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Adobe Photoshop is the premier tool for graphic designers.

Helping you find a great career is not just part of our mission — it is our obsession. We want you to be successful in finding a job after graduation.

We are proud of our high job-placement rate. Helping students find jobs is so important that we have also made it our commitment.

• Hire TSTC for Students

We are all about helping students and graduates find great careers.

Let us help with your workforce needs.

• hireTSTC for Employers

TSTC Online

Facing technological advances and a retiring workforce, America’s oil refineries are hungry for new talent. If you enjoy the challenge of using science and technology to create products for businesses and consumers, an oil refinery operator career may be a great choice for you.

Get Autodesk AutoCAD Certified! AutoCAD is one of the most in-demand software programs in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Waco

Fort Bend County

One obligation of Business Analytics and Reporting is to report student enrollment numbers and student college progress to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

The data and statistics pages are an effort to address the accountability and transparency of the college.

You’ve graduated to the big leagues and we couldn’t be more proud as you represent TSTC in the workforce.

Harlingen

Safety and security are essential to us. We want everyone to feel protected while on campus, whether you are a student, a faculty member, or a staff member.

Join our team! Your unique role will make a positive impact on TSTC students. Whether you’re a faculty or staff member,  you’ll join the team who works together to achieve outstanding results.

West Texas
Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater

If you are a student with disabilities, Access & Learning Accommodations will work with you to get you the assistance you need. Some examples include:

• Extra time on tests, assignments and labs
• Note-taking services
• Readers for tests
• Sign language interpreters

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a component of the accreditation process. It reflects and affirms our commitment to enhance student learning.

Our goal is to keep our students and campus communities safe. One way is to report any suspicious incidents and behavioral concerns early. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive learning and working environment for all members of the campus community.

We provide testing services to assist you in assessing your knowledge and skills.

Our value-priced courses provide the perfect opportunity to continue your education or retrain in a new field without drowning in debt. We are so confident in the quality of our technical education that with some of our high-demand, Money-Back Guarantee programs we guarantee you will find a job within six months of graduation—or your money back.

In partnership with ed2go, TSTC Workforce Development offers flexible, self-paced non-credit certificate programs to help you start a new career or advance within your current occupation.

Earn your degree from TSTC, then transfer to one of our educational partners to further your education with a four-year degree. Interested in transferring? Talk to your enrollment coach to get started.

TSTC offers online programs to get you on a path to a great career wherever you are.

Veterinary assistants take charge of making sure office visits and procedures go smoothly for animals under veterinary care.

Regardless of the industry, all businesses can benefit from using QuickBooks to organize in their finances, stay on top of invoices, pay bills on time and track expenses efficiently.

A Gold Medal Technical Education

As the manufacturing industry becomes more automated, many machinist are staying ahead of the curve by learning how to use CNC machines.

HVACR is one of the most constant industries for new jobs, so there’s no better time to join.

North Texas

East Williamson County

Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing healthcare to patients. The Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Course was developed in response to a rising need for trained technicians to work in hospitals or retail pharmacies. However, this growing opportunity has also come with increased responsibility, making certification an essential issue for many industry employers and some state legislatures. Some states now require all individuals who work as pharmacy technicians to become nationally certified.

Growth, Upcoming Expansions and Improvements

Administrative healthcare workers are in high demand. Whether you are just starting your career or transitioning into a different field, there has never been a better time to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant or work in medical billing and coding.

Our dual enrollment pathways give your students a head start to a great technical career.

The Center for Employability Outcomes (C4EO) at TSTC is a research, development, and commercialization division focused on optimizing student employability.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. Accrediting agencies are organizations that establish operating standards for educational or professional institutions and programs, determine the extent to which the standards are met, and publicly announce their findings.”

During the 2009 legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed HB 2504. This legislation mandates that Texas public institutions of higher learning make available certain information concerning undergraduate classroom courses offered for credit.

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen is a federally funded program designed to meet the needs of students with migrant and seasonal farm work backgrounds. CAMP offers eligible students pre-college transition and first-year support services to help develop the skills necessary to succeed in college. CAMP collaborates with TSTC faculty, student services, outreach programs and community-based agencies to improve educational and career opportunities for all CAMP-eligible students.

Helping students succeed while meeting the needs of industry

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a leading credential for professionals dedicated to process improvement, efficiency, and excellence. It is highly valued by organizations focused on minimizing waste and providing premium quality, defect-free products and services.

Across nearly every industry, cybersecurity skills are in demand to ensure the secure handling of data online and protect it from attacks, amongst other essential duties.

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents. The regents bring a statewide perspective and are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. They meet quarterly to provide leadership and enact policies for the successful management and operation of the campuses.

Scholarships are awards that do not have to be repaid. They are available to students who qualify based on financial need and academic standing.

We have resources to help your individual financial needs. Apply for a scholarship so you can focus on your schoolwork.

The official Texas State Technical College (TSTC) catalog contains all the information you should ever need regarding our career programs and their courses, as well as all of the other things you’ll want to learn more about like housing, tuition, student services and more.

Reach out to us!  Privacy Policy

You’ve worked hard to earn this credential; now it’s time to share it with the world!

TSTC cares, and we’ve got you covered. Learn more about how we’re protecting you from coronavirus, fighting gender discrimination, how you can report crimes and non-emergency situations, and more.

Dental assistants play a valuable role in any dental care team, often handling a variety of tasks from assisting with treatment procedures to administrative duties.

“This course used real life examples and different learning materials that still help us operate a business,” Kay P., United Tribe Logistics

We invite you to help us #OutnumberHunger for TSTC’s Giving Day. 

On Giving Day, we will come together from all over the state to raise money to combat food insecurity and fill student pantries at our campuses.

Our core mission is to Place More Texans in Great Paying Jobs, but we know all too well how easy it is for our students to have that opportunity slip away due to unforeseen financial hardships.

We believe that no student should have to choose between basic needs and breaking the chains of generational poverty.

100% of each donation will directly impact TSTC students across the state.

This program combines the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant program with training in electronic health records and medical terminology to give you a competitive edge in the healthcare field. You will learn the professional traits and responsibilities to become a vital part of the healthcare team. You will also be prepared for the national certification exams.

Student Services is dedicated to helping you develop the transitional skills you need for success. Whether you want to build leadership skills, get help with a tough course, or are looking for counseling and resources, we are here for you.

TSTC upholds non-discriminatory policies outlined in SOS HR 2.1.14, ensuring equal access to its programs and activities for applicants, employees, and students, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.

Furthermore, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 reinforces this commitment by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. This includes protection against sexual harassment, violence, pregnancy, and parental status discrimination. TSTC extends these safeguards to all employees and students, regardless of their pregnancy or parenthood circumstances, demonstrating a commitment to a supportive educational environment.

If you need to report an emergency that involves an imminent risk of harm to self or others, please call 911, or contact TSTC campus police or local police immediately.

Safety & Security

We participate in the Federal Direct Student Loan program. Direct loans are low-interest loans to students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school.

To apply for a loan, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit supporting documentation.

Our Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) have been adopted to determine continuing eligibility for students who are receiving or applying for financial aid. Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each term to determine whether you are making satisfactory improvement. This review will include all periods of your enrollment, even those for which you did not receive financial aid.

You are expected to be continually aware of your grades.

You’ve made it this far.

Let’s get you the support and training you need to help you get the job you want.

The CARES Act is intended to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

The Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) helps us determine whether you are ready for general coursework and what kind of preparation you may need to succeed at TSTC.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, originally known as the Student Right-to-Know & Campus Security Act, is a federal law. It requires colleges and universities to publish an annual report documenting crimes occurring on campus, at off-campus college facilities, in residence halls, and on public property immediately adjacent to the campus. In addition, this report identifies specific policy statements.

Procurement Management oversees the process of buying goods and services, payment of invoices, and delivery. We are also accountable for college assets.

We are committed to providing efficient service when responding to requests for public information.

Texas State Technical College delivers your refund and provides you with your official School ID card, the TECH OneCard, with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc

In Spring 2023, TSTC deployed a new End-of-Course evaluation system. The new survey includes two areas of evaluation which include student feedback on the course (e.g., course organization or the effectiveness of course assessments) and student feedback on the instructor (e.g., whether the instructor encouraged student interaction or presented information clearly). 

Building a brighter tomorrow begins with Texas State Technical College. In recognition of the dedication and service of our armed forces, TSTC is committed to supporting you in achieving your academic goals.

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A fast-track program to teach basic automotive skills will be taught at Texas State Technical College this fall. Sweetwater Automotive Technology instructor Gerod Strother will teach the 15-week Occupational Skills Award (OSA) program. The OSA is part of TSTC’s Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program that helps students learn skills quickly...

(WACO, Texas) – Joseph Leavelle Jr., of Lorena, is eager to use his love of technology to find just the right job. He took a step toward that during the recently completed fall semester at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He was one of three students to complete the Basic Computer Networking and Systems...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently introduced the Rapid Industry Skills and Employability, or RISE, program that allows students to train for a new job in as little as 7 1/2 weeks. Upon completion, students receive an Occupational Skills Award, which gives them the credentials to head off into their new career. One...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – May is Military Appreciation Month, a good time to let military veterans know that Texas State Technical College can offer them an education to gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs. Dion Sosa, of Harlingen, is furthering his education at TSTC by pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Alissa Sosa, 19, expects to earn her associate degree this semester from Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native is an active member of the TSTC Leadership Academy and the Chemical Technology Club. With her participation in both organizations, Sosa has also been able to complete community service activities such as beach...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – A lot of work goes into creating a great website. From search engine optimization, graphics, caches, cookies and more, developing a website that can meet everything a company needs is daunting. That’s where web developers come in. The Web Design and Development program at Texas State Technical College teaches students the skills...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – According to Forbes Advisor, there are approximately 1.13 billion websites on the World Wide Web today, but 82% of them are inactive. Texas State Technical College created the Web Design and Development program in part to help future web developers create perpetually active websites that can be seen across the world. “One...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Hector Rosa graduated last week from Texas State Technical College with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology. When did you first learn about your job offer? I learned about this job offer the week of commencement. I had other job offers leading up to this, but Morton’s made me an offer...

Marketing, photography, illustration among Digital Media Design career paths (WACO, Texas) – Recent graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Digital Media Design program have an impressive array of career options. Pleasanton native Hannah Selby works at a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary as a marketing coordinator and real estate photographer. Abilene resident Arabel Mullen aspires to be...

(WACO, Texas) – Alissa Foss grew up in Central Texas and is a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Visual Communication Technology program in Waco. She is a graphic designer at National Sign Plazas in Cedar Park. What inspired you to study Visual Communication Technology at TSTC? I have always loved art and drawing but...

(ABILENE, Texas) – A behind-the-scenes job at Oncor Electric Delivery Co. could be the perfect fit for some Texas State Technical College graduates. Members of Oncor’s design team said the Electrical Power and Controls program has the best curriculum to fit the needs of the company. The team develops designs and prepares estimates to ensure...

(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....

