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

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – 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.”

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.

“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.