(HARLINGEN) – Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Texas State Technical College are working with local small businesses in Cameron County to help them have the trained personnel they need, thanks to Skills for Small Business grants awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

“TSTC and the TWC are working together on a small-business initiative to ensure that, like larger industries, they have a trained workforce,” said Isidro Ramos, executive director for TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education. “Our community is made up of small businesses, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources they need.”

TSTC’s Continuing Education Department received $156,000 for 2019 to use for professional training and development among small businesses.

“Most of the time, small businesses have limited resources and training is not in their budget,” said Ramos.  “But with this grant, they’re able to get their employees the training they need. We can’t forget about our small businesses.”

TSTC has been conducting this training since 2016 and helped more than a dozen small businesses.

Small-business employers are able to apply for the training every year, but they must be able to pay the prevailing wages in the local labor market for the trainees funded under the grant.

“There is an application process, but most small businesses qualify,” said Ramos. “These trainings help make a business more effective, efficient, competitive in their niche market, and innovative. We encourage everyone to apply and take advantage of the resource.”

Courses offered through the grant range from leadership in customer service and communication skills to beginner, intermediate and advanced Microsoft Office and QuickBooks trainings to marketing and basic supervision.

There are nearly 20 courses offered.

For Victoria Barrientos, billing officer and certified mastectomy fitter for MediForce in Harlingen, the QuickBooks trainings she completed through TSTC will help her and the business she works for advance in the way they use the software program.

“We use QuickBooks every day, and there were still features of the program we had no idea existed,” she said. “This course taught us how we can use QuickBooks to help us work smarter, not harder.”

Barrientos, who has been with the company for 10 years, and four others from the company recently completed the QuickBooks beginner and intermediate courses.

“This was a great learning experience all around, and I can’t wait to implement what we learned,” said Barrientos. “We want to work on using QuickBooks not only for retail and services, but now for quotes, reporting and inventory since becoming aware of these features in our courses.”

Laura Alvarez, a clerk for the construction department at Harlingen Glass & Mirror who has only been with the company for three months, jumped at the opportunity to take a QuickBooks training course.

“I had no QuickBooks knowledge prior to this training,” said Alvarez. “I’m 61 years old and thought I couldn’t learn anything new, but the learning experience and hands-on training made understanding easier, and now I’m ready to use this knowledge at work.”

Osvaldo Sosa, president and owner of Harlingen Glass & Mirror,  said professional development is something he encourages all of his employees to pursue.

“I am pleased that TSTC is offering this type of resource,” said Sosa. “This gives me the skilled employees I need and my employees the confidence they need in themselves to do their job well and work with customers. It’s like I always tell them: education cannot be taken away from you.”

TSTC’s Waco and Fort Bend County campuses also received a Skills for Small Business Grant for training within their communities.

For more information on Workforce Development and Continuing Education at TSTC, call 956-364-4590 or visit tstc.edu/workforce.

(HARLINGEN) – Estefany Ruiz earned her associate degree from Texas State Technical College in Biology during Spring 2018, but she is back studying Engineering and expects to finish this semester.

The 21-year-old Alamo native holds an impressive 3.5 grade-point average and works with the Office of Student Success as an English tutor.

What your plans after graduation?

I am currently a student at TSTC and enrolled at Texas A&M University-Kingsville where I’m studying Chemical Engineering. However, I have just been accepted into the Medicinal Plant Chemistry program at Northern Michigan University, so I’m looking at possibly transferring there.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become a medicinal chemist and to own a company where I can research and manufacture medicines.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC has been developing my passion for chemistry. In high school, even though I liked the subject, it was not my forte. I have to credit my instructors for helping me find my passion. If not for their advice, helping hand and caring nature I would not be pursuing this career today.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is to believe in yourself and have a positive mindset and attitude. Having both of these attributes will help a person achieve whatever goal they have in mind; there’s no stopping.

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

The person who has had the most influence on my success is my organic chemistry instructor Everardo Villarreal. He believes in all of his students, more than we believe in ourselves. He believes in us so much that even we can’t doubt ourselves.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to make concise decision about your education and your future, stay positive no matter what and find like-minded people who have similar goals as yours.