Career Services to share information about resources available (HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Office of Career Services at Texas State Technical College is not letting working remotely stop it from helping TSTC students on their path to a new career. The department is set to host an On-the-Go Drive-Thru from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Billboards, magazine layouts, and websites are all intricately crafted by graphic designers. Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College brings those skills to life for students seeking a vibrant career. Jerry Vavra, TSTC’s statewide department chair for Digital Media Design, explained that while technology makes up a large aspect of the...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Digital Media Design students are going back to the basics. Throughout October, several students and instructors are participating in the Inktober challenge. The annual event focuses on improving a designer’s skill and developing a positive drawing habit, according to the challenge’s website, inktober.com. Each day of the month,...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Two Texas State Technical College Web Design and Development students from the North Texas campus, Dave McMillan and Michael Clesh, recently reflected on their experiences last month at the 59th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. McMillan and Clesh competed as a team in the Upper Web...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – People who thrive on creativity can easily find digital media design jobs in Texas. Texas State Technical College’s online Digital Media Design program teaches students about digital imaging, digital video, photography, typography and other topics. With a well-curated portfolio, students can be confident in their abilities to work in agencies and businesses...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When Andres Hinojosa was moving from the Rio Grande Valley to the Houston area, he was driving near the house he was planning on renting when he saw something that reminded him of home: Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County. TSTC has 10 statewide locations, one of which is...

(WACO, Texas) – Dave McMillan, a Web Design and Development student at Texas State Technical College, works a full-time job in addition to being a full-time father and full-time student. He did not originally plan to go back to school but found the opportunity when helping his son apply to colleges. McMillan said he was...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program and Cybersecurity program at the North Texas campus will move to an all-online format this fall. For the 2020-21 academic year, TSTC’s health protocols have caused changes in how many classes are delivered. Some programs are moving to a hybrid format...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Attending the biannual Industry Job Fair at Texas State Technical College has become a tradition for directors and managers from Laughlin Air Force Base’s Civil Service Maintenance Directorate. Joseph Cortinas, Laughlin’s aircraft maintenance project manager, joined more than 60 other industry partners on Thursday during the college’s Industry Job Fair. “This fair...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Many college students around Texas are experiencing the age-old question that comes prior to graduation: What now? Texas State Technical College Director of Career Services Viviana Espinosa shed some light on how students can prepare to become top candidates for the next step in their career. “I love seeing students transition into...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It takes a talented individual to elevate art and design to the next level, such as in digital architecture. For one student at Texas State Technical College, he is well on his way. Charles Hervey, of San Benito, is a first-semester Drafting and Design student at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, where he is...

(WACO, Texas) – The Texas Mutual Insurance Co.’s $150,000 grant awarded in late 2020 through The TSTC Foundation to Texas State Technical College means that students can continue to learn technical skills quickly and receive assistance to ease life’s burdens. The college’s Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program will receive $100,000 of the grant....

(WACO, Texas) – Drafting and design involves creating technical drawings, plans and models used for the construction and creation of products and structures in architecture, engineering and manufacturing. Texas State Technical College offers its Drafting and Design program online and in a hybrid format at the Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses. “The online...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – From billboards to mail advertising, logos to company branding, the world is filled with messages that were designed to catch the eye. Each message is carefully crafted to appeal to a specific audience, to draw them in and get them to engage. “It’s not art for art’s sake,” said Christina Hollis, statewide...

(WACO, Texas) – An associate degree from Texas State Technical College has opened many doors for Mark Rockwell. Rockwell graduated in 2007 with a degree in Advertising Design, now Visual Communication Technology, and since then has overseen designs for a professional athlete, a celebrity chef, and a company featured on “Shark Tank.” “I was a...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students will be able to design more than buildings when they complete Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program. Instructor Justin Price said students will have the skills to work in different industries, including the oil and gas industry. “Our graduates will be well rounded to go into the architectural field...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Representatives from Johnson & Pace Inc., a company specializing in engineering, architecture and surveying, recently visited Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus to give TSTC Drafting and Design students a glimpse of what it would be like to work for their firm. Johnson & Pace project manager Ken Rust, a TSTC Drafting...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Jeremy Fabinski was ahead of the curve when he enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program. “I took (drafting) in high school all four years,” the Whitehouse native said. “I grew up in the construction world. My dad builds houses and remodels them.” At TSTC, Fabinski earned an Associate...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With each cut that they make and each nail that they drive, students in the Building Construction Technology program at Texas State Technical College are reaping benefits that can have a profound impact on their future careers. Third-semester students Jesse Cisneros and Eddie Rodriguez have been learning various components involved in building...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luis Escobedo, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, recently started an internship at Guzman & Munoz Engineering and Surveying Inc. in Mercedes. “I was introduced to the software they use and their team,” Escobedo said about the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Virtual reality has transformed many technical industries, and the Drafting and Design program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus will incorporate the technology into its curriculum next fall. The program will introduce the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality simulator to be used during lab sessions by students who are pursuing one...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Computers have changed the way we look at different forms of media. Because the internet never sleeps, neither do the opportunities to learn about the field. Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College offers a hands-on approach to this evolving area of study while also ensuring that students understand the tools...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Texas State Technical College Office of Career Services will host a virtual industry job fair from March 23-25 to connect TSTC students and alumni with potential employers. The event is not open to the public. TSTC Career Services recently hosted a successful drive-thru event in which more than 200 TSTC students...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Wearing her heart on her sleeve and helping others is what Esmeralda Sosa, of Harlingen, has planned for her medical career. She is pursuing a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Her medical journey began in 2017 after she became a certified nursing assistant. “I...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Whether cleaning rain gutters or dealing with holiday lights, people need to think “safety first” when using ladders. “People get used to saying, ‘It is not that high,’” said Jason Morrow, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program at the Waco campus. “It does not take...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The runway to a career in aviation maintenance varied for three Texas State Technical College students. Simon Guijosa, Robert Larson and Jacob Mares are fourth-semester Associate of Applied Science degree students in TSTC’s Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology programs. They have formed a bond with their classmates in the TSTC...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology program has a new name and focus for the fall. The program will shift to an all-online format with virtual labs. Josh Stampley, a program instructor, said faculty will use TSTC’s Moodle platform and Microsoft Whiteboard for teaching and interacting with students....

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics graduates from Texas State Technical College are finding that the demand for their skills is increasing as highway, road and subdivision developments are growing across the state. TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics statewide Department Chair Samuel Pizano said students are being recruited across the Rio Grande Valley and statewide,...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – A new Drafting and Design instructor recently joined the faculty at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus. Suzy Kirkpatrick has had about 19 years of experience in the industry, working in both pipe and residential design. She said she loves drafting and hopes to share that enthusiasm with her students. “I’m excited...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department recently partnered with engineering, construction and project management company Bechtel, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corp. and Workforce Solutions Cameron to allow graduates from TSTC’s four-week, 140-hour NCCER Basic Rigger program the opportunity to apply for Rigger positions on the Rio Grande LNG...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A love of creating their own art through digital media led two Roscoe Collegiate High School students to Texas State Technical College. Linnea Elmore and Patience Perez, both high school juniors, began their dual enrollment journey at different times but have developed an understanding of design through TSTC’s Digital Media Design program....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Mari Cruz Montoya was captivated by drawing, painting and sculpting at a young age. Little did she know that her creativity would lead to a degree from Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program and eventually to a job at Cruz-Hogan Consultants, a civil engineering consulting firm. “In middle school, I...

TSTC alumnus works in drafting at SpaceX (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumnus Gaddison GiuocoSchlaefer is a part of history, working as a drafter at SpaceX in Boca Chica. “It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s like, am I dreaming? It’s amazing. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” While drafter is GiuocoSchlaefer’s official title,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In Texas, drafting and design is an occupation that is constantly growing. In fact, Texas employs the second-most drafters in the nation, and Texas State Technical College is equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in this career. TSTC’s Drafting and Design program offers a chance to put creativity to...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a first-generation college student, Marisol Arias is proving to herself and others that she can break barriers for herself and her family. The Brownsville native is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology student at Texas State Technical College, where she is expected to graduate in Spring 2020 with an associate...

(WACO, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College graduate recently placed first in the Wacotown Chalk + Walk arts event sponsored by Creative Waco. Shay MacMorran, of Waco, graduated in 2003 with an associate degree in Commercial Art and Advertising. She is currently a graphic designer at Winstar Marketing in Austin but works remotely from...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – People who suffer from substance abuse need a substance abuse counselor to guide them to recovery, and that professional will help them through each step of their disorder. Connie Schaaf is the statewide department chair for Texas State Technical College’s online Chemical Dependency Counseling program. Recently, she talked about why basic counseling...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Many construction companies are looking for entry-level welders. To help fill that need, Texas State Technical College will offer an Occupational Skills Award certification program in Welding Technology this fall at the college’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene.  Three basic welding courses will be offered over 15 weeks, said instructor Anthony Lewis....

(ABILENE, Texas) – Sheryl Givens turned a lifelong passion into a career. Since graduating from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology in 2018, Givens has worked as a designer for SCS Technologies in Big Spring. “I have always been interested in construction,” Given...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Tyson Skinner, an alumnus of Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program, recently returned to TSTC’s North Texas campus to become an instructor in the same program. Skinner graduated from TSTC three years ago with an Associate of Applied Science degree and has been working in the drafting and design...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Many Texas State Technical College students find jobs before graduation, thanks to the college’s specialized education and the school’s caring staff. However, Vanessa Martinez’s employers at Republic Elite recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a degree at TSTC while still working for them.  Martinez is a Drafting and Design student...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Alejandra Sanchez does her best to balance motherhood, a college education and being an assistant manager at a pizza restaurant. Sanchez is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Engineering Graphics and Design Technology at TSTC, and she finds it interesting how some instances in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After working in some unfulfilling jobs, Carlos Nunez sought a career that would give him a better life. So he contacted an enrollment coach at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen location. “I wanted to know which programs were associated with computers to take in the evening,” Nunez said. “I met an instructor...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For the first time, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology will expand its offerings with evening classes beginning Spring 2020. TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics statewide department chair Samuel Pizano said the change comes at a time when students are seeking flexibility, and evening and online courses are growing in popularity....

(WACO, Texas) – Jasmine Watch, of Dallas, graduated in 2021 from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls. She now works in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Oncor Electric Delivery, where she is an electrical design associate. How did you decide to major in...

Electromechanical Automation one of several courses to choose from (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas A&M University student Bahaa Alhaj was eager to get back to in-person learning when he decided to enroll in Electromechanical Automation at Texas State Technical College. “It gave me experience in electrical circuits. Especially with COVID-19, we were doing all of our...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some students at La Feria Early College High School are getting a real-world perspective on what it takes to succeed in the world of digital media design from someone who has a degree and professional experience in the field: Texas State Technical College graduate Megan Trevino-Torres. “I have been teaching graphic design,...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students in the Drafting and Design program at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus recently traveled to Tyler to visit Samuel Engineering Inc., a multidisciplinary engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction company. “I organize these field trips for my students to broaden their perspectives, reinforce the value of their education and give them...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) -Graphic designer by day and toy photographer by night, Adam McGrath is sharing his skills with younger generations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The lead graphic designer at Texas State Technical College grew up in Melbourne, Australia, a place he calls art central. “I grew up enjoying graffiti art and drawing, and putting...

