(HARLINGEN) – “Placing more Texans,” is a statewide Texas State Technical College initiative and hosting industry career fairs is one way TSTC makes this a reality.

TSTC students recently had the opportunity to network with more than 40 industry representatives during the TSTC Talent Management and Career Services’ annual Industry Career Fair at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center.

The Industry Career Fair is held once a year during the first week of April to accommodate the large number of students who graduate in the spring and are looking for job placement. For many, this is their chance to speak to, and apply for jobs with companies that are looking to hire TSTC graduates.

“The majority of the companies that attend our industry career fair contact us to be here,” said Viviana Espinoza, interim director for Career Services. “They want the TSTC talent.”

Career fair participant Naismith Engineering, Inc. employs mostly TSTC graduates and make it a priority to attend events like this held by the college. Danny Torres, Computer Aided Design and Drafting technician and Armando Noriega, drafting supervisor and engineering technician both graduated with associate degrees from TSTC and participated as recruiters this year.

“We have not only been through the process these students are going through, but now as employers we like what we see,” said Torres. “We always come back and staff our departments with students from here. When they start with our company they are always the most prepared, have the skill set needed to succeed with us and require the least amount of training.”

Torres and Noriega also conducted on-site interviews for qualified candidates. In fact, numerous employers took the initiative to interview applicants on the spot. Espinoza said these factors are one reason this career fair is so successful.

“A lot of our students will receive a job offer today, and that’s our goal,” said Espinoza. “With graduation around the corner finding employment is one less thing they have to worry about.”

TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student Andrew Villarreal expects to graduate Spring 2016 with an associate degree. He said with graduation fast approaching, this career fair was especially important to him.

“I’m actively looking to begin my career,” said Villarreal. “I’ve already turned in my resume to several companies and got an interview, so I’m praying.”

Villarreal was one of the few students Naismith Engineering interviewed. He said if hired by the engineering company he hopes to work as a Civil Engineer.

“Just today I’ve made so many contacts,” said Villarreal. “I feel today’s event has opened doors of opportunity for me.”

Villarreal hopes to get some news on his job prospects in a couple of weeks.

For more information on the services provided by Talent Management and Career Services call 956-364-4940.