(HARLINGEN) – From homeless to a six-figure salary, Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology graduate David Flores accomplished what he set out to do – turn his life around.

The Donna native graduated from TSTC with a certificate in 1997 and with several job offers.

“I grew up very poor. We didn’t have much, but I always had my dream,” said Flores. “And this is what kept me motivated and determined. I knew I had to change my way of life. I needed to break the poverty cycle for my family.”

The 41-year-old is now a Certified Surgical First Assistant at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen, where he started as a surgical assistant immediately after college.

He has been with the hospital for 22 years and has seen raises and promotions he never expected; but it was not easy getting to where he is today.

At the beginning of the Surgical Technology program, Flores and his family were homeless and living in a warehouse where his dad worked for little money.

Because his family could not afford even the basic needs, Flores did not have transportation to class and instead had to rely on fellow students for a ride.

“People always asked me why I remained so positive and motivated despite my struggles, but honestly it was my struggles that kept me going,” said Flores. “I grew up with practically nothing, yet I felt I had the most to lose. I had no choice except to succeed.”

Since then, Flores has made a name for himself in the healthcare community working with various surgeons, physicians and hospital directors around the Rio Grande Valley.

He is one of the first doctors call to assist with cases and surgeries. He was even one of the first from his hospital to be recommended for a nine-month surgical first assistant certification course, which he completed successfully.

“Without TSTC and the support from my instructor Robert Sanchez and the rest of his team, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “This program (Surgical Technology) has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. I feel like everything has fallen into place.”  

Flores has come a long way from the high school student who knew what he wanted to do, but had no idea how to make his dream a reality.

“I had no idea in high school how to become a surgical technician, I didn’t even know what the job title would be,” Flores reminisced. “And I didn’t know where I would go to school.”

Flores remembers teachers and counselors pushing him to be a nurse and advising him that’s the only way he would make his dream come true, but deep down that is not what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“It was not until a college fair during my senior year that I began to feel discouraged,” he said. “No one had my program, then there she was, a TSTC representative who told me about Surgical Technology.”

Flores does not recall the TSTC representative’s name, but said because of her, he enrolled at TSTC before even graduating from high school. While his friends were enjoying their summer, he began the journey toward his new career.

His career has led him not only to Rio Grande Regional, but also as a contracted surgical first assistant for doctors across the Valley and to Guatemala, where he has done two years of missionary work providing free medical and surgery services to those less fortunate.

From passing tools to his father while he repaired cars to passing tools to surgeons while they operate, Flores said he has come full circle, and it’s his father who serves as his inspiration.

“The success I have found is because of my father and my family,” he said. “They motivated me through school and encouraged me to believe in myself and my skills. They worked hard so I could live my dream. Everything I am I owe to them.”

Flores has also worked closely with TSTC’s Senior Surgical Technology Instructor Anna San Pedro in initiating a preceptor program, which assigns students to mentors, sits on the TSTC Surgical Technology advisory board and has been named TSTC’s Preceptor of the Year for two years.

“I love being able to give back to the college that gave me so much,” said Flores. “I always tell students that this career is rewarding, can give them so many opportunities if they put the work into it and that we have lives in our hands so it’s important to continue learning even after we graduate.”

For more information on Surgical Technology, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen is celebrating a unique national distinction. The program was recently named a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense for two-year education programs by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA).

“With this distinction we are joining an elite group of colleges and universities across the country,” said Norma Colunga-Hernandez, program associate professor. “Not just any program receives this honor and it proves that our faculty are doing everything to provide the industry with highly-skilled professionals when they graduate from our program.”

The National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense was created to recognize and grant designations to institutions that offer rigorous degree programs in information security.

“Your ability to meet the increasing demands of the program criteria will serve the nation well in contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure,” Karen Leuschner, National CAE Cyber Defense program director stated in a letter to TSTC. “There is a shortage of cyber security professionals and higher education is the solution to defending America’s cyberspace.”

To receive the designation, which runs through academic year 2023, TSTC’s Computer Networking and Security Technology program had to meet numerous criteria such as the program’s curriculum had to be approved by the CAE selection board; the institution must have a networking security plan in place; program faculty must have all necessary cyber security certifications; student enrolled in the program need to practice cyber security skills outside of the classroom; credits must be transferable to a four-year institution and the program must practice community outreach.

