(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College’s Logistics Technology program recently received a manufacturing operations training system through a Texas Workforce Commission grant.

“It walks you through the manufacturing process, from raw materials to the final products being shipped,” said William Scott, a TSTC Logistics Technology instructor. “Our students can get trained on logistics in a manufacturing environment.”

The $235,000 equipment will be used by students taking Introduction to Materials Handling, Materials Requirement Planning and Warehouse and Distribution Center Management for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Logistics Technology. Students will learn how to turn the machinery on, troubleshoot and operate the system. Scott described the machinery as a new experience for students.

“I’ve always wanted this since the inception of the program,” Scott said. “Manufacturing logistics is an added arm of the program.”

TSTC is poised to meet increased logistics demands in Ellis County. Some of the jobs that Logistics Technology graduates can pursue include purchasing, warehouse dock management, dispatching and inventory control.

Logistics and distribution is one of the city of Red Oak’s target industries. National Freight Industries has at least 70 employees working in logistics and warehousing at a 60,000-square-foot facility on Bowie Drive, according to the city’s economic development office. Lee McCleary, Red Oak’s economic development director, said the company has plans to build a new 117,000-square-foot structure next to the current building.

“NFI conducts business with multiple locations nationwide,” McCleary said. “NFI is the logistics and warehousing provider for Triumph Aerostructures – Red Oak.”

And in Waxahachie, Walgreens has a distribution center with less than 1,000 employees, according to the city’s economic development office.

“The Logistics Technology program was specifically chosen and developed for TSTC in North Texas given the local workforce needs,” said Provost Marcus Balch. “We’re training using the latest technology, including drones and radio-frequency identification technology.”

TSTC graduated its first group of Logistics Technology majors in December 2015.

TSTC in North Texas will host a Registration Rally for the fall semester from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8. For more information, go to tstc.edu/rally.

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

(RED OAK) – Ryan Williams, 27, of Waxahachie is a Logistics Technology major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas.

Williams was raised in Longview and is a 2009 graduate of East Texas Christian School.

How did you find out about TSTC in North Texas? “I was going to classes (at TSTC) in Marshall but I wanted to change majors.”

What got you interested in studying Logistics Technology? “I’ve always worked in a distribution aspect of the jobs I’ve had in the past. I thought I would do well in the program. So far I am enjoying the classes.”

Do you do better with hands-on learning or book learning? “I do a mix of both, but I usually like the hands-on training so I can see where I mess up and improve from that.”

What advice would you give to students considering your major or going to TSTC? “Stick with the work and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

What do you enjoy doing away from classes and studying? “I usually like reading fantasy and science fiction books. I’m a big nerd. I like playing video games or board games.”

Some of the fields that Logistics Technology graduates can pursue include manufacturing, technical services or government. Graduates can pursue professional certifications from the International Society of Logistics or the American Production and Inventory Control Society.

The United States had more than 130,000 logistician jobs in 2014, with the figure expected to rise by 2,500 positions through 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Texas had more than 13,000 logisticians in May 2016, with a majority centered in The Woodlands – Houston – Sugar Land area. The Dallas – Plano – Irving area had more than 3,200 positions, with an average mean wage of $79,300. The Longview area had 40 logistician jobs, with an average mean wage of more than $68,000.

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

(RED OAK) – Sergio Gutierrez, 20, is a Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas. He is TSTC’s first Student Government Association president and is scheduled to graduate in August.

He is a 2015 graduate of Red Oak High School, where he played soccer and was a member of Hawks Against Destructive Decisions Inspiring Teens (HADDIT).

How did you learn about TSTC? “It was during a tour. I was taking drafting at the high school and I saw the program here and decided to take it. The campus is really convenient and I like it a lot. I don’t have to be away from my family.”

What do you enjoy about Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology? “I like the 3-D modeling. I have gotten good at it. I like to make costume parts, and in architecture you can make houses.”

Do you get to use the program’s 3-D printers? “It’s really fantastic. We have three and they are pretty cool. I can make the costume parts and print them out and use them.”

What have you done in the Student Government Association? “Right now I’m the only member. Student involvement is a big factor. SGA helped start clubs for Diesel Equipment Technology and Welding. I hope SGA continues after I graduate. Being the first sets the standard.”

What kind of work experience are you getting while in college? “I am doing an internship at my uncle’s cabinet shop. I am making drawings in AutoCAD and they look good. I have learned a lot to get out in the field.”

