Category Archives: All TSTC

TSTC in East Williamson County Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

(HUTTO) – Three employees at Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County have been honored for their work and skills.

George Fields, an Industrial Electrical Systems instructor; Abigail Flores, an enrollment coach and Michael Smith, an associate field development officer for The TSTC Foundation, have received Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s new direction,” said TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”  

Fields has been at TSTC for seven years.

“I am motivated by students from diverse demographics who want to become skilled in the trades,” he said. “I am continually being exposed to new trends in my field and thus to new learning and teaching opportunities.”

Flores works with TSTC students from enrollment until they graduate.

“What motivates me is knowing that we are helping our students improve their future,” she said.

Flores worked for 10 years at TSTC in Harlingen before moving in 2017 to TSTC in Williamson County.

She is a graduate of TSTC’s Business Office Technology program.

Smith’s job is to build long-term and sustainable relationships for the campus and increase The TSTC Foundation’s ability to provide financial assistance to students.

“I embrace the concept of meeting companies and donors where they are, and that can mean starting early in the morning or ending late in the evening,” he said. “Some days I’m in a three-piece suit, and others I’m in blue jeans and an apron preparing lunch to say ‘thank you’ to one of our partners.”

Smith has worked for three years at TSTC.

“Being a smaller campus, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know each of the members on our campus and appreciate not just their hard work, but their friendship.”

Fields, Flores and Smith will join 32 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration in May in Austin.

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

TSTC in East Williamson County Employees Recognized With Statewide Award

TWIC Recognizes Five TSTC Technical Programs

(WACO) – Five technical programs at Texas State Technical College were recently recognized by the Office of the Governor’s Texas Workforce Investment Council at a ceremony in Austin.

Associate of Applied Science degree programs for Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Process Operations, Solar Energy Technology and Wind Energy Technology were recognized for merging industry-defined skills standards into hands-on learning.

“Being recognized by the TWIC is the culmination of hard work and dedication of the program leads and instructors,” said Tony Abad, a member of TSTC’s Board of Regents. “The best part is that the students are the real winners.”

With TSTC students learning the skills standards, the programs are meeting the needs of state employers in creating a competitive workforce, according to the TWIC.

Mark Plough, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Biomedical Equipment Technology for the Harlingen and Waco campuses, said it was easy to include the standards in the curriculum.

“Since we have the equipment and the instructors with the background of field experience, I think that helps us a lot,” he said.

Plough said the caliber of students coming into the program is improving.

“The students are more motivated,” he said. “We are able to place our graduates. Our program is recognized as one of the top programs in the country for two-year technical and community college-type programs.”

Eric Carithers, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Electrical Lineworker Technology for the Fort Bend County, Marshall and Waco campuses, credited the Texas Workforce Commission for using industry data to define key skills needed to be successful in technical occupations.

“Being recognized by the TWIC ensures that our students are being taught the most up-to-date and relevant skills in their pathway to the workforce,” Carithers said. “This is a large part of what makes our students from these programs elite to our industry partners.”

Other TSTC programs receiving the recognition are the Process Operations program in Marshall, the Solar Energy Technology program in Waco and the Wind Energy Technology program in Harlingen and Sweetwater.

“With this recognition, students have a state of Texas golden seal on their certificates of completion,” Carithers said. “With this seal, it is stating that our programs are being backed by the governor of Texas. What a wonderful thing to be able to tell a prospective student. Not many people can put that type of credential on their resume.”

Only 23 Texas colleges offer programs with the industry-defined skills standards designation, according to the TWIC.

The TWIC promotes the development of a highly-skilled, well-educated workforce and meets the needs of Texas businesses of all sizes. The TWIC carries out these mandates through strategic planning, reviewing local and state workforce plans and maintaining the Texas Skills Standards system.

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

TWIC Recognizes Five TSTC Technical Programs

TSTC Hosts Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Information Seminar

(Sweetwater) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Texas State Technical College is helping to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence by partnering with representatives from Hendrick Medical Center and Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital to provide information seminars.

