(WACO, Texas) – Colton Barksdale has been working at HOLT CAT in Georgetown for about a year and already has an idea about what qualities a good co-worker needs.
“In this industry, you have to be humble and have a positive attitude and an open mindset,” he said. “You have to be willing to learn. People with experience around you will be less willing to help you if you think you know everything.”
Barksdale began work last year as an intern and now works part time in HOLT CAT’s compact construction equipment and rental departments. His work includes preparing new machinery for maintenance, doing light diagnostic work on hydraulics and electrical systems, and readying equipment for shipment.
He said finding a job was not difficult.
“I really did not have to do a lot of hunting because in Georgetown there are not a lot of technical students in the area,” Barksdale said.
He said the interview process for him involved meeting department supervisors who asked questions about his studies in Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. He also toured HOLT CAT, which he said emphasizes safety, quality, and having a life away from work.
Barksdale is a spring candidate for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology – Off-Highway Specialization at TSTC’s Waco campus. He said he will stay at HOLT CAT after graduation.
As Barksdale sees his future as being secure, other students recently had opportunities to talk face-to-face with representatives of more than 200 companies attending TSTC’s three-day Industry Job Fair at the Waco campus. Several companies were focused on diesel equipment and heavy machinery.
Nicklas Jackson, an equipment superintendent at Zachry Construction Corp. in San Antonio, was looking for potential equipment coordinators, equipment specialists, field mechanics and shop mechanics.
Jackson is a graduate of TSTC’s Automotive Technology program at the Waco campus. He said skills such as engine diagnostics and electrical systems learned in automotive programs can work for heavy equipment. He said a mechanical background and effective communication skills are essential.
“We have to change and adapt to the times,” Jackson said. “I am curious to see what the students are looking for.”
Kent Jackson, director of talent and recruitment at South Plains Implement, a multi-store John Deere dealership based in Lubbock, said he finds that sensing applicants’ desire to learn is key to seeing which ones stand out. New employees at the company typically start off in apprenticeships.
Isaiah Hall, a senior recruiter for Mustang Cat in Houston, said he likes hearing from job candidates about their interests and the technical skills they have. He said it is also good for applicants to talk about what their career goals are.
Hall said while the company is selective about who they hire, there will be opportunities later this year to apply for positions as Mustang Cat opens new locations in Channelview and Hempstead.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