Registration for fall semester is taking place now, with two special Registration Rally events planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 13 and Aug. 8 at TSTC in North Texas.

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

(RED OAK) – Andrew Hebron, 21, of Arlington is a Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas.

Hebron is a 2013 graduate of Juan Seguin High School in Arlington, where he was in the Chess Club and played trumpet in the band program. The high school is a Texas Project Lead the Way campus for engineering and biomedical science course sequences.

He is scheduled to graduate from TSTC in spring 2018.

Does working in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields run in your family? “My brother is working in engineering and my father works in information technology.”

How did you discover TSTC? “Research. My family and I found the Waco campus after I graduated from high school. Then, we heard about the North Texas campus.”

How have your experiences been attending TSTC in North Texas? “I like the family environment. The instructors are good at what they do.”

How did you become interested in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology? “I did Texas Project Lead the Way classes in high school. I took computer aided drafting and design technology and also a class in electronic current boards. I did soldering and designing and discovered real quick it was not for me. I am more of the drafting side.”

What advice would you give to prospective students? “Look at your learning type. I learn best by doing and watching.”

What do you like to do when you are not studying or working? “I enjoy music, calligraphy, woodworking and playing the organ. I started playing the trumpet in the sixth grade. I use a portable joystick and play flying simulations on my laptop. The simulator I play has the ability to follow real weather patterns. It’s my stress relief.”

Architectural, civil, electrical and mechanical drafting are some of the career fields that Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology majors can pursue. The Woodlands – Houston – Sugar Land and Dallas – Plano – Irving metropolitan areas have the highest concentrations of drafters in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, the state has more than 1,900 people working in drafting fields.

Registration for fall semester is taking place now, with two special Registration Rally events planned from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 13 and Aug. 8 at TSTC in North Texas.

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

(RED OAK) – Marco Rico, 20, of Haltom City is an Electrical Power and Controls major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas and is scheduled to graduate in spring 2018.

Rico is a 2015 graduate of Richland High School in North Richland Hills, where he was a defensive end on the soccer team.

How did you learn about Texas State Technical College? “My friend’s brother went to TSTC in Waco and graduated from there. I started off in Waco and transferred to the North Texas campus. This is my first semester in North Texas.”

How did you become interested in studying Electrical Power and Controls? “I work for an industrial and commercial electrical company at night and know the field has good money. I have learned a good bit in this program. I’m more of a hands-on learner. My favorite class has been Motor Controls. I like the field because you are indoors and using your head.”

What are your career plans after graduation? “I would like to move up in my work and stay in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.”

What advice would you give to high school students who are thinking about higher education? “I would not want them to wait a year after graduating from high school to decide to go to college like I did.”

What do you like about living in the Fort Worth area? “It’s good because you are around everything you know. I like to go to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys games.”

What is your favorite soccer team? “Real Madrid.”

TSTC in North Texas will host summer Registration Rally events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 20, July 13 and Aug. 8 for prospective students to enroll for the fall semester.

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

(RED OAK) – Amariya Taylor, 20, of Dallas is a Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology major at Texas State Technical College in North Texas scheduled to graduate with an associate degree in spring 2018.

She is a 2015 graduate of Skyline High School in Dallas, where she was in the National Honor Society and played volleyball.

How did you learn about Texas State Technical College? “I was originally going to school for prelaw, but one of my teachers said I was good at mathematics and said I should go somewhere else for college. My godfather heard about the technical college from a friend. I visited the campus first and then applied.”

How did you become interested in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology? “I like designing and I’m very creative. This is a program where you can design and create, and I have the software programs to do it. It was great once I got adjusted to the work.”

What is your plan for after graduation? “I want to go to work, but I also want to get a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture.”

What advice would you give to high school students thinking about attending college? “If you declare a major and then change it, you are starting all over. You have to stay on top of the financial information and not turn your work in at the last minute. You have to talk to your success coach.”

What do you like to do away from classes and studying? “I like to work out at the gym. I go to church and like to take part in church activities. I enjoy going to museums and amusement parks.”

Some of the careers that students who study Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology can pursue include architectural drafting, civil drafting, electrical drafting, architecture and computer engineering, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

TSTC in North Texas will host summer Registration Rally events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 20, July 13 and Aug. 8 for prospective students to enroll for the fall semester.

