(WACO) – More than 70 Texas State Technical College students learned Thursday morning about work opportunities that could take them as far as the Caribbean.
Michael L. Pruiett, vice president of the Caribbean Division of William R. Nash Mechanical Contractors of Miami, Fla. and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, spoke to students in Building Construction and Technology, Electrical Construction, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, Renewable Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Technology about work opportunities.
Visits like Pruiett’s help reinforce what faculty members tell students about developing skills for the workplace, said Jerome M. Mendias Sr., Building Construction Technology program chair.
“To have industry support the students and give encouraging words is huge for the students,” Mendias said. “Their skills are for jobs anywhere in the world.”
The recruiting family-owned company was founded in 1965 and specializes in plumbing systems and mechanical services.
“The trades can be good to your family and you can make an honest living,” Pruiett said.
Some of the projects the company has recently been involved in include the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, the University of Miami’s UHealth Ambulatory Center, the Miami Cancer Institute, the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The company typically does at least $75 million in sales every year.
Pruiett told students there were opportunities for not only his company, but others with a need for: project managers, project and working foremen, plumbing estimators, welders, fire sprinkler installers and other jobs.
“Texans have a good work ethic,” Pruiett said. “The industry needs you. The average age for quality workers in the trades is 47 to 52 years old.”
Pruiett has ties to Central Texas: he grew up in Gatesville, has relatives in Lorena and was stationed in San Antonio when he was in the U.S. Marines in the 1970s He first visited TSTC in March during Industry Career Day and met with Industry Relations and Talent Management staff which started the process of the visit.
After Pruiett’s talk, students were selected for program-sponsored scholarships given each semester.
Charles Uecker Jr., 48, a Building Construction Technology major from Cameron, received a $200 for International Code Council certification testing for building inspecting.
“I have done construction inspection for the past 20 years,” he said. “I had the opportunity to come to college and get some schooling behind me. I’ve enjoyed every minute here. I graduate at the end of the semester. The faculty are super helpful.”
Hunter Hartcraft, 25, an Electrical Construction major from Fredericksburg, received $150 from the program. He selected his major because of what is taking place in his hometown.
“There are tons of people moving in and they are building and construction businesses are understaffed,” Hartcraft said. “Everyone needs construction and it is a great way to travel.”
Chance Hott, 31, an Electrical Construction major from Caldwell, received a $100 scholarship from the program. He said he has enjoyed learning about federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and the National Electrical Code.
Hott said he enjoyed Pruiett’s visit because it made him aware of more opportunities in other locations where his electrical skills could be used.
Willie Hudsch, a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology major from Waco, received $50 from the program.
For industry recruiting opportunities at TSTC, contact Industry Relations and Talent Management at 254-867-3009 or 867-254-3354. For more information on TSTC programs or for fall registration, go to tstc.edu.