A session was held on the TSTC campus in Sweetwater on Friday, April 12, and more are scheduled for the summer and fall semesters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women and one in nine men are victims of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

Griselda Sanchez, director of Student Services at TSTC in Sweetwater, said she sees this as an opportunity to delve further into the information already given to faculty, staff and students.

“TSTC makes sure to have these discussions with everyone once they get on board with us. But, it’s important for us to give our people in-depth information of how to prevent, report and help those suffering from sexual assault or domestic violence because it can happen to anyone, anywhere,” Sanchez said.

Stephanie Lebowitz, trauma coordinator and emergency manager for Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, led the domestic violence information session, while Ann Marie Willoughby, outreach clinical lead for Hendrick Medical Center, led the sexual assault session.

Lebowitz stressed the importance of empowering victims and educating residents of rural areas.

“The attorney general has recognized the prevalence of abuse in rural areas, and the lack of reporting and resources available.  So, we have been given the means to educate, spread awareness and help unite communities to rally around these victims and help them,” Lebowitz said.

Lebowitz and Willoughby said people think of domestic violence and sexual assault as separate, but they can be interconnected.

“Sexual assault is more common than burglary on most college campuses. I’m not saying TSTC, but at colleges in general students have a chance of being assaulted, and we want to educate them, and faculty and staff, so they can help each other,” Willoughby said.

For TSTC automotive instructor John Kirchmeier, the message hit home.

“Everything they said was spot-on. It’s important for us to know this information because we are with the students every day, and we may see something. We have to be the first line of defense,” Kirchmeier said.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 800-656-HOPE (4673). The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-SAFE (7233).

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

TSTC Hosts Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Information Seminar

Students, faculty and staff listened to presentations about domestic violence and sexual assault from representatives from Hendrick Medical Center and Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital.

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TSTC in Marshall PMT Program Adding Night Classes This Fall

(MARSHALL) – Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program in Marshall will offer its first night classes starting this fall.

“The goal of this is to try and help those who are working during the day to have an option for taking classes in the evening and to try to grow the PMT program in Marshall,” said Daniel Nixon, a TSTC program instructor. “I am looking forward to being able to serve our students during the evening hours.”

Kelly Overby, business retention and expansion director at the Longview Economic

Development Corporation, applauded the night classes.

“We have an under-employed workforce, and not very many people can afford to just not work and go to school,” she said. “For TSTC to make the decision to offer the classes at night gives the affordability so people can work a full-time job and go to school at night to get their skills higher up and make more money.”

There are more than 1,500 computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers for metals and plastics in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers are concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth and The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land areas. The annual mean wage is more than $58,000, according to the agency.

Faye Pettigrew, human resources director at Tyler Pipe and Coupling, said the company uses job search engines to fill available positions.

“The need is there,” she said. “A skilled trade alone, whether it is CNC (computer numerically controlled), electrical or millwright individuals, is extremely hard to fill.”

TSTC in Marshall’s program will continue to offer day classes. The program offers a machining certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology.

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

 

TSTC and 3M Brownwood Celebrate TWC Skills Development Fund Grant

(Brownwood) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College, the Texas Workforce Commission and 3M Brownwood gathered Thursday to commemorate a $78,771 Skills Development Fund grant aimed at improving 35 workers’ skills at the 3M Brownwood facility.

The grant will provide customized training for 33 incumbent and two new 3M Brownwood employees that will take place at both TSTC in Brownwood and the 3M Brownwood plant. Employees will receive training in electrical safety and craft skills training.

3M Brownwood EHS/Plant Engineering Manager Chad Benton believes this is a great opportunity to improve the skills of their employees.

“The increase of new technology at the plant means we need to increase the skills of our folks operating the technology,” Benton said. “This grant is a big success for TSTC, for us and for the community.”

Training is already underway and will be completed in July.

“TSTC has an impeccable record. They are following the governor’s orders and putting people to work. When we gather for events like this, it shows, and we see all the partnerships needed to create jobs and support the economy,” Julian Alvarez, commissioner representing labor for the Texas Workforce Commission, said.