Designation means students may earn their CDLs in less time (ROSENBERG, Texas) – The Texas Department of Public Safety recently designated Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County as a third-party testing site for individuals seeking to earn their commercial driver’s license, or CDL. Usually students had to schedule and take the test...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The Drafting and Design program instructors at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall location took their students on a tour of the joint-use administration and engineering firm TechServ in Tyler on Wednesday, March 27.  “I want (our students) to be able to see these companies for themselves, that way they know that there...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department recently organized a virtual event to connect TSTC students with a potential employer: M&S Engineering. M&S Engineering is a Texas-based engineering firm whose scope of services includes electrical engineering; civil engineering; mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP); and survey projects through its sister company, Sherwood Surveying...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Career Services department at Texas State Technical College recently hosted its Interview Practicum, an annual tradition that prepares soon-to-be graduates for job interviews. In line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans into great paying jobs, the two-day event brought industry partners, community members and TSTC faculty and staff together to...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is committed to helping its graduates find jobs in their respective fields. Next week, TSTC students will be given the opportunity to find their new careers during the college’s Virtual Job Fair. The event, which is online due to TSTC’s coronavirus protocols, will take place on Oct. 29...

Opportunities gets college-level learning in gear for younger students (HARLINGEN, Texas) – After so much time spent learning virtually, GEAR UP student Lila Quintero is looking forward to being back in the classroom — even if it is the middle of summer vacation. The rising sophomore at Santa Rosa ISD was on campus at Texas...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumna Lily Conde, a Rio Hondo resident, knew the medical field was her calling. She had a great high school experience as an active member of the Health Occupations Students of America. That interest led her to enroll in TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program. She earned a certificate of...

  (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College students from the Harlingen location medaled at the recent 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. Winning gold medals were Allison Agundiz, of Donna, in Welding Sculpture; Mohamed Deyab, of Harlingen, in Sheet Metal; Rene Garay Jr., of Brownsville, Matthew Muniz, of...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Recently some Texas State Technical College Dental Hygiene and Emergency Medical Services students won medals during their first time competing at a SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference. Diana Rocha, of Los Fresnos, and Miriam Sanchez, of Edinburg, represented TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program at the competition, which was held in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For more than 260 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, the sounds of friends and families cheering and applauding reflected the soul of the ceremony. The proud graduates walked the stage and received their long-awaited certificates of completion or associate degrees at TSTC’s Spring 2023 Commencement held May 2 at...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Civil professional engineers Joe Chalifoux and Vance Liles of MTG Engineers & Surveyors presented the company’s first employer spotlight at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus on Wednesday, Feb. 21. A total of 14 of the college’s Drafting and Design students were in attendance. The company is looking for full-time employees and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has embraced remote learning, and despite studying off campus, students are still assured the same hands-on guidance that TSTC provides to students studying on campus. Department chair JJ Vavra discussed the fundamentals of TSTC’s Visual Communication Technology program, its benefits, and what students will learn during their five...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Anissa Rodriguez grew up in a household where she and her two sisters were encouraged by their father, who was an artist, to embrace art and flourish in their creative abilities. “My father pursued an education at an art school years ago, but he didn’t finish because...

(WACO, Texas) – For Dennis Drennon, it is all about the creative process. “In the morning, I come in and make sure the heat pressers around me are on and I turn everything on and make sure the humidifier is on that keeps the printer in a controlled climate,” the Texas State Technical College graduate...

(WACO, Texas) – For the first time Texas State Technical College has been recognized as a Military Spouse Friendly school for 2019-2020 by Viqtory. Viqtory is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that connects the military community to civilian employment, education and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse and Military Friendly brands. TSTC Veterans...

(WACO, Texas) – Michael Mojica has the products you need to go on your next adventure.  Mojica, a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus now living in Centennial, Colorado, has invented products and owns a company combining his appreciation for the outdoors and design. “If we have unique, novel ideas that have true...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luiz Ramirez of Boerne is motivated by providing for his family and seeing what he has helped create come to life. Ramirez, a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, is a computer-aided design (CAD) technician at Matkin Hoover Engineering in Boerne. He said his job is fast-paced and involves a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It is captivating to marvel at what inspires a child’s creative curiosity and observe them draw that in a sketchbook. For Texas State Technical College Drafting and Design alumna Mariela Ramirez, that talent for drawing began at an early age. “I found a connection to architecture when I watched the TV show...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Safety will be the top priority at Texas State Technical College when the fall semester begins Aug. 31. The four West Texas campuses, located in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater, will have a different look this year. Students who need to complete labs will be allowed on campus, but all other instruction...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students graduating from Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program in Marshall leave with knowledge about commercial wiring, electrical theory, hydraulics, pneumatics and other topics. “There is actually big money locally if the students want to stay local,” said Edward Chaney, a TSTC program instructor. Texas had more than...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When Texas State Technical College graduate Aristeo Castillo was first introduced to graffiti art, it put him on a trajectory to becoming a muralist and eventually founding his own Harlingen-based company, Slate Media. “I enjoyed seeing the various styles of graffiti art when I was a teenager,” he said. “I started to...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When someone thinks of Texas State Technical College, cybersecurity might not be front of mind. But the Cybersecurity program at TSTC is crucial to filling the need for greater online safety for both businesses and individuals across the state. Andrew Phillips, lead instructor for the program at the Fort Bend County campus,...

(HARLINGEN) – Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedics are in high demand across the region and the state with a projected growth of 15 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And EMS instructor Ruben Ramirez said Texas State Technical College is working to fill...

(WACO, Texas) – The health protocols undertaken in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program are not only keeping students safe, but also teaching a lesson. Program faculty have designated entrances and exits for TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center, along with enacting social distancing, sanitizing and requiring masks. These measures will continue during the fall semester,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – To earn a spot at this year’s SkillsUSA national competition, Texas State Technical College Mechatronics students and teammates Ricardo Vera and Maria Lara worked diligently for six hours building, wiring and programming their programmable logic controller, or PLC, during the SkillsUSA state competition earlier this month at TSTC in Waco. “The competition...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus is now home to a Federal Aviation Administration designated mechanic examiner (DME). Carl Stutsman, a TSTC aviation maintenance instructor, attended an FAA training school in Oklahoma City in late 2018 and was officially notified this summer about his DME status. “To have a DME on staff...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumnus Ulises Perez recalls when at a young age he would observe his grandfather’s craftsmanship as a homebuilder in Mexico. “I found his homebuilding process fascinating,” he said. That fascination, combined with Perez’s interest in fixing household objects when he was growing up, informed his later interest in...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science degree program in Cybersecurity across the state is now designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency, an honor held by few two-year technical colleges. “Designation means membership in a community of educators focused on growing...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Daniel Vu, of Arlington, always liked building with Legos as a kid. Now Vu, a fourth-semester student at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology. “I believe there is always room for creativity, as long as you like building,”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ten students in the Cybersecurity program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus are preparing to compete in the National Cyber League (NCL) event. They are collaborating with the college’s Drafting and Design program to utilize a key resource that is essential for their preparation: graphics cards. Armando Barrera, Ricardo De Leon...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Longview resident Dave McMillan could not help but recall his unrealized passion for computer coding while helping his son apply to study at Texas State Technical College. Encouraged by his family, the elder McMillan set out to make his own dreams come true by signing up for TSTC’s Web Design and Development...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The sound of a sizzling ribeye steak, the aroma of lemon-garlic-butter shrimp, and the moist texture of a molten chocolate cake. Experiences like these, along with his kitchen expertise, are what Texas State Technical College graduate Hipolito Garcia brings to his culinary students at San Benito High School. Garcia earned an Associate...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Emergency Medical Technician program at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen recently made changes that bring more opportunity to current and future students. Last year, after being under Workforce Training and Continuing Education for more than a decade, TSTC’s EMS program received the accreditation it needed to offer a certificate and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Luis Quintero, of Raymondville, recalls that some of the homes his family lived in when he was growing up were not properly built. That memory factored into his decision to attend Texas State Technical College. “I’m in the fourth semester of the Building Construction Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus,” he...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Marshall native Henry Wells joined the Drafting and Design program at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall location after opening his family’s dream business, Wells Enterprises Unlimited LLC. “We wanted to build affordable houses,” he said. “That’s where TSTC came into play.” Wells had already graduated from TSTC before, earning an Associate of...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Guehovany Hernandez and his father have always had a strong bond. His dad, who worked as a contractor, introduced him to the construction field when he was a teenager. “As I grew older, I developed an interest in industrial construction,” Hernandez said. “I realized there was a demand for a drafter in...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Joyee Stevenson has returned to her roots in Houston and, in the midst of a career change, she found her calling at Texas State Technical College. With only a couple of months under her belt at TSTC, the Workforce Training and Continuing Education project manager is already finding that this change was...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – As a mechanical engineering student at Texas A&M University, James Hingle focuses on designing parts and drafting blueprints for their manufacture. As a Precision Machining Technology student at Texas State Technical College this semester, Hingle is getting hands-on with the actual making of the parts he usually just designs. “I think it...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program in Marshall gives students the hands-on experience they need to fill many East Texas jobs.  The program’s courses include basic electrical theory, blueprints, commercial wiring, compressors and hydraulics. Edward Chaney, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program, said instructors look at new students as blank...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – This fall, Texas State Technical College’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Cybersecurity, and Drafting and Design programs will offer students the choice to complete their training either fully online or in a format that combines online learning with in-person lab time — opportunities that have not been available in these programs since...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – College declaration days are not just for athletes. On May 21, nine Raymondville Early College High School students announced their plans to attend Texas State Technical College in the fall. The Texas Workforce Commission sponsors Texas Career Technical Signing Day events, like the Raymondville event, statewide to recognize students who are choosing...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In a typical year, at a typical pinning ceremony, Texas State Technical College students in allied health programs would gather to celebrate the culmination of their studies in a solemn event steeped in tradition. But this is not a typical year. The pinning ceremonies for the Nursing and Surgical Technology allied health...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Not many college students get to fulfill their dream of being rocket scientists. But for two students of Leo Guajardo, a Texas State Technical College Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant instructor in Harlingen, they can come close. Guajardo and the students are the stewards of an X-38 space prototype vehicle frame for research...