“The application process was long, but well worth it. Even our curriculum received great reviews,” said Hernandez. “But we had so much support from our leadership and others on campus, it was invaluable and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

TSTC in Harlingen Provost Cledia Hernandez said this is a great honor for the program and the college.

“We are honored by this designation,” said Cledia. “We have amazing faculty that have worked so hard to meet the rigorous application process.”

The program’s graduating class of Spring 2019 will be the first to earn an associate degree and a certificate from the NSA and DHS, a recognition only a handful of students who graduate from a center of excellence receive across the United States.

According to Hernandez, students who receive the NSA and DHS recognition are more marketable in industry and are more likely to receive higher paying jobs within prestigious organizations.

“This designation fits with our mission. Here at TSTC we strive to make our students more marketable and this designation will allow them to be more competitive and have an edge in the labor market,” said Cledia.

The demand for skilled Cyber Security professionals is expected to increase by 2021 with at least 3.5 million positions unfilled according to a February 2018 cyber security job report from Cybersecurity Ventures.

“We’re preparing our students for jobs such as network and computer systems administrators, computer network architects and information security analysts,” said Hernandez. “And with federal jobs on the rise, there is no doubt our students will have plenty of opportunities.”

To learn more about Computer Networking and Security Technology, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – The Fall 2018 semester is off to a good start for one program at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen which was just named one of the top 10 in the nation.

Welding Technology was recently ranked number seven in 2018 as one of the best welding programs in the U.S. by Washington Monthly, a bimonthly nonprofit magazine based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on the United State Government.

Welding Technology and Precision Machining Technology Lead Instructor Isaac Gonzalez calls this distinction a great honor.

“We have a great team in place that is experienced and well educated in the welding field,” said Gonzalez. “Instructors give 110 percent of themselves every day to ensure that our students are successful and this recognition goes to show how their work and dedication has paid off.”

Based on an article in the © 2018 Washington Monthly, “Introduction: A different kind of college ranking,” by Kevin Carey, which can be found at www.WashingtonMonthly.com, the magazine rates schools based on three equally weighted criteria: social mobility, research and public service, and awards colleges based on the number of students they accept, help graduate and earn a good living without too much debt.

“We choose from colleges and universities you’ve likely never heard of…because the lure of wealth, fame and exclusivity is still a powerful force in defining higher education excellence,” said Carey. “But many of these institutions are leading the way and doing a fantastic job of opening their doors to a wide array of students and giving them a great twenty-first-century education.”

TSTC in Harlingen Provost Cledia Hernandez, said this distinction puts TSTC’s welding program on the map.

“This ranking speaks to TSTC’s core values of excellence, accountability, service and integrity, which are embedded in everything we do,” said Hernandez. “It also speaks to the dedication and expertise of our faculty. They pour their passion for the trade and knowledge into their students to make sure they have all of the marketable skills employers need.”

Hernandez also added that TSTC’s focus is to provide industry-driven advanced technical skills needed to assure economic growth for Texas.

“Being a statewide college gives us the ability to extend the advanced technical training to our 10 campuses and have a greater impact on meeting industry needs and placing more Texans in high-paying jobs,” she said.

The Welding Technology program’s statewide enrollment is always at capacity, with more than 150 students a year and has an impressive 98 percent job placement rate.

“We have worked hard collectively as a department for many years to always make this the best program we can for our students,” said TSTC Welding Instructor Kenny Moore. “And we’ve been successful because of the support we receive from our leadership.”

Moore, who has been with TSTC for more than two decades, said hearing about the high ranking was a very proud, yet humbling moment.

Welding Technology offers two certificate tracks: Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding, and an associate degree track.

It takes approximately three to four semesters to complete a certificate or associate degree.

Students who graduate from TSTC’s Welding Technology program will learn hands-on about arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, layout and fabrication and multiple process welding.

Once the program is successfully completed, Welding Technology graduates can find work throughout the state in manufacturing shops, maintenance shops, ship building yards or oil fields and steel erection operations as pipefitters, steamfitters, welders, cutters, solderers and brazing machine setters, operators and tenders.

