(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In one year, Texas State Technical College student Christopher Machado will earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology, making him the first in his family to graduate from college.

But the 19-year-old also has one other thing to be proud of: He already has a full-time job in his chosen career field.

“It’s great to be working already,” said Machado. “I feel like this makes me one step closer to my goal.”

The Brownsville native is a lube technician at Luke Fruia Motors in Brownsville.

“Once I started school, I realized it was time to find a place where I can grow,” he said. “And that’s were Luke Fruia came into the picture.”

Machado said his interest in cars goes back to his being a child helping his father and uncle repair and refurbish vintage cars.

“I grew up around auto mechanics. That’s all I’ve ever known,” he said. “Yet not going to college wasn’t an option. So TSTC’s automotive program was the perfect choice.”

From hands-on training in the classroom to using what he learns in real life, Machado has become a well-rounded student.

“I take things from the classroom and apply it at work, and I take things from work and apply it in the classroom,” he said. “I already feel like I’ve grown as an automotive professional because of this opportunity.”

Machado also credits his instructors for his newfound success.

“They have so much experience and knowledge to pass along,” he said. “Not to mention they’re understanding. They have been able to work with my schedule so that I can work but still get my education.”

Cris Cisneros, Luke Fruia Motors’ service manager and Machado’s direct supervisor, described Machado as a skilled, dependable, reliable and punctual employee.

“He may still be a student, but he came to us with impressive skills and the willingness to learn,” said Cisneros. “He is a great asset to the company, and there will be growth opportunities for him in the near future.”

Cisneros added that Luke Fruia has a longtime relationship with TSTC and has hired other TSTC automotive students and graduates in the past.

“We’ve always had a great experience with TSTC, its instructors, students and graduates,” he said. 

Although Machado has already learned a lot and improved on his skills since entering the program, he said he still has a lot to learn.

“All of the experiences I have been exposed to have opened my eyes into deeper levels of the industry,” he said. “There are constantly new techniques and processes to learn, and I know this next year will continue to prepare me for my career.”

Machado’s ultimate goal is to work on race cars, and he knows that to get good-paying jobs, education is key.

“Education is so important to me because that’s what’s going to open doors of opportunity for me in this industry,” he said. “Nearly every job requires some sort of certificate or degree.”

Automotive Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater and Waco campuses.

For more information on Automotive Technology, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/AutomotiveTechnology.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Graduates from Business Management Technology at Texas State Technical College can work in a variety of industries, some even becoming entrepreneurs or business owners.

TSTC Business Management Technology lead instructor Edna Claus said that in order to prepare the program’s students for successful careers, faculty focus on hands-on training that will allow for quick learning and well-rounded graduates.

“Our program is a great place to gain the experience you need to learn the ins and outs of a business environment,” said Claus. “And we do whatever possible to help our students and graduates succeed.”

Claus added that Business Management Technology graduates are always in demand regionally and statewide, and job opportunities are virtually limitless. The program currently boasts a 95% job placement rate and is also offered 100% online.  

Claus went on to give an in-depth look into the program.

What is the length of the program?

Business Management Technology offers two pathways. A student can obtain either a Certificate 2 in one year or an Associate of Applied Science degree in 1 1/2 years.

What can students expect when they graduate?

In addition to earning a certificate or associate degree, students also have the option of getting a Microsoft Office Specialist certification and a QuickBooks certification.

What skills do students learn in Business Management Technology?

Students in the program learn advanced Microsoft Office skills in areas such as Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint; management skills in marketing, human resources and communication; accounting principles and payroll; and business operations and business-plan writing.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Business Management Technology students have access to five fully-equipped labs complete with industry-standard software for training. Students are also required to create a LinkedIn account complete with a professional headshot and resume that will help with the job-placement process.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

By training with industry-standard software, students will be familiar with what they encounter in the workforce and will have the skills necessary to successfully complete work-related tasks, which will open doors of opportunities and growth.

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

Graduates from this program can work as bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks; billing and posting clerks; payroll and timekeeping clerks; secretaries and administrative assistants; and entrepreneurs.

They can find employment in a number of places, such as schools, restaurants, retail and food stores, and government agencies. 

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College will offer evening classes starting in Spring 2020 for the first time.

TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez said this change came about because of student and industry demand.

“This change is going to allow for more student flexibility,” said Gonzalez. “There is no need for someone to have to give up an education because they have responsibilities and obligations during the day.”

Starting next semester, both Precision Machining Technology certificate and associate degree plans will be 100% obtainable by taking evening courses, with classes and labs open Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

“This expansion has been in the works for about a year,” said Gonzalez. “We’re excited to kick it off next semester. We already have students registered and ready to take the next step toward a career.”

Gonzalez added that by expanding the program’s offerings, it will be able to serve and retain more students, in line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans in great-paying jobs.

“Highly skilled and well-trained machinists are in high demand right now, regionally and statewide,” said Gonzalez. “This is going to help us meet industry demand, meaning our students will be more marketable and sought-after.”

The program already boasts a 98% job-placement rate, with many of its students accepting job offers before they graduate.

Many of the industry partners hiring the program’s graduates are also interested in sending employees to TSTC for additional training.

“Not only will offering evening classes open doors to more students, but it also benefits our industry partners who want additional training for their employees,” said Gonzalez. “They will now be able to work by day and study by night.”

Gonzalez said evening classes are just the beginning for Precision Machining Technology. Starting in 2021, the program will expand to include performance-based education and online classes.

Performance-based education will give students the flexibility of choosing a schedule that fits their lifestyle and also set them up to graduate quicker.

“Evening classes, online classes and flexible schedules are all growing in popularity,” said Gonzalez. “And by bringing this to our students, they will be able to begin their careers faster.”

Any new student who registers for evening classes before December 6 will be eligible for a $500 Gene Haas Scholarship, and Brownsville residents who register will also be eligible for a $500 Mike Hernandez Scholarship.

Registration for Spring 2020 has begun and runs through January 10.

For more information on Precision Machining Technology, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/PrecisionMachiningTechnology.    

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With manufacturing on the rise, the number of skilled machinists needed in the industry is also increasing.

And Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College is working to produce the machinists needed to meet the demand.

TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez said he receives phone calls very often from local and statewide companies requesting his graduates, and with a job placement rate of 98%, many of the program’s students accept job offers before even graduating.

What is the length of the program?

Precision Machining Technology offers two degree paths: certificate, one year; associate of applied science, two years.

What can students expect when they graduate?

Before graduating from Precision Machining Technology, students have the option to earn a Haas Certification, which certifies them as a computer numerical control (CNC) machinist, and a Mastercam Certification, which certifies that the student is trained and knowledgeable in computer-aided manufacturing software.

What skills do students learn in Precision Machining Technology?

Students in the program will learn skills in manufacturing programming, design, manual machining, CNC programming and machining, blueprint reading and engineering graphics.

In addition to technical skills, students will also learn soft skills such as communication, time management, and organization.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Precision Machining Technology focuses its training on hands-on learning. Students in the program have access to a fully equipped machine shop with machining tools, CNC machines, lathes, mills and precision grinders. Computer labs are also available for students to learn and practice their skills in design and programming.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

By learning these skills, students will become well-rounded Precision Machining Technology graduates who are familiar with and have knowledge about industry-standard equipment and processes. Their versatile skills and additional certifications will allow them to be more marketable and competitive when starting their careers.

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

Graduates from the program can find positions as CNC technicians, manual machinists, tool and die machinists, and quality control inspectors.

Companies that have already hired TSTC Precision Machining Technology graduates include Atlantic Tool & Die, Consulting Point, Delta Centrifugal, ITD Precision, Raytheon and Toyota.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a first-generation college student, Marisol Arias is proving to herself and others that she can break barriers for herself and her family.

The Brownsville native is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology student at Texas State Technical College, where she is expected to graduate in Spring 2020 with an associate degree.

“I can’t believe it’s almost time,” said the 19-year-old. “It’s exciting. I can’t wait to discover all of the opportunities out there.”

In fact, opportunity has already come knocking.

Arias is working in her degree field at Home and Commercial Designs in Brownsville, where she was hired after completing a one-year internship.

“This has been a huge opportunity for me to practice my skills and apply what I am learning in the classroom to the real world,” she said. “To be getting this type of experience before graduating is surreal and a dream come true.”