(HARLINGEN) – Blueprint reading, coding and design is what Texas State Technical College students Eduardo Ortiz and Gabriel Flores have been focused on in preparation for the upcoming SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The new coronavirus has impacted more than just social gatherings. In Texas, nearly 1.3 million people are unemployed because of the current pandemic, and that number continues to climb. To help Texans get back to work, Texas State Technical College is deploying the Rapid Industry Skills and Employability (RISE) program that will...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College instructor Charles Sparks would like to help you reframe what you picture when you think of robotics — specifically in the context of TSTC’s Robotics Technology program. “When most people think of robotics, they envision consumer-based items such as drones, robotic vacuums, cars, trucks, boats and even ‘battle...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumnus Marcos Anzaldua, of Weslaco, grew up with a knack for tinkering in the family’s mechanic shop. Years later, observations of his father’s repair work enhanced that automotive knowledge. That would guide Anzaldua toward a rewarding automotive career. Anzaldua earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Six students from Texas State Technical College’s West Texas campuses qualified for the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference with gold medal victories at the state conference earlier this month. Zachary Atwell, Dustin Bostick, Mackenzie Brigman, Thomas Kalman, Philip Taylor and Axel Torres will compete at the national event scheduled for June...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In celebration of National Manufacturing Week, which is observed Oct. 6-13, Texas State Technical College’s Mechatronics Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs were ranked among the best in the United States, according to the 2024 Best Schools rankings compiled by Collegefactual.com. According to the website, TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program is...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – College Factual recently placed Texas State Technical College at the top of its list of 2024 Best Mechanic and Repair Technologies Associate Degree Schools in the United States. According to its website, collegefactual.com, the company was created to help students research colleges and careers. It gathers data from public and private sources,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is among the best two-year colleges for nursing in the state, according to Niche.com. The website based its rankings on analysis of statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and student reviews. Adrienne Reyes, TSTC’s LVN to RN Transition Nursing Program team lead in Harlingen, said the ranking...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – College Factual recently placed Texas State Technical College at the top of its list of Best Lineworker Associate Degree Schools in the United States for 2024. According to its website, collegefactual.com, the company was created to help students research colleges and careers. It gathers data from public and private sources, including the...

(ABILENE, Texas) –  Texas State Technical College has partnered with the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to help create the newest addition to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden in Abilene.  Three metal panels of sculptural vines standing about 7 feet tall and titled “Cardinal Vines” will be added to the garden in 2020. On the vines will...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Computer Programming Technology and Drafting and Design instructors are gearing up for a different way to offer classes. The two programs will be offered completely online this fall, and TSTC instructor Julie Rhoades welcomes the opportunity.  She is no stranger to teaching Computer Programming online. It was previously...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted a Women in Technology event on Friday, Aug. 2, at the Marshall campus.  Some 14 women attended the event, which was sponsored by electric cable manufacturer Prysmian Group’s Marshall plant.  Megan Hanson, a Perkins nontraditional program specialist at TSTC, said the annual event is designed to encourage...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When air conditioning breaks down on those sizzling Rio Grande Valley days, leave it to heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians to come to the rescue. More of the technical superheroes are needed in the region and throughout Texas. “Right now, we are getting job offers from different companies,” said Jorge Cabrera,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The game of chess is known to require the utmost patience, preparation and strategy. Those same principles are comparable to the welding industry. Four TSTC alumni have established the direction of their program into a cohesive Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Manuel Ahumada, Isaac Rivas, Raul Saldivar...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Aydra Vasquez, a former California resident who now lives in Harlingen, has fond memories of being in the robotics club at her middle school near San Diego. Those memories would influence her decision to enroll in the Mechatronics Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where she is studying for...

(WACO, Texas) – Cicilia Bunting has felt this feeling before. Bunting, a Culinary Arts student at Texas State Technical College, won first place for the second consecutive year in Commercial Baking at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference held in mid-April in Waco. “I know what to expect and what the judges...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Robert Piña is a Business Management Technology student at Texas State Technical College and expects to earn his associate degree in Summer 2019. The 43-year-old San Benito native, boasts a 3.5 grade-point average and also already holds two associate degrees from TSTC’s Building Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eleazar Lumbrera started his journey at Texas State Technical College when he was in high school, but with doubts about his future, he decided not to attend college. But now he’s back as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) student and is expecting to earn his associate degree in Spring 2020....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As she was wrapping up her final year of high school, Mary Guerrero knew that she wanted to spend her career helping others. A senior class trip to Texas State Technical College helped guide her right where she needed to be. Now the Santa Rosa native is ready to embark on a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College provides a hands-on approach to the rapidly growing field of culinary arts. TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, as well as three certificates, all of which can help equip students for success in the future. Culinary Arts instructor Emma Creps discussed the approach...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College was recently awarded a Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant in the amount of $300,000 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Reskilling grants allow Texas higher education institutions to provide financial assistance to students who are experiencing adversities and have had to drop out of college because...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker Technology students had a rare moment in the shade as they met team members visiting from Magic Valley Electric Cooperative. The students recounted how they became interested in lineworking. From fulfilling childhood dreams, to word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, to not knowing much about the industry until...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As an academic advisor for the Upward Bound program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, Anthony Johnson II is part of a long tradition of African Americans whose positive impact will be felt for generations to come and who are celebrated during Black History Month. Johnson said he is honored by...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A person’s smile can truly be captivating. Restoring a patient’s oral health is an art and a science that brings joy to a dental hygienist. Raquel Rico, a Texas State Technical College alumna and the TSTC Dental Hygiene program lead at the TSTC campus in Harlingen, is multifaceted in her TSTC Dental...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Aaron Cantu, of Harlingen, knew he had to choose a career pathway when he was a student at San Benito High School. His decision to choose health care led him to future success in the health care field. Not only is he a nursing assistant teacher at his former high school, but...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some 200 students from 14 area high schools will visit Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus for a Region One GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) campus tour Thursday, May 26. The participating high schools include Edcouch-Elsa, Harlingen, Harlingen South, La Feria, Lasara, La Villa, Los Fresnos, Monte...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus opened the doors to its annual Industry Job Fair, where more than 250 students and alumni presented their resumes and credentials to business and industry representatives, on Thursday, March 30. Representatives of around 75 companies from across Texas and the United States provided information on job...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Dental Hygiene program recently hosted its inaugural dental hygienist networking event in collaboration with San Antonio-based Patterson Dental Supply. The event was held April 4 at SMOKE: Texas BBQ and Watering Hole in Harlingen, where more than 20 graduating TSTC Dental Hygiene students networked with representatives from about...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College welcomed around 300 high school seniors at a National CTE (career and technical education) Letter of Intent Signing Day event on Thursday, April 20, at the Harlingen campus. School representatives from Brownsville, Donna, Edcouch-Elsa, Edinburg, Harlingen, IDEA Public Schools, La Feria, Los Fresnos, Lyford, Mercedes, Monte Alto, Palmview,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ensuring that structures are safe and align with specific building codes is an essential part of Duvie Alcozer’s job as a building official with the town of Laguna Vista. While on the job, she once observed a woman who was remodeling her home. Alcozer became intrigued by the renovation process, and that...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The thought of a loved one, a friend or any person being diagnosed with cancer — especially lung cancer — is a serious concern. The Vocational Nursing program at Texas State Technical College emphasizes the importance of lung cancer awareness — especially on World Lung Cancer Day on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Lung...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At Texas State Technical College, the formula to a great-paying career for some students starts by training with industry-standard equipment and materials to prepare for competition at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference and, ultimately, the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Recently Best Block, a Quikrete company, donated three...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Victoria Garcia is part of the next generation of Building Construction Technology students at Texas State Technical College. Garcia plans to showcase her skills at the 2023 SPEC Mix Bricklayer 500’s South Texas Regional Series at Best Block in San Antonio on Thursday, Nov. 2. The SPEC Mix Bricklayer 500 is the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At Texas State Technical College, the Access and Learning Accommodations (ALA) office serves as a resource for students who may experience barriers due to a disability — especially when students are striving in their educational journeys toward employment. Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with...

(WACO, Texas) – Kyler Valenta is back in a familiar place. Valenta, of Waco, graduated in 2019 from Texas State Technical College’s Instrumentation Technology program and quickly went to work at Formosa Plastics Corp., Texas in Point Comfort as an instrumentation technician specializing in analyzer systems. Earlier this year, Valenta made a career change and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Representatives from Morton Buildings Inc. visited with some students in Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology program during a recent employer spotlight at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. Gina Lopez-Montague and Dennis Norris discussed the company’s history, job opportunities, work culture and career progression. “We want future employees to understand we’re not hiring...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It is wintertime in Texas, and preparing your home for frigid temperatures can be a smart decision. Hector Rosa is the Building Construction Technology program director at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Recently he talked about how homeowners can best prepare their homes for severe winter weather. Why should a homeowner...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently welcomed more than two dozen high school counselors and career and technical education (CTE) teachers to experience the college’s technologies and hands-on labs during its second annual TECHcelerate, a weeklong technical education conference with two different sessions at TSTC’s Harlingen location. Rebeca Villanueva-Hernandez, TSTC’s enrollment lead in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Safety is a top priority in many of the programs taught at Texas State Technical College not only during National Safety Month in June, but also throughout the rest of the year. Hector Rosa is TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program team lead at TSTC’s Harlingen location. Recently he talked about how safety...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Students in the Building Construction Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus were recently given a tour of the Joeris General Contractors headquarters in San Antonio. Joeris, a commercial construction company with additional locations in Austin, Dallas and Houston, welcomed the 22 students, along with their instructors, to interact directly...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Navy veteran and Texas State Technical College alumnus Carlos Rodriguez is giving back to the college as a new aviation maintenance instructor at TSTC’s Harlingen campus with the goal of preparing students for future jobs as aircraft mechanics. “I’ve been on the job for a month,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve enjoyed teaching the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Dental Hygiene program is among the top 15 dental hygiene programs for 2023 in Texas according to NursingProcess.org, and among the best colleges with dental hygiene degrees for 2024 in Texas as compiled by Niche.com. “It brings pride to our program and demonstrates that we provide top-notch training...

Cybersecurity can be at risk if users are not aware of possible threats (ROSENBERG, Texas) – If you have an unbelievable Cyber Monday deal in your email inbox, do a little research before committing to the purchase. “If it feels too good to be true, it probably is,” warned Texas State Technical College Cybersecurity instructor...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will debut an Associate of Applied Science degree in Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology – Journeyman this fall at the Waco campus. Some of the classes that students will take include Backflow Prevention, Basic Blueprint Reading for Plumbers, Construction Estimating, OSHA Regulations – Construction Industry, and Plumbing Codes I...

(WACO, Texas) – William Graham, of Teague, began teaching in October 2022 in Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program at the Waco campus. Graham is a graduate of Teague High School and TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program. Recently Graham talked about his new role and what he hopes students...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The instructors and staff of Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus have been asked before how they introduce digital tools in the learning environment. TSTC knows that as technology continues to evolve, the classrooms’ resources must evolve as well. Throughout their previous careers, Automation and Controls Technology instructors Douglas Clark and Troy...

(WACO, Texas) – Dominic Abeyta, of Hewitt, is working toward a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology certificate at Texas State Technical College. He is scheduled to graduate in December. What inspired you to study Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology at TSTC? I was working as an armed security guard, but I was looking for a new challenge...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology student Trey Beavers takes inspiration from one single saying from his grandfather. “He always told me, ‘If someone built it, you can work on it.’ That is how I fell in love with working on anything with an engine,” Beavers said. Beavers is studying for a...