Ray Tipton, executive director for the Brownwood Municipal Development District, said he is excited and thankful for what the grant will do not only for the 3M employees, but also for the city of Brownwood.

TSTC in West Texas Provost Rick Denbow agreed, saying he believes this is a success that will be felt beyond Brownwood.

“This is a win for everybody. It’s a win for the employees, the local economy, the state of Texas and for TSTC. We are putting people to work, and that’s what TSTC was chartered to do,” Denbow said.

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

3M Brownwood began manufacturing in 1965 and is a leading manufacturer of reflective sheeting for highway signs, license plates, protective clothing and security laminates throughout the world.

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

TSTC and 3M Brownwood Celebrate TWC Skills Development Fund Grant

From left to right, Chad Benton, EHS/Plant Engineering Manager at 3M-Brownwood, Julian Alvarez, Commissioner for the Texas Workforce Commission and Rick Denbow, Provost at Texas State Technical College in West Texas hold the check for $78,771 from Texas Workforce Solutions.

 

TSTC Career Services Hosts Mock Interview Sessions for Students

(RED OAK) – More than 20 Texas State Technical College in North Texas students had the opportunity Wednesday morning to sit down with area industry representatives to practice interview skills.

TSTC’s Career Services department hosted mock interviews for the first time for students to learn their strengths and weaknesses. Students had three timed sessions with recruiting and human resources workers from area companies.

“It did what it intended to do,” said Frank Green, a corporate recruiter at Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, who was one of the interviewers. “It gave them interview experience and feedback that they would not (otherwise) get.”

Green said he noticed the Industrial Maintenance and Welding Technology students he spoke to had good eye contact and were engaged throughout their interviews. But, he said some students need to work on general interview preparation, like having a resume to present and  not chewing gum.

“They all had individual qualities,” Green said.

Doug Sturdivant, human resources manager at Facility Solutions Group in Dallas, said the interview simulations were beneficial to help students get ready for the job market upon graduation.

“With the three students I saw, their attitudes were good,” Sturdivant said. “They were nervous. Most of them were willing to communicate.”

TSTC Industrial Maintenance major Karlos Alfaro of Terrell said he learned to work on his posture and focus more on eye contact.

One of Alfaro’s classmates in Industrial Maintenance, Alex McDonald of Waxahachie, said he was nervous at first but became comfortable as the morning went on.

“I need to elaborate on my answers and sell myself more,” McDonald said. “I need to ask more questions.”

Fagen Jones, a TSTC Career Services coordinator, said she wants to organize interview simulations each spring and fall.

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

TSTC Career Services Hosts Mock Interview Sessions for Students

Two Employees at TSTC Recognized for Outstanding Service

(Abilene) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Abilene have been honored for their dedication and service.

Matt Briggs, the clinical coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program, and Susan Cowart, an instructor for academic English and Humanities, were selected to receive TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

“The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a yearly recognition for teammates who consistently go above and beyond their normal job duties to improve our students’, and/or our College’s, success. Matt and Susan display, on a daily basis, these lofty attributes,” Rick Denbow, provost at TSTC in West Texas, said.

The Chancellor’s Excellence Award began in 2001 and has been given to more than 300 TSTC employees statewide. Recipients are nominated by their peers for their work toward advancing the technical college’s mission.

“The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their sound character and for advancing TSTC’s new direction,” TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser said. “Due to their caring and dedicated efforts, TSTC continues to make a difference in the employment success of our students.”

Briggs joined TSTC in 2015 and said he was shocked by the recognition. He says he is determined to find out who nominated him so he can say thank you.

“It’s just such an awesome honor because there are so many people who are doing their job really well, and to be recognized as one of those people makes me want to keep going and do even better,” he said.

Briggs said TSTC has become part of his family and he loves working with people who have the same passion as he has.

“My favorite part of this job is watching our students walk across that stage and graduate because you know they are about to make a positive impact on the world,” he said.

