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

 

Mart Students Look to TSTC to Bolster Career Chances

(WACO, Texas) – Steven Sanchez of Mart is rolling through his first semester at Texas State Technical College.

Sanchez is balancing classes in the Cyber Security program and working part time at a Waco restaurant making sushi. He works three days a week on afternoon shifts and attends classes five days a week at TSTC.

“Making the sushi is pretty easy,” he said. “You have to know the combinations with the names. There is dexterity with the hand movement.”

Though there is pressure to create tightly rolled sushi to satisfy customers, Sanchez said he does not feel the heat being the first member of his family to go to college. He said he chose Cyber Security because it sounded intriguing.

“The work is challenging, considering I’m new at it,” he said.

Sanchez graduated ninth in a graduating class of 35 students earlier this year at Mart High School. The Mart native said he had a goal during his freshman year of high school to finish as close to the top of his class as he could.

He said teachers encouraged him and other students to take a look at TSTC after high school.

“Part of it was money,” Sanchez said. “I looked at the best choice.”

This semester, there are several TSTC students with Mart ties studying in technical programs such as Electrical Power and Controls, Environmental Technology Compliance, Occupational Safety Compliance Technology and Welding Technology.

Lisa Byrd, Mart High School’s counselor and testing coordinator, said students can utilize local scholarships provided by churches, families and organizations. She said more than $100,000 was given to the high school’s Class of 2019.

“Our community is absolutely amazing when it comes to sending kids to college,” Byrd said.

Byrd said parents and students should select colleges that are practical and fit with their life goals.

For Jacob Burney of Hallsburg, the fall semester signaled a return to TSTC. He graduated in 2015 from Mart High School and began studying Computer Science, but he dropped out to do maintenance work.

Burney said this time at TSTC feels different.

“Now I’m a more level-headed and responsible person,” he said.

Burney said he wanted to return to college because he wants to make more money.

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

TSTC Career Services Hosts Mock Interview Sessions for Students

(RED OAK, Texas) – Thirteen students in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus had the opportunity Wednesday morning to sit down with industry representatives to practice interview skills.

TSTC’s Career Services department hosted mock interviews in timed sessions for students to learn about their weaknesses and strengths and how to improve.

“I think it served a good purpose for our students,” said Peter Collier, a TSTC Career Services associate.

Jack Cahill of Lewisville is scheduled to graduate in spring 2020 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. He said his interviewer commended him on his enthusiasm.

“It was very valuable,” Cahill said. “I know next time I go into an interview what to expect and how to tackle situations.”

Hayden Rieper of Waxahachie is a Diesel Equipment Technology certificate student who said his interviewer liked his ability to answer questions and how he dressed.

“I learned how to go in more confident and know what to expect from an interview,” he said.

Carlo Amato, director of human resources at construction chemicals manufacturer Mapei Corp. in Deerfield Beach, Florida, which also has a location in Garland, said he was impressed with the students he met.

“I thought the students were earnest and likeable,” he said. “They were open about who they were and what they wanted.”

Amato said while some students need to work on their confidence, each came prepared to answer questions provided by Career Services.

“I see a bright future for all of them,” he said.

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

Mexia Students, Staff at TSTC Want to Motivate Others

(WACO, Texas) – Tyrez and Tyler Hines are getting used to the daily commute from their home in Mexia to Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus.

But Tyrez Hines admitted he was worried at first about the cost of gasoline.

“Once you pray about it and do what you need to do, you do it,” he said.

The brothers are in their first semester in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program. They have the same schedule, which enables them to learn about college readiness, technical calculations and blueprint reading together.

“For me, I have always been good with my hands,” Tyler Hines said. “I want to know what the problem is, why it is happening and how to fix it.”

For Tyrez Hines, the decision about what he would study came down to looking at his future.

“I want to be able to fix stuff around the house,” he said. “I want to know how to fix anything people would have to call someone to fix.”

After graduation, the brothers want to stay in the Mexia area and have a home construction business.

The brothers are among more than 20 students from Mexia who are enrolled this semester at TSTC’s Waco campus, with some in the Diesel Equipment Technology; Electrical Power and Controls; and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology programs.

TSTC HVAC Technology instructor Gary Lawson’s ties to Mexia run as deep as the soil he steps on to coach youth sports. Lawson grew up in Mexia and proudly displays a Mexia Black Cats seat cushion and family photos in his office.

And, he is eager to use his position at TSTC to encourage students from Mexia to think about their possibilities after high school.

“I want to see every one of them succeed,” Lawson said. “I am coaching kids from about 4 or 5 to high school age.The kids in Mexia are resilient. They don’t need much to survive. They just need someone to be there for them.”

Lawson wants to be an example for students to see.

He attended Mexia schools until seventh grade, but he graduated in 2005 from Hubbard High School. After high school, Lawson worked for a five-generation, family-owned HVAC business in Waco.

He graduated in 2010 from TSTC’s HVAC Technology program.

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

TSTC’s Student Support Services Holds Open House

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Student Support Services held an open house on Thursday to celebrate its new and larger space at the Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center.

Student Support Services provides child care assistance, a clothing closet, community resources, a food pantry and a lending library free to enrolled TSTC students.

“I just like being able to help anyway I can,” said Misty Kaska, Student Support Services’ coordinator.

Students needing child care can get information on state-licensed day care centers and after-school programs, said Kaska. Job interview-style clothing is available to students during the semester in which they are scheduled to graduate, and they can take advantage of a cap-and-gown loan program.

Students seeking assistance from the food pantry can pick up bags every 10 days.

“We try to not let them go shopping because we have to spread the love as much as we can,” Kaska said.

Kaska said students with at least a 2.0 grade point average and taking more than six semester credit hours can borrow books and tools for technical classes. She said industry code books and general academic books are not available.

Allison Haynes, a Cloud Computing major from Orange, Texas, and president of TSTC’s Student Government Association, said she utilizes the lending library because it works for her finances. She said having this and other services is good for students, especially those who are new to the campus and are learning to live on their own.

“Being away from home, they may not know what they need,” Haynes said. “It fills in the gaps to provide for themselves.”

Student Support Services was previously located at the Student Services Center.

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