Industrial Systems instructor celebrates student’s work ethic (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Tommy Barrett used to watch — with great curiosity — when mechanics would disassemble and troubleshoot hydraulic pumps and motors in the cardboard balers that were used at a grocery store chain. It was enviably different from Barrett’s position: stocking shelves in the dairy section....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Two female Cybersecurity students at Texas State Technical College are using their training in the program as a means for change — and advancement — in their careers and lives. Michele Reynolds, of Waco, anticipates that she will graduate this month, but this is not her first degree from TSTC. She previously...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is unique out of the two-year colleges across the state. With greater hands-on learning opportunities and a more affordable cost of attendance, students graduate better prepared for the workforce. The Diesel Equipment Technology program at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus is designed to help students understand not only...

(WACO, Texas) – Tiffani Cortez’s advice is simple for females figuring out what careers they want to pursue after college. “Always try new things,” said Cortez, a graduate of Texas State Technical College. “Don’t let anyone tell you something is ‘for females.’” Cortez teaches engineering classes at the Harmony School of Innovation in Waco and...

(RED OAK, Texas) – About 80 sophomores, juniors and seniors from Red Oak High School are taking dual enrollment classes this year through Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus. Some of the high school students are taking Automotive Technology classes taught by a TSTC-credentialed teacher at Red Oak Middle School, where some of the...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College officials broke ground for a new Industrial Technology Center at its Abilene east campus on Wednesday, Aug. 9. The facility will enhance the campus experience, provide additional training space for new and innovative programs, and help the college adapt to the ever-changing technical training landscape. The building is...

(WACO, Texas) – Christina Pace is elevating her creativity through digital art. Pace, 23, of McGregor designs fliers for Texas State Technical College in Waco’s Visual Art Society, which includes other TSTC Visual Communication Technology majors. It is practice for her future career in graphic design. As she pursues her endeavors and studies, Pace finds...

(WACO, Texas) – Representatives of Texas State Technical College and the Baylor University School of Engineering and Computer Science joined Axtell residents on Thursday, July 21, for the dedication of a wheelchair-accessible swing at Axtell Community Park. “It’s one of those things where you see us (TSTC and Baylor) as these big brands,” said Jerome...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Leaders from Texas State Technical College and the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation Inc. (RSTEF) gathered Thursday, Sept. 30, at TSTC’s Harlingen campus to celebrate a $310,250 grant to The TSTC Foundation for TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program and The TSTC Foundation’s Goal Line Assistance Scholarship. The RSTEF has pledged...

By Amanda Sotelo (HARLINGEN, Texas) – The demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians is high and continues to grow as the number of residential and commercial sites increases. And Texas State Technical College is working diligently to meet industry demand and fill the jobs that are vacated as people retire. According to...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When the pandemic first struck and many businesses closed for safety purposes, a few graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program called TSTC instructor Keith Klix to let him know that their hours had been cut. “That lasted about a week or two,” he said,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luis Garcia, of Harlingen, is a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Business Management Technology program. Last year he achieved his dream of owning his own business by the time he turned 40 when Vivid Promotional and Branding Products opened. Garcia was born in Minnesota and moved to Harlingen with his family...

(WACO, Texas) – The Greater Texas Foundation has awarded a $715,742 grant to help develop Texas State Technical College’s performance-based education initiative. The grant was awarded through The TSTC Foundation.  Performance-based education allows students to have flexibility with their schedules as they master set competencies in their programs. Faculty members guide the students as they...

TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program is offered completely online (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Renee Blackshear’s first experience with computers and technology was in junior high school, writing a program that made a virtual robot do jumping jacks on the screen. By the time she was using a computer to design a yearbook in high...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus welcomed more than 1,900 students to begin the spring 2023 semester on Monday, Jan. 9. Returning students were reacquainted with friends, while new students met their classmates and instructors introduced their curriculums. “TSTC is thrilled to welcome back in-person labs for both TSTC’s Cybersecurity and Drafting...

(RED OAK, Texas) – With Texas State Technical College’s spring semester coming to a close, the deadline is fast approaching for prospective students to enroll for the summer semester. Enrollment closes May 5 for TSTC’s summer semester and August 25 for the fall semester, or when programs reach full capacity.  For students still considering where...

(WACO, Texas) – This fall at Texas State Technical College, there are four female students taking the Automotive Plastic and Sheet Molded Compound Repair class. This makes Kayla Walsh, a first-semester student in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program from Arvada, Colorado, very happy. “Females are more detail-oriented,” she said. “It’s breaking that barrier.”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In schools, offices and businesses around the world, whenever anything computer-related goes haywire, it is the IT — information technology — professional who often comes to the rescue. In observance of National IT Professionals Day on Sept. 20, Texas State Technical College recognizes two of its IT professionals, Armando Hernandez and Justin...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A representative from an independent service provider for wind, solar and energy storage solutions said Texas State Technical College graduates are a good fit for the company. Andy Hall, a technician development lead for Sky Climber Renewables’ Tech One Program (TOP), recently spoke to Electromechanical Technology and Wind Energy Technology students during...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Since the age of 13, Cameron Dirickson knew that he wanted to attend Texas State Technical College. Dirickson, of Comanche, is studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology, with plans to follow in a family member’s footsteps. “My cousin has been a welder for a long time and owns his...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Robert Shields is a Texas State Technical College instructor in the Electrical Power and Controls program at the Fort Bend County campus. With a passion for all things mechanical and electrical, Shields has years of experience working in the field, as well as instructing students in the classroom.   Tell us a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A loving father-son relationship is a lifelong connection that helps a son to develop independence and other traits throughout life. One memory that Paulo Garza, of Mission, treasures is being introduced to welding. This led him to an education at Texas State Technical College and a career goal of becoming an independent...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students learned what could await them when they graduate. Dustin Moore, site manager for Ulterra, told students about his company’s many job opportunities during a recent employer spotlight. It was the first time Ulterra visited the Abilene campus to discuss their work in the oil and...

(WACO, Texas) – Michael Mims, of Big Spring, already has a job that he will start after he walks across the stage at Texas State Technical College’s graduation ceremony in May. Mims is a candidate for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Instrumentation Technology. He has accepted an automation specialist position at...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31. “I think the exciting part of the fall to me is we have new students coming to campus to begin their educational journey,”...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently honored 20 employees from its four West Texas campuses for their years of service to the college. Employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of employment were honored during a West Texas virtual staff meeting hosted by Andy Weaver, interim provost of TSTC in...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – State Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, was able to see Texas State Technical College students in training during a visit to the Brownwood campus this week. Buckingham, who represents District 24 in the Texas Senate, competed with students in a CPR race designed to help students’ rhythm. At one point she led the...

(WACO, Texas) – As the old saying goes, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.”  That can also include solar farms. Invenergy, a worldwide private sustainable energy company, plans to build what it claims will be the largest solar farm in the United States. The 1,310-megawatt Samson Solar Energy Center facility will be located in Northeast Texas and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Many Rio Grande Valley high schoolers are taking advantage of Texas State Technical College’s dual enrollment program this school year. TSTC has active dual enrollment partnerships for the 2021-22 school year with Brownsville ISD, Harlingen CISD, La Feria ISD, Los Fresnos CISD, Lyford CISD, Mercedes ISD, Raymondville ISD, Rio Hondo ISD and...

Staying relevant with technology helps precision machining students become more marketable (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Many people recognize the feeling of starting a new job and not knowing what to do. In spite of previous experience and education, training is still required upon hiring. Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program is looking to reduce...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumnus and current student Alfonso Juarez, of Weslaco, was captivated at an early age by how things work. He could not have dreamed that one day he would have a job with aerospace manufacturer SpaceX. “I was very curious how things worked mechanically,” he said. “I was that...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Precision machining has become a process more and more automated since its inception. With many industries needing vast amounts of specific parts, manual machining simply cannot keep up with the demand. As such, Texas State Technical College prepares students to face the modern challenges of the profession, training them to be the...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Toby Toney’s 21-year career in truck driving ended after he had a seizure. “It’s stated clearly: you have one seizure, you’re done,” Toney said. “They take your CDL (commercial driver’s license) away. I basically lost everything overnight.” The Longview resident struggled with medical issues for almost a year and a half while...

Cybersecurity is latest TSTC degree for Ed Brown (HARLINGEN, Texas) – After an Air Force career spanning 50 years, Ed Brown has been spending his retirement learning new skills. “I’ve always been a student all my life,” he said. “I’ve earned 10 college degrees. I like going back to college.” Three of those degrees have...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 400 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2019 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 6, at the Waco Convention Center. Many of the graduates already have jobs. Spencer Brown of Austin came to TSTC after working in automotive and construction jobs. He received the Associate of...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Red Oak High School students do not have far to go for dual enrollment classes. All they have to do is walk across a parking lot to Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus. Dual enrollment enables high school students to take college-level courses as they work toward high school diplomas...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Hutto High School students with an interest in culinary arts have a quicker pathway to earning an associate degree at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus through dual enrollment classes. “Dual enrollment students have the benefit of seeing the culinary world before having to pay,” said Brian Bohannon, a Culinary...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Fairbanks Morse Defense is hiring in the Houston area, and Joe Tomaskovic, the company’s general manager, hopes that Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology students in Fort Bend County will consider the opportunity. The storied military and industrial contractor has over 125 years in the business, building engines for the U.S....

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College faculty and staff members gathered Friday at the Marshall campus to commemorate the release of its first campus cookbook. “It’s All About Food: First Edition – Summer 2022” was developed by TSTC faculty members Brenda Murrell and Josh Stampley, both of the Drafting and Design program. On...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Few people know that multiple machines all over the world are used to create each of their cellphone’s components, along with nearly everything else that society uses. But those machines cannot do the job alone, and that is where machinists come in. “Everything you interact with every day would not exist if...

(WACO, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls program learn a range of high-powered information, from how transformers work to circuits and motor control. The work that students do now prepares them for what they will learn and encounter in their careers. More than 20 students in the Electrical Power...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Construction of Texas State Technical College’s newest facility at Abilene’s Industrial Technology Center is on schedule. Bobby Copelin, TSTC’s construction project manager for campus expansion planning and construction, said plans are for the new campus building to be ready for students when the Fall 2025 semester begins. The new facility will house...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – When it was time for three Texas State Technical College Electromechanical Technology students to make a final design decision for a 3D printing project, they hoped it would not hold water. First-semester students Rachelle Arthur, Gerardo Carrillo and Shawn Couet chose to make a small-scale boat, complete with mechanical features to make...

(Sweetwater) – The journey from student to employee has come full circle for two Texas State Technical College alumni who have been honored for their dedication and skills as employees at TSTC in Sweetwater. Maria Aguirre, statewide senior executive director of Communication and Creative Services, and Elizabeth Reyes, graphic designer, have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The demand for electrical power and controls technicians is high and continuously increasing, which is why Texas State Technical College and its Electrical Power and Controls program are working diligently to produce highly skilled graduates. “The industry is growing by leaps and bounds around the industrial centers in the Gulf Coast region,”...