After working as a paramedic for nine years, Briggs felt called to enter the education world and help people in a new way. He hopes to help expand the EMS program at TSTC and spread awareness of the need for more EMS professionals.

Cowart was also surprised to learn she was a recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence Award.

“I was in a state of shock because I haven’t been here very long, but it felt so validating,” she said.

Cowart began teaching English and Humanities classes at TSTC in 2015. She teaches both online and in-person classes.

“Education is so powerful. And if I can help these students become good communicators, that opens so many doors on top of their technical skills,” she said.

Cowart earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Louisiana State University at Alexandria and her first master’s in English from DePaul University. She decided to pursue a second master’s in Education Technology and Instructional Design from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to better serve her students. She completed the degree while continuing to teach her regular course load.

“I am so glad I am at TSTC in West Texas because there is a definite sense of family and support here. It just makes you want to do your best,” Cowart said.

Briggs and Cowart will join 33 other TSTC employees statewide who will be honored at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development’s Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration in May in Austin.

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

Matt Briggs, from Texas State Technical College in Abilene, is the Clinical Coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program. He was awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award. 
Two Employees at TSTC Recognized for Outstanding Service
Susan Cowart, from Texas State Technical College in Abilene, teaches academic English and Humanities. She was awarded the Chancellor’s Excellence Award. 

A veteran’s success has reached new heights at TSTC

(HARLINGEN) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home.

After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree.

“The military was my life. It was my career,” said Jeffries. “I never imagined that I would be a college student, much less be this close to graduating.”

Jeffries expects to earn his certificate and associate degree in Wind Energy Technology in May and currently boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“This is a second career for me and I expect it to sustain my family and me until I retire,” he said. “I did a lot of research before enrolling and I’m confident that I’m going to have a great paying, stable job for a long time. There is a lot of growth and opportunity in this industry.”Jeromy Jeffries Wind Energy Technology student

Employment of wind turbine service technicians is projected to grow 96 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with wind electricity expected to continue growing rapidly opportunities are expected to increase.

In an article by Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Sergio Contreras, Texas is a leader in wind energy power with close to 25,000 Texans working in support of the wind industry.

He states that the impact of these thousands of jobs is also felt in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Opportunities range from the fastest-growing middle-wage position in Texas, wind turbine technician, to the construction workers and suppliers that support continued growth of the state’s wind industry,” said Contreras. “In fact, TSTC in Harlingen Wind Energy Technology program graduates are earning an annual average salary, with a two-year degree, of $53,000, which can go to $90,000.”

Jeffries said knowing the type of opportunities that lay ahead, he made it his goal to work hard and maintain an “A” average and a knowledge that would be impressive to employers.

His determination paid off because he recently accepted an internship position with transition to full-time employment with One Wind Renewable Energy Services in Willacy County as a Wind Turbine Technician starting in April.

“I treat school as a job and I do my very best,” said Jeffries. “And I’m excited for the opportunity I have been presented with and I look forward to beginning my career.”

He credits his success to not only his instructors, who have been a source of knowledge and experience for him, but also the TSTC Veteran Center for helping him in his transition from military to civilian life.

TSTC is a Gold-Level Military Friendly School and the TSTC Veterans Center serves veterans and their dependents as a centralized one-stop shop to get assistance with admission, financial aid, GI Bill and Hazlewood applications, in addition to other internal and external services and referrals to ensure a successful college experience.

“It’s been a difficult transition, but the Veterans Center helping me with all of my documents and processes, and my instructors and classmates who have become family, have made it a bit easier,” he said. “And I know that my two-year degree is going to take me far.”

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology, visit tstc.edu/programs/WindEnergyTechnology.

Student Success Profile – Daniel Rodriguez

(HARLINGEN) – Daniel Rodriguez Student Success ProfileDaniel Rodriguez, 21, is a Computer Maintenance Technology student at Texas State Technical College and maintains a 3.7 grade-point average.

The Harlingen native already holds an associate degree from TSTC in Computer Networking and Security Technology, which he earned in Spring 2018.