Gonzalez said welders are in high demand across the region and state. He hopes that TSTC’s recent number seven ranking will help the program grow even more, which in turn will benefit industry.

“The more students we teach, the more we’re able to fill the skills gap in Texas,” said Gonzalez. “Already, statewide, TSTC is working to meet the demand.”

For more information on TSTC Welding Technology, visit tstc.edu

To view TSTC and other rankings, visit www.WashingtonMonthly.com/college_guide/.

(HARLINGEN) – Eric Salinas of Los Fresnos is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College. The 19-year-old expects to earn his associate degree in Summer 2019 and is currently a work study for the TSTC Wellness and Sports Center.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate I plan on transferring to Texas State University to get a bachelor’s in Kinesiology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to open a gym, and TSTC is giving me the fundamental I need to make this come true. I want my place to be equipped with the latest workout equipment and I want to offer classes and private training.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been working at the Wellness and Sports Center. It’s giving me a first-hand look on how a gym should be managed. Working there has also helped me grow professionally and personally.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned since beginning college is to not procrastinate. This is a really bad habit and it hasn’t worked out well for me in college. So now I’m learning how to be ahead of my game and I’ve been less stressed since changing this habit.

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

TSTC Wellness and Sports Supervisor and coach Joe Garza has had the greatest influence on my success. He has shared his experience and knowledge with me about gyms, sports and life. He is always advising me to become active on campus and gives great school and life advice also.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to get your work done, meet deadlines, do not procrastinate and have fun.

(HARLINGEN) – The Emergency Medical Services program at Texas State Technical College will soon be offering certificate and associate degrees – a move that will help the increased demand for skilled paramedics in the region and the state.

The new accreditation will allow eligible students to use financial aid for tuition, books and supplies.

“This is a way for us to better meet student needs and industry demand,” said Salvador Acevedo, TSTC EMS program director and advanced coordinator. “So this is a great move for our program.”

The EMS course has been under Workforce Development and Continuing Education for more than a decade. Acevedo and his team have worked hand-in-hand with TSTC in Abilene’s EMS program to ensure the process of accreditation for the transition was completed correctly.

The program received accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions in February 2017 and since then faculty have continued to work closely with the EMS program in Abilene to align curriculum.

“Our sister program in Abilene is the largest reason why we have been successful in making the transition,” said Acevedo. “They have helped us step-by-step and are supportive of the change. It’s been a great team effort and we’re glad to finally join in their rankings.”

TSTC Allied Health Division Director Andy Weaver said moving the program out of continuing education will make a positive impact on TSTC, its students, Harlingen and the state.

“EMS is an equally important sector of the health field and, like other health professions, yields a high earning potential for graduates,” said Weaver. “Moving the program out of continuing education was an easy call. There’s room for Harlingen’s (EMS) program to be just as big if not bigger than Abilene’s.”

TSTC in Abilene’s program has 140 students currently enrolled.

Weaver said the Rio Grande Valley is in Trauma Service Area V, which serves four counties and more than 1.3 million residents, so there is no lack for competent and safe healthcare providers, with starting pay between $40-60 thousand per year.

“The faculty and staff in Harlingen’s EMS program are experienced in the field and passionate about what they do and their students,” said Weaver. “With the EMS national standard beginning to prefer degreed paramedics, there is no doubt that this team can lead our students in the right direction toward a successful career.”

Acevedo said the program’s new structure will allow more class time, hands-on training and technical skills integration with simulators and virtual reality for the students to use. The program will also include clinical rotations at various sites throughout the Valley.

Beginning this spring, students who enroll in the program will have the option of obtaining a basic emergency medical technician certificate, advanced EMT certificate or a paramedic associate degree.

At the end of the two-year paramedic course, graduates of the program will take a two-part test covering comprehensive and skills. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam is a required paramedic licensure.

Passing the national registry will make the graduate eligible to work anywhere in the United States.

Once licensed, a paramedic can find work with emergency service companies, hospitals, schools or in oil fields as a safety officer.

Currently, under continuing education, the EMS program has a 100 percent job placement rate.

“I’ve been a paramedic for 18 years and I can say that this is a rewarding career,” said Acevedo. “All of our instructors have extensive experience in the field and we look forward to kicking off our revamped program in the spring.”