(WACO, Texas) – Glenn Zgabay has seen a lot in his more than 40 years of working at Texas State Technical College. “It’s rare nowadays to see someone’s career span over 40 years with the same employer,” said Nick Alvarado, TSTC’s vice president of Communication and Creative Services. “Glenn has been a strong foundation to...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Computers and water don’t mix. But water — too much of it — was what led Texas State Technical College alumnus Tony Torres to pursue his passion for computer programming. “After my wife finished school, the plan was for me to go (to college). But the day she was supposed to start...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – In today’s online world, it is often safer to assume that passwords will be compromised. “Breaches happen all the time,” said Tim Janssen, a Texas State Technical College Cybersecurity instructor. “We like simplicity, and simplicity makes it easy for hackers. Some companies understand that passwords could be the weakest link of security.”...

(WACO, Texas) – A high school speech class assignment was what convinced Chance Mulanax, of Fort Worth, to attend Texas State Technical College. The project involved researching and talking about a college of his choice. Mulanax chose TSTC for his subject, and ultimately he decided that the Waco campus was the place to be. After...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Finding the right person to work for his company is important to Mike McHugh, plant manager of the Buzzi Unicem USA plant in Maryneal. During a recent employer spotlight, he told some Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology students of the many opportunities available at the plant and how the company...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – When people think of Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, often the first thing that comes to mind is an image of big trucks on a highway. But some students are looking to take the skills they learn to a different industry. During a recent employer spotlight held at TSTC’s...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Time for an upgrade? The Emergency Medical Services program at Texas State Technical College in Abilene recently created a program that brings more opportunity to current and future students. The EMS program now gives certified paramedics and emergency medical technicians college credit for some certifications they already have. The certifications are transferred...

(ABILENE, Texas) – This week marks the 45th annual National EMS Week, which honors the dedication of those who provide lifesaving services each day. As the next generation of emergency medical service providers prepares to enter the workforce, Texas State Technical College students and faculty remember why they chose to serve. “National EMS Week allows...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With the aging of baby boomers and with a population with an overall longer life span, the need for health care services is growing, increasing the demand for vocational nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics, vocational nursing is projected to grow faster than any other occupation by 2026. Texas State...

By Amanda Sotelo (HARLINGEN, Texas) – A Texas Workforce Commission grant will allow Texas State Technical College and Mueller Co. at its Brownsville location to advance the technical skills of more than 80 Mueller Co. employees through workforce training provided by TSTC. Bryan Daniel, TWC’s chairman and commissioner representing the public, on Wednesday presented both...

(ABILENE, Texas) – After earning a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology from Texas State Technical College last summer, Alfred Rodriguez, of Knox City, wanted to continue his education this fall. The 39-year-old is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program. He began classes in Abilene knowing that his oil...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Rush Harris, executive director of the Marshall Economic Development Corp., said the need for industrial systems workers is being seen right now.  Harris said he recently has spoken with two companies that need new workers. He said more than 20 companies in Harrison County and surrounding counties are searching for industrial systems...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Waco is hosting several Texas A&M University College of  Engineering students who are taking summer classes at TSTC. Students are participating in the Basic Electromechanical Automation (PLC), Integrated Manufacturing Processes, Basic Machining, and Welding – Multiple Processes occupational skills achievement award programs. The students are taking classes...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will provide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training at each of its four West Texas campuses in August. Classes will be offered in two-day courses that will lead to OSHA 10 credentials. Each course is limited to 10 students, who must attend both days to receive credit....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – More than a month before Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2022 Commencement, TSTC HVAC Technology student Myles Davis has earned his certificate of completion. How? HVAC Technology is part of TSTCYou, which meets students where they are through a flexible, performance-based education (PBE) modality that works with busy schedules. “PBE is really...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Utility companies depend on highly skilled automotive technicians to keep their fleet vehicles ready for everything from routine service calls to emergencies. Alex Alvarado, of San Benito, is a fourth-semester Automotive Technology student at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where he is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree. He...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Texas, Dustin Bostick had to pivot his career path. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, the Brownwood native had plans to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. But the pandemic shut down clinical sessions, and he decided to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). Becoming...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – November is National Scholarship Month, and Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education program has scholarships available for its upcoming National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core, Carpentry and Electrical courses. The courses are for individuals who are interested in developing or enhancing their technical training skills. “The...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Advocacy and Resource Center in Harlingen recently received a donation of snacks and other items for its food pantry from the Junior League of Harlingen’s Done in a Day committee. According to www.jlharlingen.org, the committee helps to serve immediate needs in the community through single-day volunteer opportunities. Cynthia...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department will offer four new certification courses at the Harlingen campus this fall, including Fiber Optics – Broadband Technician, NCCER Basic Rigger, Phlebotomy Technician, and Remote Drone Pilot. “The four programs we’re offering are short-term training that can lead to a high-paying job,”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Professional Driving Academy recently updated its four-week, 160-hour commercial driver’s license (CDL) training in accordance with the newest federal mandate that took effect in spring 2024 to meet compliance as an accredited program for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Entry-Level Driver Training. The mandate is intended to...

(RED OAK, Texas) – In the welding field, it helps to be diverse in one’s skills. Ashley Yezak, statewide lead instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program, said the need for welders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has not slowed down as the country continues to grapple with the pandemic. “With energy production,...

Christopher Biello gained relevant training through TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program (ROSENBERG, Texas) – An automated machine shop in a U.S. Air Force base in Okinawa, Japan, gave Christopher Biello an idea of what he would do after his military career. “I was thoroughly impressed with what they were doing in there,” he recalled. Once...

Jose Reyes, of Harlingen, grew up with a unique connection to electronics, from building basic electronic kits as a child with his father to observing the robotics club events at his former high school. Those interests in mechanical and electronic engineering led him to enroll at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where he is...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Three representatives from Houston-based Centerline Manufacturing recently visited Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County, meeting with Precision Machining Technology faculty and students — as well as TSTC Career Services representatives. “Here it’s not just teaching — it’s really like production,” TSTC Precision Machining Technology instructor Deogratias Nizigiyimana told the...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has scheduled several Workforce Training and Continuing Education classes for the spring semester. Cindy Brunett, TSTC’s executive director of Workforce Training and Continuing Education, said the classes will offer students the opportunity to enter the workforce quickly. “We are excited to be providing these opportunities to residents of...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy Technology students know that safety is a top priority. During the program, they hear daily about safety precautions. However, one aspect that students learn outside of the lab is what to do if someone is having a medical emergency. The training by Joni Coons, leadership coach...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Adam Rivas, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College, is one of six students from the North Texas campus who won medals at the recent SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. Rivas won a gold medal in the Welding category, in which competitors were tasked with...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – 1988 was a good year for Arturo Martinez. That was when he earned his associate degree in Electronics Technology at Texas State Technical Institute, now Texas State Technical College. Since then, Martinez has gone on to enjoy a 25-year career at Qorvo, a semiconductor manufacturer, at the company’s location in Richardson, Texas....

(WACO, Texas) – Several career and technical education counselors and teachers from throughout Texas learned about technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s second annual TECHcelerate conference held June 10-11 and 13-14. The conference’s purpose was to show how TSTC fits into building a strong Texas workforce. “I hope they take back basically to the...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will offer, starting in March, a statewide online software engineering boot camp for people who want to learn new skills to move into the technology field. The rigorous 20-week boot camp is being organized by TSTC’s Workforce Training department to meet industry demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – From airplane landing gears to smartphones, precision machining is a critical component of our lives. “Everything comes from an actual machine shop making the products you are going to need for later use,” said Isaac Gonzalez, lead instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program in Harlingen.  Gonzalez said it...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Marshall is offering more dual enrollment opportunities this year for high school students. Some of TSTC’s technical programs that were previously taught in person on select campuses are now available in online formats. Some of TSTC’s programs that high school students are taking include Architectural Design and...

(WACO, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program in Waco are getting their first taste of performance-based education (PBE) this semester. “We are coaching them through their labs,” said Timothy Snyder, lead instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program in Waco. “We still have to keep them safe....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program in Harlingen are getting their first taste of performance-based education (PBE) this semester. “It has been a learning experience with this new modality,” said Jorge Cabrera, lead instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program. “But so far we are having...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 58 employees from the four West Texas campuses for their service during the summer Employee Appreciation Day last month. Employees and their families enjoyed a cookout prepared by faculty and staff, several inflatable bounce houses and slides, and a visit to the Abilene Zoo. Door prizes were...

(WACO, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31. “We are constantly looking at our process and how we can make the campus safer,” said Jerome Mendias, TSTC’s associate provost. “Safety is our priority....

(HUTTO, Texas) – Before enrolling at Texas State Technical College, Melissa Wykes studied criminal justice and became a licensed esthetician. But she said she needed to make a career change for financial security.  The Round Rock resident chose to attend TSTC’s East Williamson County campus in Hutto to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree...

(WACO, Texas) – Travis Pitrucha grew up in Temple and graduated in 2018 from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming Technology. He was hired after graduation at Citibank in Irving, where he is a senior software engineer. Pitrucha’s work involves developing and maintaining a series of small...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Rodriguez, of Brownsville, developed an interest in precision machining when he was a student at Hanna Early College High School. His former high school had offered both precision machining and welding in the same shop, and he was intrigued by the demonstrations of how things were made. Now he is pursuing...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – While every student at Texas State Technical College is exceptional, occasionally there are one or two students who go above and beyond what is expected of them. Ethan Brasseaux and Philip Haas are two such students. Brasseaux and Haas are both in the Electrical Power and Controls program at the Fort Bend...

(WACO, Texas) – Now is an exciting time for the development of online classes. “I think this will open the doors to a whole new market of people who want to be part of Texas State Technical College,” said Hector Yanez, TSTC’s senior vice president of Student Learning. TSTC shifted classes online in late March...

(WACO, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s technology-related programs are getting a feel for what the real world is like as they take classes online. According to a Gallup Poll, 86 percent of the nation’s workers in the computer and mathematical fields were working remotely from October 2020 to April 2021. Twenty-one percent...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Drew Young is ready to show his pride for Texas State Technical College at next month’s SkillsUSA state contest in Houston. Young, a Vocational Nursing student, will represent TSTC in drug administration and dosing while also supporting some of his classmates, who will compete in medical terminology. “We are working to motivate...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Encouraged by her father, Sabrina Wicker was determined to finish what she started and obtain her college degree. The Lubbock native studied Digital Media Design at Texas State Technical College, and now she is ready to share her creative side with the world after graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree....