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

(RED OAK) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas will have three Registration Rally events this summer at the campus on North Lowrance Road in Red Oak.

The activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 20, July 13 and Aug. 8.

“We are excited to host incoming students who are completing the registration process,” said TSTC Provost Marcus Balch. “Registration Rally days are set up to make the registration process as smooth as possible. Snacks, lunch and drinks will also be available that day.”

Visitors can take campus tours and talk to faculty members about the 10 technical programs offered at the North Texas campus, including Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Cyber Security and Welding.

People interested in enrolling should bring a copy of their driver’s license, high school transcript or GED, any college transcripts, proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination, housing application and TSI scores.

TSTC is having registration events at its 10 campuses throughout the state this summer. For information on the closest Registration Rally, log on to tstc.edu/rally.

For more information, contact TSTC in North Texas at 972-617-4040.

(RED OAK) – Members of Midlothian Economic Development recently toured Texas State Technical College in North Texas to learn about technical education.

“The short drive to the facility is a value to our existing industry and new businesses looking to expand to Midlothian,” said Larry S. Barnett, president and chief executive officer of Midlothian Economic Development, the city’s growth and economic arm. “Having the hands-on equipment in the machine shops and qualified program leaders brings credibility for economic development as we demonstrate the ongoing efforts to educate the workforce and provide a trained workforce to industry.”

Some of Midlothian’s industries focus on steel manufacturing, retail distribution, cement production and auto processing.

“Midlothian Economic Development relies on training through the Skills Development Fund to benefit both existing and new companies,” Barnett said. “Our goal is to expand the use of these funds to more industry, and TSTC will play an important role in this effort.”

Midlothian and TSTC have forged a valuable alliance in Ellis County.

Gerdau Ameristeel on Ward Road is one of the city’s largest employers. The company sends workers to study industrial maintenance at the Red Oak campus. And, Midlothian High School students have visited the campus in the past for Program Highlight Day.

“Our ultimate goal is to place more Texans, and working closely with organizations like Midlothian Economic Development helps us accomplish that,” said Jessica Ford, a field development officer for The TSTC Foundation. “A strong, skilled and highly trained workforce is a key component to economic growth, so we are hoping to be able to work closely with all the economic development councils to build the workforce they need for their local economies.”

Midlothian had at least 22,000 residents in 2015, with more than 90 percent of them having at least a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 70 percent of the civilian labor force is 16 and older, according to the census bureau. The city’s median household income was $74,881 as of 2015, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

(RED OAK) – The Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association has given financial support to students for Texas State Technical College in North Texas’ Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program.

The Austin-based nonprofit trade association has given $10,000 to the HVAC program for scholarships and plans to contribute more money later this year. The money creates the TACCA Presidential Scholarship that will go to TSTC in North Texas HVAC students.

“Our organization has been a supporter of TSTC for years, and we have had numerous members of our board of directors that have sat on the HVAC programs at TSTC all across Texas,” said Todd McAlister, the association’s executive director.

Stephen Pape, executive director of student learning at TSTC, is an association board member.

“Air conditioning is a good industry for students who want to work with their hands and have a good mechanical aptitude,” Pape said. “You are not stuck behind a desk and you get outside. People are appreciative of your work. You get immediate feedback on the quality of your work.”

TSTC’s HVAC program began in fall 2014 and graduated its first students in 2016. There are more than 30 students in the program for the spring semester. The program teaches students to work in residential and commercial environments.

“What are we are trying to do is place students with contractors and get them some hands-on experience, and that means the upper-level students are taking more evening classes than they are during the day so they can work,” Pape said.

Texas had more than 21,000 heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers with an annual mean wage of $42,830 in May 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Woodlands-Houston-Sugar Land area had about 5,400 workers and the Dallas-Plano-Irving area had more than 3,800 employees in the field in May 2015, making them the areas with the largest concentration of HVAC workers in Texas, according to the labor statistics bureau.

The trade association was founded in 1969 and is made up of more than 500 members of the state’s HVAC industry. The group’s focus is on HVAC advocacy and education.

“Air conditioning is one of the most important items you need, whether it is residential or commercial,” McAlister said. “Unfortunately, our industry is one that has an aging workforce. The average age of an HVAC technician is 55. So, we need the younger generation to come into the industry, and obviously things like scholarships and other opportunities that help fund somebody is something we think is vital. It is important to have programs like TSTC as just one of the many avenues to get the younger people in our industry.”