Applications for the Spring 2019 EMS class are now being accepted through the end of November.

The application can be found online at tstc.edu/programs/EmergencyMedicalServices.

For more information, call 956-364-4741.

(HARLINGEN) –

Ricardo Flores

Ricardo Flores expects to graduate with an associate degree from the Automotive Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Fall 2019.

The Harlingen native is this year’s TSTC Rising Star award recipient because of his volunteer work on campus and in the community.

Flores, 19, not only works to pay for school and bills, but he is also active with the TSTC C.A.R.S. Club and is the incoming president, and volunteers during service projects hosted by TSTC’s Student Life.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate I plan on returning to TSTC for a certificate in Auto Collision Technology and Business Management Technology.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to own an automotive shop and build a partnership with TSTC to begin an internship program to help other automotive and auto collision students receive real-world experience while still in school.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment while at TSTC is has been using all of the knowledge I have gained since I have started my program and using it to rebuild and repair my $500 BMW, which didn’t work at all when I purchased it. My car’s name is “Helga” and is my daily drive and only transportation, so every semester I bring it into the TSTC automotive shop and fix something new, depending on what we are learning.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that money cannot affect your happiness, it is the people you surround yourself with that do. People come into your life for a reason; sometimes it is to teach us lessons, but no matter what, we have to cherish them.

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

There are two people at TSTC that have influenced my success, Diego Trevino, Automotive Technology program maintenance specialist and my ex-girlfriend Edith Romero. First, Trevino has been a great mentor who has helped me rebuild “Helga” and who has laid my foundation in the program. Lastly, Romero is the person who helped me become active on campus and give me the confidence I needed to grow as a leaders.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to find a trustworthy mentor. We don’t know it all and we all need someone who offers guidance. And the instructors and staff here at TSTC are some of the best mentors, they will never lead you in the wrong direction.

(HARLINGEN) – Edgardo Velez was speechless after being named the valedictorian for the Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology class of 2018 at the program’s recent pinning ceremony held at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center.

“This was a total surprise, I had no idea I was the valedictorian,” said Velez. “I was shaking and my heart was racing when I heard my name.”

It’s a tradition for the program to keep the name of the valedictorian a secret until the pinning ceremony.

The Mexico native who now resides in Harlingen, said he knew it was a tight race between him and another classmate, but his 3.8 grade-point average got him to the top.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and receiving this honor is great,” he said. “I’m proud of everyone in our program. Everyone has worked really hard to get here.”

The 20-year-old graduated with his associate degree only a couple of weeks ago during TSTC’s Summer Commencement Ceremonies and has already started his career at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg.

“TSTC has been good to my family,” said Velez, whose mother is a 2016 vocational nursing alumna from TSTC. “After high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do or go. I was interested in the medical field though and TSTC had just what I was looking for.”

TSTC Surgical Technology Clinical Coordinator Yolanda Ramirez said it takes hard work, dedication and time – the kind of time that not every student is willing to give, to be the valedictorian.

“Velez possesses all of these attributes and more,” she said. “He did an outstanding job and demonstrated dedication to his academics, was inquisitive, eager to learn and always had a positive attitude.”

Velez was inspired to enter the medical field by his uncle who is a doctor in Mexico and his mother. And although he is unsure about his next educational step, he knows for sure the type of surgical technologist he wants to be.

“I want to be well-rounded and be able to assist the surgeon, doctors and nurses in any situation,” said Velez. “I want to be knowledgeable in all surgical aspects and be a valuable member of the surgical team.”

This is an admirable goal and one that TSTC Surgical Technology alumni Nadia Alanis and David Flores, who was also named the program’s Preceptor of the Year, advices these graduates to do.

“Do everything to the best of your ability,” said Alanis, a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Harlingen Anesthesia Associates. “Always have a plan, never forget that with sacrifice comes success, keep learning and never give up.”

“I was once in your shoes, it’s scary, but it’s the first step that takes you where you want to go,” said Flores, a certified first surgical assistant at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. “As your preceptor I’m glad I’ve been able to guide you in the right direction and mentor you in this journey. Remain strong in academics, be enthusiastic about your career and always have a positive attitude.”

