(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Phillip Saldana, 27, graduated with an associate degree in 2018 from the Auto Collision and Management Technology at Texas State Technical College.

The Dallas native, who moved to the Rio Grande Valley to attend TSTC and whose father is also a TSTC alumnus from the engineering program, said the move was worth it because shortly after graduating he received a job offer from Collision Stop in Harlingen, where he is still employed.

He began as a detailer and after only a few months on the job, he was promoted to the company’s estimator.

What was your reaction when you first learned about your job offer?

Every year I would travel to the Valley to visit my grandparents and what I looked forward to the most was helping my grandpa refurbish cars. This was what sparked my interest in auto body work. So when I found out my job, it was the greatest feeling and relief knowing I was beginning my career doing something I love.

How did TSTC prepare you for your career?

TSTC prepared me with an excellent foundation. The program was industry-focused and provided real-world, hands-on assignments and projects that allowed us to practice our skills and be ready to hit the ground running when we entered the workforce. The program exceeded my expectations.

Who has had the greatest influence on your success?

My greatest influences are my family. My mom, dad and my grandma and grandpa who allowed me to live with them when I moved to the Valley. All of them have been supportive about my decision to attend TSTC and throughout my educational journey.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to gain as much experience as I can in the field and become a shop foreman or manager down the line. I want to grow in this field and hopefully someday open a shop of my own.

What would you tell a student thinking of pursuing a two-year degree vs. a four-year degree?

I would tell a student to not think twice about getting a two-year degree or a degree period. My two-year degree has been worth it and allowed me to begin my career. I would not be where I am without it. Education is the key to growth.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future TSTC students is make the most of your time at TSTC. Ask questions, stay focused and learn from your mistakes. TSTC leads to careers and growth. If I can do it, so can someone else.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Built from the ground up by Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructors and students, the program has a new pipe fitting training station for its Advanced Layout and Fabrication course.

The course, taken during a student’s third semester in the program, focuses on layout design, build and processes, blueprint reading and pipe fitting.

“This pipe fitting station takes our program and this course to the next level,” said TSTC lead Welding Technology instructor Ramiro Villarreal. “This carries our program forward, allows us to grow and produce well-rounded graduates that are in demand in our industry.”

Longtime TSTC Welding Technology instructor Kenny Moore said this new training station, which took six to eight weeks to build, allows the program to stay in the forefront of advanced welding training.

“This is a great opportunity for students looking to train with a top welding program right in their backyard,” said Moore. “It’s advancements like this that keep our program on top. And for the growth in industry that we’re seeing in our region, it’s important that our students and graduates learn the latest and greatest.”

Villarreal has been working closely with TSTC administration and leadership in creating and maintaining relationships with two industrial facilities located in the Port of Brownsville: Keppel AmFELS, a leader in mobile drilling rig, platform and container vessel construction, refurbishment and repair; and Texas LNG, a liquefied natural gas facility.

Both companies seek and hire skilled welders, solders and pipefitters for their facilities, and with major projects on the horizon their demand for these positions is expected to increase.

“While we’ve always trained in pipe welding and fitting, it’s now more important than ever that we emphasize its processes and ensure that our students have the basic knowledge they need to hit the ground running and find successful careers with either these companies or others like them,” said Villarreal.”

The Advanced Layout and Fabrication course is 15 weeks and is available to all Welding Technology students pursuing a certificate 1, certificate 2 or associate degree.

Villarreal and Moore said this new training station goes beyond technical skill training, it also provides soft skills such as teamwork, communication, quality control and leadership.

“Throughout the semester students will work in teams to complete projects using the new station,” said Moore. “And every week a new team lead is chosen to give everyone project management experience. Nowadays you need more than technical skills to get hired and we want our students to be prepared.”

With the new pipe fitting station, Villarreal said Welding Technology will be able to provide continuing education training in the future for Keppal AmFELS, Texas LNG and other companies around the Rio Grande Valley.

“What we have built not only allows us to train our students, but industry professionals who want a refresher or to learn something new,” said Villarreal. “We have built a number of opportunities for everyone.”

Last year TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Harlingen was ranked number 7 in the nation by Washington Monthly, in part because of its 96 percent job placement rate.

Graduates from the program learn the fundamentals of welding such as metal arc welding, multiple process welding, welding automation and welding codes, standards and safety, and can work as welders, cutter, solders, brazers, pipe fitters, and brazing machine setters, operators and tenders for manufacturing shops, ship building yards, oil fields, and maintenance shops.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of welders is projected to grow six percent, in response to the nation’s aging infrastructure. The 2018 median pay for a welder was more than $40,000 a year.

Welding Technology is offered at all TSTC campuses.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It was a first-of-its-kind event for Texas State Technical College as the college welcomed two high school seniors with a signing day and scholarship presentation in a ceremony at Harlingen High School (HHS) on Wednesday.

Sadat Gutierrez, 18, and Anyssa Huerta, 17, are both masonry students at HHS and next fall will begin pursuing associate degrees in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program.

“It’s an honor to celebrate these students’ great accomplishments,” said TSTC Provost Cledia Hernandez. “And at TSTC, our students’ success is at the forefront of everything we do. It’s exciting to see these young women lead as an example in a male-dominated field. Seeing these women excel makes me so proud.”

And excel they have. Both women recently competed in SkillsUSA and medaled in their category: masonry.

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; local, state and national competitions; leadership conferences; and other activities.

Huerta earned a bronze medal and a $1,500 scholarship, while Gutierrez was awarded gold, earning 30 points more than a male peer who has won first place in SkillsUSA every year. Gutierrez also received a $6,000 scholarship.

The scholarships, which were presented to the women by Hernandez and TSTC Building Construction Technology instructors, can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or room and board.

“These are some of my top students; they’re leaders in class,” said HHS masonry instructor Victor Santillan. “Going to TSTC is going to give them so many opportunities, and I’m glad (TSTC has) taken the time to recognize their achievements because this program (Building Construction Technology) is going to allow them to step into great careers and broaden their horizons.”

Gutierrez and Huerta both said they were placed in their masonry class by mistake their sophomore year, but said someone knew what they were doing because it literally paved the way for their future.

“I knew nothing about masonry before coming into this class. I even tried to get out. But I needed an elective, and this was the only one available,” Gutierrez reminisced. “But I ended up loving it; it ended up opening so many doors for me.”

Huerta shared the same sentiment.

“I was supposed to be pursuing a degree in engineering right now,” she said. “But when I was enrolled in this class, everything changed. I’m now looking forward to a successful career in construction, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s become a true passion.”

Both women said they are excited to start at TSTC in August and hope to continue competing in SkillsUSA at the postsecondary level. They agreed that the scholarships have brought a great relief to them and their families.

“I’m set,” said Gutierrez. “This money, along with some other scholarships and financial aid I have received, will get me through my program. I couldn’t be any more grateful to SkillsUSA and TSTC for making this possible.”

As for Huerta, she said her scholarship, along with financial aid, will allow her to earn a college degree without needing to touch student loans.

“Debt-free is how I want to graduate,” she said. “This scholarship is a huge help, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds. TSTC, here I come.”

Hernandez added that she is happy to welcome these two women into the TSTC family to earn their degrees and advance their careers.

“We’re excited to present these scholarships because it will allow them to continue finding their passion,” said Hernandez. “And we are dedicated to working to ensure that they get the skills they need to find high-paying jobs. We thank them for trusting us with their higher education.”

For more information on Building Construction Technology at TSTC, go to www.tstc.edu.