Arias said her love for art and drawing led her to architecture and design in high school, and when she had the opportunity to take an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics class at TSTC as a high school student, she knew this was her program of choice.

But being the first in her family to attend college, she had a few hurdles to jump.

“I navigated a lot of the high-school-to-college transition on my own,” she said. “The process was foreign to my family, but thankfully my high school counselors and the staff at TSTC helped me figure it all out.”

By overcoming these obstacles, Arias said she had access to hands-on training that is preparing her for a successful career, instructors who have supported and encouraged her, and an internship that has allowed her to start her career before even graduating.

“I never imagined I would be where I am today,” she said. “I have gained so much by attending TSTC, and it’s only the beginning.”

Arias boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and said her goal is to maintain it so she can graduate as a TSTC Board of Regents honors graduate and make her family proud.

“Everything I am doing is to give my family a better future,” she said. “I want to help my parents with financial stability and be able to support my brother’s educational journey. I hope I can make them proud.”

Arias’ parents always emphasized the importance of an education and college.

“In our home, education has always been a priority,” said Arias. “And I want to set that example for my brother and pave the way for him. He has already said he’s coming to TSTC.”

With hopes of growing within the industry, Arias also dreams of owning an architectural design firm someday.

“I have my entire future ahead of me. Only time will tell where I end up,” she said. “But one thing for sure is that I am proud that I will be able to call myself a college graduate.”

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics is also offered online, and beginning in Spring 2020 it will offer evening classes.

For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/DraftingDesign. 

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Attending the biannual Industry Job Fair at Texas State Technical College has become a tradition for directors and managers from Laughlin Air Force Base’s Civil Service Maintenance Directorate.

Joseph Cortinas, Laughlin’s aircraft maintenance project manager, joined more than 60 other industry partners on Thursday during the college’s Industry Job Fair.

“This fair is a great recruitment pipeline for us,” said Cortinas. “We admire TSTC’s aviation programs for their structured training. TSTC is always a good experience for us.”

Cortinas said they have hired TSTC aviation graduates from the college’s Harlingen, Waco and West Texas campuses.

“TSTC graduates are well trained and ready to work,” he said. “And this is why we keep coming back.”

Cortinas and his colleagues conducted more than 10 interviews with TSTC students, all of whom they considered excellent job candidates.

TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology instructor Leo Guajardo said he is excited when his students are presented with opportunities like the job fair, which introduces them to recruiters like Cortinas.

“Some of my students have already been given preliminary job offers,” he said. “This job fair allows them to see and speak one-on-one with recruiters, and I’m excited to see them excel.”

But with more than 600 TSTC students and alumni in attendance, others also had a successful day.

Raul Ledezma, an alumnus of TSTC’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, was interviewed on-site and given a job offer by Hellas Construction.

“Hellas was the first table I stopped at,” said the 46-year-old. “I never expected to be invited for an interview. I haven’t even made my way around the fair. I’m extremely excited and happy right now.”

Ledezma graduated earlier this month from the CDL program after being laid off from his job in the oil field.

“I only learned about the CDL program when I went to the workforce office after my layoff,” he said. “They even helped me pay for the class. It’s all happened so quickly, but it has definitely paid off.”

TSTC Director of Career Services Viviana Espinosa said that every year the job fair, which is held in fall and spring semesters, grows exponentially, and an increasing number of students and alumni receive job offers on-site.

“This is our largest fall Industry Job Fair to date,” said Espinosa. “And it’s because of our industry partners and our students. They make this event a success.”

Espinosa added that she receives positive feedback from industry representatives after every fair.

“I’m always told that the fair exceeds expectations,” she said. “And knowing about today’s hires, it’s evident that our students make a great impression.”

TSTC’s Industry Job Fair is in line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans in great-paying jobs.

“This provides the opportunity to show our students how their skills are in demand,” said Espinosa. “And it gives them a chance to network, showcase their skills and take the step toward a successful career.”

For more information on the services offered by TSTC Career Services, visit https://tstc.edu/student_life/careerservices.   

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cooking and baking are only a couple of the skills students learn in Culinary Arts at Texas State Technical College.