At the ceremony, Velez and 19 of his other peers were pinned, cited the Surgical Technology Pledge and heard remarks from fellow graduate and TSTC Surgical Technology Club President Angela Ramirez, TSTC Surgical Technology Senior Instructor Ana San Pedro and TSTC Surgical Technology Program Director Robert Sanchez.

“You have your career in your hands and how you work with it and pursue your dream is up to you,” Sanchez told his graduates. “You have the opportunity to be the best technologist you can be. This degree will allow you to pursue other academic endeavors you may never have imagined.”

For more information on the Surgical Technology program at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Registration is underway for Fall 2018 and classes begin August 27.

(HARLINGEN) – Isaac Carrion was 10-years-old when he first knew he wanted to be a welder, and now the 46-year-old is an alumnus from Texas State Technical College, on the cover of a Victor Technologies welding catalog and has more than 53,000 followers on Instagram.

“I remember seeing sparks and light with purple, blue and orange hues in our garage as my dad welded a trailer when I was a young boy,” said Carrion. “That is when I knew I would become a welder.”

He went through middle and high school hoping to get some welding experience in the classroom, even joining the Future Farmers of America, but it was not until he enrolled at TSTC in 1991 that he got his first taste in welding.

“TSTC was a great training place for me,” said the Harlingen native. “The instructors acted like father-figures, always sharing their knowledge, experience and lending a helping hand. For me it was a life changer and gave me the foundation and stepping stone I needed to make my dreams a reality.”

Carrion earned his certificate in Welding Technology in 1994. He said it took him a little longer than most because he had to work full-time and take semesters off to save money for tuition and books.

He worked with a Rio Grande Valley construction company while in college, traveling across Texas installing gymnasium wood floors.

But immediately after graduating from TSTC, he received a job offer from an Austin aircraft company as an airplane frame welder and constructor.

“I said yes to the offer right away,” said Carrion. “This is what I had worked for and it was happening. I could not let the opportunity pass me by.”

So him and his wife, of now 24 years, moved to Austin and have been there since.

Carrion now owns a welding shop in Austin, “Welding Repair Services,” and works on heavy equipment mainly on construction sites. It was established in 2000.

“It was always a dream of mine to own my business and be my own boss,” he said. “It’s been a crazy adventure, but I couldn’t have done it without TSTC and the opportunities I received after.”

For the first decade of Carrion’s career, in addition to the aircraft company, he also worked as a welder constructing race cars, at a manufacturing center welding and installing waste water treatment pipes and at a welding shop that also required him to learn about sheet metal fabrication and machining.

“In all of my jobs I was the person who would weld off-site, so I got to meet a lot of people and learn about industry needs,” said Carrion. “It was then when I realized that my type of business was in demand and if I worked hard it could be successful.”

Not only has Carrion found success in the welding industry, but also in social media. He manages his own welding Instagram page called “icweld,” where many of his more than 53,000 followers are young welders from all over the world looking for guidance and a mentor in the industry.

It was his Instagram following that caught the eye of Victor Technologies, a welding supply company, and inspired them to put Carrion on the cover of their catalogue, on a calendar and to produce a podcast and video about Carrion’s welding career.

Since then other welding supply companies have also reached out to Carrion about being an honorary representative at their booths during FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating and welding conference, which Carrion attends annually.

“It amazes me to see how much of an impact social media has had on my career,” said Carrion. “It has allowed me to reach so many people and share my knowledge and love of welding.”

From time to time Carrion also hosts meet and greets during FABTECH so he can meet his Instagram followers and can have the opportunity to encourage and mentor young welders.

He has even visited TSTC in Harlingen and in Hutto to speak with Welding Technology students and is always surprised when they recognize him from social media.

“I hope to return to TSTC as a mentor for these students,” he said. “TSTC has grown and the technology has advanced so much that I want to encourage these students to take advantage of every opportunity offered.”

He added, “The average age of a welder is 55, and retirement is imminent, so the demand for welders is high and is increasing, and I feel TSTC is moving in the right direction in helping to fill that gap.”

Carrion said he hopes to begin hiring help at his shop, and when the time comes the first place he will recruit from is TSTC.

For more information on Welding Technology, offered at all 10 TSTC campuses across the state, visit tstc.edu.