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The future of Texas State Technical College’s Computer Programming Technology program is shining as bright as a laptop screen. Last spring, the program moved all of its classes online. Due to this, the college’s programs that were physically on five of TSTC’s campuses combined into one statewide unit. This means instructors are...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s newest program in Breckenridge will be on display Friday, Aug. 6. A spotlight event for the Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Breckenridge campus, located at 415 N. Breckenridge Ave. To register for the event, visit https://tstc.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a1L2M0000061mHmUAI. The...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students who pursue industrial maintenance careers play a critical role in keeping their workplaces operational. “I feel like a student that will do well will be curious in nature and want to learn,” said John Walker, an instructor in Texas State Technical College in North Texas’ Industrial Maintenance program. Walker said...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Built from the ground up by Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructors and students, the program has a new pipe fitting training station for its Advanced Layout and Fabrication course. The course, taken during a student’s third semester in the program, focuses on layout design, build and processes, blueprint reading and...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently partnered with local first responders to host Stop the Bleed training for students, faculty and staff at its campuses in Abilene and Sweetwater. Stop the Bleed is a national campaign initiated by the National Security Council to better prepare the public to save lives and raise awareness...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology is being introduced at Texas State Technical College Fall 2019 and is already accepting new students. Computer programming is the process of creating instructions that a computer can carry out. Programmers use coding languages to write and test code that allow a computer to function properly, and they write...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Today’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians need to know more than basic electrical theory and refrigeration processes. As technology evolves, so does the need to be familiar with how smart technology is being used in HVAC systems. Curtis Christian, a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology instructor at Texas State Technical...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will provide Brownwood High School students a chance to experience real-world training while earning college credit. The 3M Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP) program, which will begin in the fall of 2020, will allow students to study a career in manufacturing. The MAP partnership between TSTC, 3M and...

(WACO, Texas) – Some students returned to Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus on Monday to a new way of conducting classes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The students who returned will be taking intensive labs to complete the spring semester, which is projected to end May 29. The return to on-campus instruction is...

(WACO, Texas) – Joshua Dickens grew up in Clifton and studied music at a two-year community college. “I still enjoy music,” he said. “But for me, now it’s something I enjoy doing with friends, with my family, that type of thing. It is not something I am trying to make money on in a career.”...

(WACO, Texas) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program in Waco should know that work opportunities are out there when they graduate. “The program in Waco is designed to provide our students with a wide range of valuable skills, from basic machining to boiler maintenance and even programmable logic controllers, which are...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program teaches students the skills they need to walk into any company that hires precision machinists and begin work. “If it’s man-made, we (machinists) made some or all of it in the process of its production,” said Darren Block, statewide lead instructor for TSTC’s...

Networking students are most successful when they like to solve problems and tinker (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Imagine that you are driving along the road in your car on your way to a shopping trip at the mall. The road is the infrastructure that allows you and your car — the data — to flow to...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Anali Cantu, who is a student at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, is pursuing an online associate degree in Education and Training. She is employed as a work-study with TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center and is committed to their “culture of caring” approach. She, like other students at the technical college,...

The Automotive Technology program at Texas State Technical College is improving its educational resources with two new online manufacturer-specific trainings: Toyota Technician Education College Support (TECS) and the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP). The TECS program will offer students e-learning modules with an online library of repair and training information. These resources will qualify a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – There are many life lessons that a father can teach his son. For Jesse Carrizales, some of those lessons included instruction about the use of firearms. “My father educated me about the importance of hunting to provide a meal for the family,” he said. “The other was how to ensure your family’s...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County is hosting three Texas A&M University College of Engineering students who are taking summer classes at TSTC. Angus Blakely, of Georgetown, and Logan Davis, of Leander are taking classes in TSTC’s Welding Technology program. Seo Bae, of Austin, is taking classes in the Drafting...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Taylor Marze attended a four-year university for architecture, but his disappointment in the program led him to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 3D-focused art instead. The journey took him down a path of procedure, logic and creativity that eventually led to Texas State Technical College, where he is currently a Precision Machining...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Great things are happening at Texas State Technical College, and the Precision Machining Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus will incorporate some of the latest equipment into its curriculum for the fall 2022 semester. A new Haas UMC-500 computer numerical control (CNC) 5-axis machine, and two new lathe mechanisms, will be utilized...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Student Recruitment department recently held its first in-person Counselor Update after holding them virtually for two years due to the pandemic. Counselors from area secondary schools had the opportunity to visit with TSTC instructors and administrators, as well as TSTC industry partners who talked about their workforce needs....

(WACO, Texas) – Tony Montoya, of Axtell, is an instructor in the Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He is a graduate of La Vega High School and McLennan Community College.  Recently Montoya talked about TSTC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program and the job outlook for its graduates.  ...

(RED OAK, Texas) – For many years, the Gene Haas Foundation has helped students in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program achieve their dreams of honing their skills and earning their degrees. Lyle Guinn, instructor for TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program in North Texas, said that for the past three years the program...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The lights will be on during the evenings at Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene. Night classes will be offered in Electrical Power and Controls, Industrial Systems, and Welding Technology this fall. The fall semester begins Tuesday, Sept. 3. “We have talked to many of our industry partners about...

(WACO, Texas) – Jacob Johnson’s career is in the fast lane. Johnson, 20, of Austin graduated in August from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cloud and Data Center Management. He is an associate systems engineer at Austin-based Accruent, a worldwide physical resources management and planning company. “This is...

(WACO, Texas) – The hands-on experience that Texas State Technical College’s Computer Programming Technology students have now will help them tomorrow in the job market. “For every business in Texas today, there is a need for a programmer or a team of programmers,” said Shannon Ferguson, TSTC’s statewide lead instructor in the Computer Programming Technology...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Having the expertise to maintain a computer network system is a major responsibility. For Texas State Technical College alumnus Joseph Rizo, he piqued an interest in computer networking during his early teenage years. “I have been building and breaking down computers since I was in middle school,” Rizo said. “The electronic aspect...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The most recent expansion project in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program involved adding 40 new welding stations and a new metal building for advanced fabrication.  The growth was needed to accommodate students in a field that is booming in the Rio Grande Valley as companies expand and other companies relocate...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Working in the industrial systems field does not just involve manufacturing. Jarriet Durham, lead instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems – Electrical Specialization program in North Texas, said graduates’ skills are also needed in the oil and gas and alternative energy fields. Workers can also go into electrical distribution...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Aron Guajardo grew up in Donna, Texas, and is a graduate of the South Texas High School for Health Professions in Mercedes. He also has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. Guajardo has a maintenance position at PVC pipe manufacturer JM Eagle...

(WACO, Texas) – Interstates and highways are busier compared to a year ago, and that means maintenance on vehicles will increase. Texas State Technical College helps automotive shops around the state fill the need for service technicians. According to onetonline.org, 60,440 technicians were employed in Texas in 2018. The need is forecast to increase 8%...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Keaton O’Neal grew up in Palmer in Ellis County and has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity from Texas State Technical College. The Waxahachie resident is a system support specialist at the Waxahachie Independent School District.  What got you interested in studying cybersecurity? I got interested in cybersecurity like...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Joel Burnside set a goal when he enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. Studying for a certificate of completion, Burnside wants to spend his time at TSTC learning all he can from the instructors in order to get into the field of welding. “I know that I am only...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Austin Barnhart has set a goal for his life. The Brownwood native is studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College with a purpose. He wants to help others, as well as his younger brother. Barnhart suffered from Chiari I malformation, a brain disorder, after discovering that he could not feel the...

(WACO, Texas) – They share a name, a certificate of completion and a devotion to diesel work. And they are both candidates for graduation at Texas State Technical College. Cameron Bourgeois, of Bourne, and Cameron Wheeler, of China Spring, are scheduled to receive certificates of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck at TSTC’s...

Exciting changes and new opportunities are on the horizon through the Advocacy and Resource Center at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus this semester. TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center will host a grand opening for its new center Feb. 2. “One of the biggest projects we are excited for is remodeling and expanding our Advocacy...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Occupational safety and environmental compliance jobs are already challenging and in demand, particularly in industry-heavy Houston. However, COVID-19 has added new hurdles for professionals on both the occupational and the environmental sides of the industry. “It’s actually pretty chaotic,” said Andrea Skinner-Creeks, a Texas State Technical College Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance...

Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus has produced many aircraft technicians who are skilled at diagnosing and resolving a plane’s mechanical or electrical problems. Those technicians include four TSTC alumni who have made a direct impact on the local aviation industry at Sun Valley Aviation Inc. Sun Valley Aviation is a fixed-based operator in Harlingen...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – There is a growing need for qualified automotive technicians in Texas. Many dealerships and automotive repair shops turn to Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology graduates to fill the need for mechanics. According to onetonline.org, Texas has more than 60,000 automotive service technicians and mechanics employed around the state, and that number...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Valerie Robin, of Austin, grew up learning from her father how to do basic work on cars.  Now she is blazing her own path in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program at the East Williamson County campus. Robin is the lone female in the program, working toward an associate degree...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Myles Christie was taking pictures at an Abilene event when he learned what was inside a hangar at the Abilene Regional Airport. After his discovery, Christie, who was born in Jamaica and has lived in Abilene for the past nine years, thought that an aviation career could be in his future. He...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – It only took one stop during a tour of Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus for Noemy Diaz to realize that she had found her career. After seeing the Welding Technology lab and hearing what she could learn from instructor Taylor Elston, Diaz was captivated. She is now studying for a certificate...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – U.S. Navy veteran and Border Patrol agent Juan Cruz, of Harlingen, recalled a few moments in his life that motivated him to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity at Texas State Technical College. Cruz’s mother purchased a computer that he would use for studies to start middle school. Next...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Registration for two workforce training programs at Texas State Technical College’s Brownwood campus is still open. TSTC will offer Electrical Systems and Electrical Motor Control courses, which are part of the Industrial Systems training program. The Electrical Systems course will be taught June 6-10, while the Electric Motor Control course will be...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jennifer Cable likes puzzles. It is only natural that she sees a diesel engine as one big puzzle. Cable is looking to make solving puzzles a career with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology at Texas State Technical College. The Abilene native is scheduled to graduate from the...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jacob Vigil has always been mechanically inclined. While working full time at The Auto Clinic in Snyder, Vigil is broadening his skills by studying Diesel Equipment Technology at Texas State Technical College. He hopes that his certificate of completion specialization in Heavy Truck will lead to more career opportunities. Vigil spent his...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Mopar Career Automotive Program at the Waco campus will accept students for the first time for the spring semester. Students who apply to TSTC must apply separately to the program, which includes an interview with a faculty member in the Automotive Technology program. Matthew Mills, an instructor in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Technological advances such as the launching of the World Wide Web and creation of Internet Explorer and JavaScript years ago sparked the imagination of a young Juan D. Hernandez and later would influence his decision to enroll in the Cybersecurity program at Texas State Technical College. The former U.S. Marine and current...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Hannah Whitehead admits that she needed to slow down her life. Balancing motherhood and working at T&B Mechanical in Baird, Whitehead decided to drop out of engineering school. She wanted to return to a program that offered more of a hands-on approach to learning. Researching her options, Whitehead found Texas State Technical...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As Texas State Technical College student Ruben Lopez travels on U.S. Highway 77 to and from his hometown of Raymondville, he often sees a plethora of wind turbines. His curiosity about the turbines was what inspired him to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College offers a chance for military veterans to utilize their benefits to grow their passion. Such is the case for Davis Rios. Rios is a first-semester student at TSTC. He served in the military and is now looking to expand his education through the college’s Diesel Equipment Technology program....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Attending Texas State Technical College has helped many students achieve their goals for their careers and lives. Alyssa Valdez is hoping the same can be said for her once she graduates from TSTC with her heavy truck specialization associate degree in Diesel Equipment Technology. Valdez is a third-semester student. Originally from Granbury,...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Nate Slayton’s fascination with engines led him to Texas State Technical College. Slayton, of Coleman, is studying for a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology with a heavy truck specialization in hopes of working for a major trucking company. “I have always worked on old trucks because I was fascinated with...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Jose Garcia decided that he wanted to learn more about welding. He did not let his age, 47, stop him from enrolling in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. Now in his second semester studying for a certificate of completion in Structural Welding, Garcia is pleased that he made the choice...