Emma Creps, TSTC Culinary Arts lead instructor, said with an industry that is growing, graduates from the program can find opportunities to begin their careers.

“Many of our graduates are placed in leadership positions within the food industry immediately after graduating,” said Creps. “And a lot of that has to do with the type of training they receive in our program. From technical to soft skills, we focus on making sure they are job-ready.”

Creps went on to explain what a TSTC Culinary Arts student can expect while in the program.

What is the length of the program?

Culinary Arts offers two pathways. A student can earn either a certificate in three semesters or one year, or an associate degree in five semesters or two years.

What can students expect when they graduate?

Before even graduating from Culinary Arts, program faculty and staff host a Culinary Arts job fair to expose students to different employment opportunities, resume building, and interview skills workshops to set them up toward a path of good-paying careers. A mentorship program that students and alumni can take advantage of if they have any questions or need advice is also offered.   

What skills do students learn in Culinary Arts?

Students learn a multitude of skills that include cooking and baking processes and techniques, knife skills and food preparation, but program faculty also focus on teaching soft skills such as time management, organization, leadership and communication, which are all essential when working in the food industry.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

To learn these skills, students use an industrial-standard kitchen fully equipped with the tools they need to practice their skills. They also have access to a point-of-sale system, similar to what they will find in the real world, and a video tutorial they can reference.

Students also have the opportunity of participating in cooking and baking competitions hosted by the program, and they also attend community events where they can meet with clients, create a menu and follow through with executing the event.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

By learning these skills, they not only master the technical kitchen skills, but they also learn how to lead and interact with people, which affects a graduate’s success. They can be masters in the kitchen, but it’s the team you work with and your customers that help make a graduate successful. So everything they learn helps them become well-rounded and effective leaders.

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

Culinary Arts graduates can work as sous chefs, restaurant/kitchen managers, instructors, personal chefs and institutional chefs in places such as hospitals, nursing homes and detention centers. They can even open their own restaurants or catering businesses.

Local restaurants or organizations that have hired TSTC Culinary Arts graduates include the Harlingen Country Club, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Colletti’s Italian Restaurant, Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, Healthcare Services Group, and Healthcare Support Services.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Texas State Technical College Police Department added a new police officer to its force and officially swore her in this week in a ceremony attended by her family and friends, as well as TSTC faculty and staff.

Lleana Granados is the newest officer to join the TSTC family. She graduated from the police academy in 2018, and her first job application went to TSTC.

“I’ve always known that TSTC has a very community-, family-oriented environment, and that’s what I wanted to be a part of and do,” said the 24-year-old.

With a brother who used to work at TSTC as a police officer, she was somewhat familiar with the college.

TSTC Police Chief Eduardo Patino said he first met the Los Fresnos native during the interview process and, after speaking with her, knew that she was the right person for the job.

“Working for a community-oriented police department requires a special person that can be both a guardian and warrior to the community members we serve,” said Patino. “She has the competencies needed to be a police officer for our college.”

Sworn in by Judge Eloy Cano Jr., Granados took an oath to serve and protect the TSTC community and she said she is more than ready to do just that.

“My goal is that anyone who steps foot on our campus feels safe,” said Granados. “And I’m ready to serve TSTC under its core values of excellence, accountability, service and integrity.”

Patino said Granados, who is the second female officer on the force, has already proven that she has what it takes to be successful.

“She’s eager and willing to learn. So I’ve challenged her supervisors, as part of our succession planning, to coach her and mentor her,” he said. “I’m happy to have Officer Granados as a member of the department and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Granados said she has always loved serving and helping others in any way she can.

“Serving is my passion, and I’ve always known that I could do that as a police officer,” she said. “I have watched my brother serve as a police officer for TSTC and now as a state trooper, and he is my inspiration. He has been my mentor and role model through this entire process.”

She added that she feels extremely proud to have been chosen to become TSTC’s newest officer and is grateful that she was able to share this prestigious moment with her family.

“My family has been my greatest support system,” she said. “And my hopes are that I make them proud by serving TSTC well and growing the department.”

The TSTC Police Department is made up of 10 full-time peace officers.

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For the first time, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology will expand its offerings with evening classes beginning Spring 2020.

TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics statewide department chair Samuel Pizano said the change comes at a time when students are seeking flexibility, and evening and online courses are growing in popularity.