Rodriguez volunteers at the Harlingen Public Library for the children/teen department because he hopes to be a role model for those younger than him.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I hope to work for the city of Harlingen or the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District as a computer technician.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to work as a computer or network technician and expand and enhance the Rio Grande Valley’s networking infrastructure.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishments are my first associate degree and becoming a college graduate, maintaining my GPA and making it on the dean’s list for my grades and also earning a President’s Volunteer Service Award for my hours of community service.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to have patience and perseverance. Don’t let self-doubt keep you from your plan or goal. Be confident and overcome obstacles.

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

I have a number of people who influenced my success, but the ones who have stood out and really pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me when I doubted myself are my English instructor Timothy Kikos, Physics instructor Jose Alvarez, Computer Maintenance instructor Alex Alcoser, Computer Science Division associate professor Norma Colunga-Hernandez and Business Management Technology professor Edna Claus.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

Don’t let people shame you because you’re enrolled at a two-year technical college. There are many benefits to a two-year versus a four-year degree. TSTC is a great place to learn, grow and it’ll lead to a great career. I know many people who have found success through TSTC, all anyone has to do is work hard, have confidence and believe.

TSTC’s Industry Job Fair places students, helps meet industry demand

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College was created to place more Texans in great-paying jobs, fill the middle-skills gap and meet industry demand, and it leads numerous initiatives throughout the year to accomplish its mission.

One of these initiatives is the biannual Industry Job Fair, where TSTC students and alumni can meet potential employers. The event was recently hosted not only in Harlingen, but also at several other campuses throughout the state.

“This event is growing in popularity statewide,” said Viviana Espinosa, director of Talent Management and Career Services. “Industry is looking for qualified, highly-skilled graduates, and they know they can find that right here at TSTC.”TSTC Spring 2019 Industry Job Fair

More than 500 TSTC students and alumni, and more than 60 company representatives, attended this month’s fair in Harlingen.

The event served as an opportunity for recruiters and students to connect and network. TSTC students and alumni were able to submit resumes and applications, and numerous companies conducted on-site interviews.

“Our students’ skills and knowledge really make an impression with employers,” said Espinosa. “A number of our students are usually hired during this event, even before they graduate.”

TSTC’s overall job placement rate is 94 percent, and many TSTC graduates land jobs with good starting salaries and full benefits packages.

“Two-year degrees are enough for these students to find very successful positions,” said Espinosa. “They’re work-ready, and many of our certificate graduates find similar opportunities.”

Because many of TSTC’s students gain the hands-on training and experience they need to be successful in the classroom, Espinosa said they are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce, with little on-the-job training needed.

Robert Salazar, who is in charge of senior talent acquisition at Tenaris, said he hires most of his employees from TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance and Engineering programs.

TSTC Spring 2019 Industry Job Fair

“The training that students get at TSTC encompasses everything from the basic skills to troubleshooting and real-world experience that help companies like us because they don’t require much training when they get hired,” he said. “And it’s great that TSTC puts us in connection with these students before they even graduate. They help us fill an immediate need.”

Joe Lopez, senior superintendent at Joeris General Contractors in San Antonio and a TSTC Building Construction Technology alumnus, said they currently employ about seven TSTC alumni and are ready to hire more TSTC graduates.

“At the moment, we’re focused on hiring carpenters. And from my experience, TSTC students possess the skills they need to go far with the company,” he said. “There’s always a demand for skilled labor, and we can find qualified candidates at TSTC.”

Espinosa said this semester’s Industry Job Fair was a success, thanks to industry partners, TSTC faculty and staff, and her Talent Management and Career Services team.

“Our Industry Job Fairs are a success because of the support we receive from everyone,” she said. “I’m grateful for everyone’s efforts in ensuring that our students find success and get that job offer.”

TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services department offers Industry Job Fairs, interview practicums, resume building, and interview coaching statewide for all TSTC students and alumni.

For more information on the services offered, call 956-364-4940.

For more information on TSTC, visit tstc.edu.