In fact, the program has already seen its first registrants for evening classes.

“We’ve recently seen a lot more interest in our program from students who are unable to attend classes during the day because of other obligations,” said Pizano. “So this program expansion has been in the works for nearly a year, allowing us to cater even more to nontraditional students.”

The program’s associate degree plan can be completed 100% in the evening, with classrooms and labs open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

“Our goal is to help students create degree plans that fit their lives so that they can become college graduates and start their careers,” said Pizano. “And this is the first step toward that.”

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics also offers the program fully online, and Pizano said evening courses will also benefit those students.

“Having our labs opened later will also allow online students to stop by and practice their skills in the lab, ask questions or have a one-on-one with an instructor,” said Pizano. “Overall, we’re giving our students options they want.”

Pizano added that offering evening and online courses is also a stepping stone toward the program’s performance-based education model that will begin Fall 2021.

Performance-based education will allow students not only to have flexibility with their schedules, but also set themselves up to graduates quicker.

Under performance-based education, the program will offer a new block of courses every midterm for those who accelerate their studies.

“Essentially we are giving students control of their schedules and timeline,” said Pizano. “And no matter which path they choose, they will learn from industry-trained instructors and gain the skills they need and can implement in the real world.”

Pizano said with the regional and statewide job market growing exponentially, the program’s graduates are in high demand by employers.

“Our No. 1 goal is to produce highly trained students who can transfer the skills they’ve learned to industry to have a successful career,” he said. “We are producing graduates that industry wants to hire, while giving students the education they deserve and desire.”

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics is also offered as an online class at TSTC’s West Texas locations and, beginning Fall 2020, will be onsite at TSTC’s Red Oak and Marshall campuses.

For more information on Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology and the pathways available, call 956-364-4973 or visit https://tstc.edu/programs/DraftingDesign.

With complex surgeries on the rise and an increase in advancing robotic procedures and surgeries, the need for highly-skilled surgical technologists is on the rise and Texas State Technical College is working to fill that demand with its Surgical Technology program.

TSTC Surgical Technology Program Director and Master Instructor Robert Sanchez said the program’s faculty works and focuses on hands-on training, which prepares its students for an industry that is fast-paced with stressful environments.

“The more hands-on training our students receive the more prepared they are when they enter an operating room,” he said. “And it’s this readiness and skill that employers look for, and that’s why our graduates are sought after.”

TSTC Surgical Technology is the only surgical program south of Corpus Christi and has a 100% job placement rate.

What is the length of the program?

Surgical Technology is six-semester long, or two-year program. During the first three semesters, students complete program prerequisites. It is during the third semester that a student can apply for the Surgical Technology program, and if accepted, will have three more semesters before earning an associate degree.

What can students expect when they graduate?

A graduate from the program will only be able to work as a certified surgical technologist upon passing the Certified Surgical Technologist examination. After passing the exam, graduates can obtain jobs at places such as hospital operating rooms and day surgery centers.  

What skills do students learn in Surgical Technology?

In the program students will learn numerous skills such as how to properly scrub in for surgery, sterilize medical equipment, keep an organized inventory of equipment for the surgeon, wash and disinfect incision sites, pass equipment to a surgeon, ensure that no objects are retained in patients and keep a sterile environment to prevent patient infection.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Students in the program have access to two fully-equipped mock surgery rooms and scrub-in area. They also have industry standard surgery equipment, laparoscopic training modules and mannequins to practice incision and suturing techniques.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

With a focus on hands-on training, students become familiar and know what to expect when they enter the workforce. In addition to hands-on classroom training, Surgical Technology students also complete clinical rotations at local hospitals and surgery centers where they work on actual surgical cases under observation. Many of the students’ skills are recognized during clinical rotations and most students are offered a position even before graduating.

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

Graduates from the program can work as a certified surgical technologist, but can grow in the medical field after several years and work toward becoming surgical first assistant, certified registered nurse anesthetist or physician assistant.

Area hospitals that have hired TSTC Surgical Technology graduates include Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen Medical Center, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, McAllen Medical Center and Edinburg Regional Medical Center.

Students have also been placed across the state in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and Dallas area hospitals.