(ABILENE, Texas) – While housebound and helping her husband with home improvement projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, longtime hospitality industry employee Elissa Atabala-Catherall picked up her first power tool. She decided it was time to begin a new career. Atabala-Catherall researched options involving an electrical career and discovered Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumnus Matt Delong recently discussed his path to TSTC and to his current success. Before enrolling in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, Delong had been living in Pennsylvania and working in a job that he said he had come to dread. Due to an injury and to...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – A Texas State Technical College Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology alumnus recently returned to the college to give back as an instructor in the program. Brandon Dickerson graduated from TSTC’s Marshall campus and in September 2022 returned to become an instructor. He said one of the main reasons he wanted to teach...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Representatives from United Rentals presented information about their company to about 30 second-semester Diesel Equipment Technology students at Texas State Technical College on Monday, March 6. The representatives discussed internship and job opportunities and the need for people with the skills that the students are learning at TSTC. “We are looking...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Receiving well-trained electrical technicians is why POWER Engineers looks to hire Texas State Technical College graduates. Jeff Caraway, a senior project manager for the engineering and environmental consulting firm, recently told TSTC Electrical Power and Controls students about the many opportunities they can have after earning an Associate of Applied Science degree....

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Christian Gutierrez plans to continue the family business. Gutierrez, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology at Texas State Technical College, wants to take the skills he learns with him to his father’s business. Sergio Gutierrez is the owner and operator of Cuate Trucking in...

(ABILENE, Texas) – With several industries calling West Texas home, environmental safety technicians are in high demand. To train these technicians, Texas State Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, certificates of completion, and an occupational skills achievement award in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance.  Two TSTC alumni in particular know that the...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – DeMarcus Kelley knew he wanted to work on big trucks when he was older like his brother does. After hearing what his brother, D.J., learned while studying at Texas State Technical College, Kelley decided to follow a similar path. Now Kelley is studying for a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Simonetti plans to use his knowledge and skills to mentor Texas State Technical College Electromechanical Technology students. An ordained pastor who felt that he was being called to teach, Simonetti recently was hired to be an instructor in the program. He will draw on his years of experience in a variety...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – “The Industrial Systems program used to be sold as a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ program. In reality, we are teaching people to be experts in all technical fields.” So said Brian Weakley, lead instructor for the Industrial Systems program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus. Weakley has been teaching the program for...

(ABILENE, Texas) – It was during one of three tours in Iraq that U.S. Army veteran Joshua Hulseman picked up a welding torch for the first time. Now he is working to make welding a second career by studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. “My only experience...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Her curious nature led Denice Acosta to the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. A few years ago when she was an Agricultural Technology student at TSTC, Acosta accidently stumbled upon the back entrance of the campus’ Engineering Technology Center. “I immediately noticed high-tech equipment after I...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – With nearly every industry needing some form of machined part, gaining a degree in precision machining can lead to many open doors and high-paying careers. That is precisely what Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program is designed to help students achieve. The program is structured to build knowledge from the...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – It was a hot and muggy morning when five students of the Professional Driving Academy of Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department were out practicing how to reverse a tractor-trailer. Kelli Wilson, the instructor for the academy on TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, said the students are looking...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – During the heat of summer, fires become a common occurrence. From campfires and grilling to wildfires, being prepared to handle and control fire is an essential skill for both the workplace and the home. In fact, most safety roles within the workforce require competency in regard to fire safety, with personnel needing...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s aviation maintenance program draws students for different reasons. At Abilene’s campus, TSTC offers Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology, allowing students to choose a path into the industry. Many students have jobs lined up before they graduate, and that has become a factor in many students’ decisions...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Lucas Garcia has become more confident in what he is able to do, thanks to his time studying Industrial Systems at Texas State Technical College. Working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, Garcia admits that he was nervous when he began the program. But any nervousness quickly turned into confidence because...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jonathan Collins is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student at Texas State Technical College. The 30-year-old spent five years in the Marines, with a deployment to Afghanistan before returning home to Harlingen. The father of two expects to earn his associate degree this semester and is active on campus, serving as...

(WACO, Texas) – Two Mechanical/Electrical Drafting Technology students at Texas State Technical College will be the first to represent the Waco campus in the Additive Manufacturing contest at the 55th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in late June in Kentucky. Brandon Lund of Millsap and Cody White of China Spring were put together...

By Amanda Sotelo (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Madison Freeman is a long way from her hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and her move to the Rio Grande Valley was inspired by TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program.  As a woman who grew up in the foster care system, being a college student is...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 1,000 Texas State Technical College students met potential employers from Texas and throughout the nation on Thursday at its semiannual Industry Job Fair on the Waco campus. Students lined up to register about a half hour before the 9 a.m. start of the event at the Murray Watson Jr. Student...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With manufacturing on the rise, the number of skilled machinists needed in the industry is also increasing. And Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College is working to produce the machinists needed to meet the demand. TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez said he receives phone calls very often...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Engineering department at Texas State Technical College will prepare a student for advancement in the workplace with a mathematics- and physics-based curriculum that will improve and increase problem-solving skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of engineering is expected to grow as much as 10% in the...

(WACO, Texas) — Shannon Hudson of Riesel grew up with an interest in drawing and fashion, and she had a vision of starting a T-shirt business. She realized she did not have the technical skills to make her a plan a reality. “So, I decided to learn about something that I was really passionate about,”...

Dual enrollment offers powerful opportunities for younger students (MARSHALL, Texas) – Marshall High School juniors and seniors are being encouraged to think about their futures beyond graduation. Dual enrollment classes through Texas State Technical College and the Marshall Independent School District’s Mav Tech program are one way to do that. “Our main focus is to...

(WACO, Texas) – Shawn Avelar, of West, and John Sprague, of Clifton, have in common the year 2008 at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. That was the year Avelar began teaching at the campus and the year Sprague graduated. Avelar did not get an opportunity to teach Sprague in what is now the Occupational...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in North Texas will work with four high schools, a charter school and two affiliates of the Texas Home School Coalition to offer dual enrollment classes in the upcoming academic year. Students will take classes at TSTC’s North Texas campus in Red Oak, at their home campuses...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – About 110 local high schoolers are taking advantage of the dual enrollment program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus this semester. The number of students participating this year is nearly double that of last year, said Joann Flores, a TSTC dual enrollment recruitment representative. She recently took on the...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – If you can imagine yourself standing in the center of a shopping mall — say, for example, the Galleria in Houston, with its corridors full of hundreds of stores and eateries — then you are already on your way to visualizing how many career opportunities Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and...

(WACO, Texas) – Ethan White, of George West, is working on associate degrees in Instrumentation Technology and Electrical Power and Controls at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus and is scheduled to graduate in summer 2022. He is also an online tutor at TSTC, working with students in Instrumentation Technology classes.  White, a graduate of...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students have the opportunity to be part of something big. TSTC’s Career Services department hosted a virtual industry spotlight event Wednesday, Dec. 1, alongside Texas Instruments, which hopes to hire for a number of careers. “We hope that you find something that interests you,” said Katie Peebles, an...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduates agreed that hard work paid off after receiving their diplomas during the West Texas commencement ceremony Monday, Dec. 13, at the Abilene Convention Center. More than 100 fall 2021 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas during the first in-person TSTC commencement ceremony since fall 2019....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – You could be the most qualified applicant for a job posting. But unless your resume conveys that, you may be overlooked for the position. “In a nutshell, the entire purpose of a resume is to get you to an interview,” said Hunter Henry, a Texas State Technical College Career Services associate. “Think...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College unveiled the first Immersive Interactive training labs in the state of Texas at ribbon-cutting ceremonies on May 18. The new labs, located at the Abilene and Brownwood campuses, will be used by Emergency Medical Services students to train in a variety of virtual settings that can help prepare...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Cybersecurity, and Drafting and Design programs are coming back this fall to the Marshall campus in a hybrid format. For the first time since spring 2020, students will be able to attend in-person labs on campus with online lectures. Students continue to have...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With each graduating class, Texas State Technical College lives up to its nickname: the Get-a-Job College. Now one of its Wind Energy Technology students is on an exciting career pathway that will take her halfway around the world. Monika Bodner recently accepted a job opportunity with German printing press manufacturer Koenig &...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – At least 180 Texas State Technical College students and alumni attended TSTC’s Fall 2022 Industry Job Fair held Thursday on the Fort Bend County campus. Representatives from more than 70 companies were available in the Brazos Center and Industrial Technology Center on campus to talk with attendees about possible job openings. “It’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Restoring power caused by weather variables and other factors is a high-risk challenge, and it is a job that Texas State Technical College Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology alumnus Luis Polanco is committed to. The service that he provides as a lineman apprentice with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board gives him satisfaction....

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus participated in the Taylor Chamber of Commerce’s Trades Day Career Fair on Wednesday, March 1, at the Williamson County Expo Center. Tia Rae Stone, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer, said the event’s purpose was to have area students think about their career...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is hosting virtual open houses for its online programs once a month through August.  The open houses will allow prospective students who are considering an online program to get to know more about their programs and the instructors who they would be interacting with. “To be able to...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 480 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus received associate degrees, certificates of completion or occupational skills achievement awards at TSTC’s Spring 2023 Commencement held Thursday, May 4, at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco. “Graduation represents the culmination of all the hard work of our students,”...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will showcase six of its programs during the inaugural TechFest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, at the Taylor County Expo Center. The free event will provide residents of Abilene and surrounding areas with the opportunity to try some of the equipment that TSTC...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – On Aug. 11, a total of 74 new students arrived at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus for new student orientation. The army of recruits was met by an army of instructors and staff, who were eager to welcome and assist them in the next step of their lives. After receiving their...

(WACO, Texas) – Four new schools are partnering this year with Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus to provide high school students opportunities to take dual enrollment classes. Some students at Hubbard, Mart and Robinson high schools, along with St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Killeen, are taking online and hybrid classes in Architectural Design and...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students recently had the chance to hear from representatives of two companies and learn about their employment needs. TSTC Electrical Power and Controls students met with staff from McCord Engineering Inc. of College Station and Samsung Austin Semiconductor (SAS). Students in the Instrumentation Technology and Robotics and Industrial...

(WACO, Texas) – By the time high schoolers reach their junior or senior year, most of them are dreaming of their future independence. Texas State Technical College’s dual enrollment program can help them get a jump-start on their college education, giving them an early taste of that independence. TSTC partners with several high schools across...

(ABILENE, Texas) – What started out as four television monitors on top of a vehicle dashboard is now the first complete ambulance simulator in North America. Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services program hosted area first responders at the unveiling of the simulator, a multinational project between the college, Echo Healthcare, and SimLeader, a...

(WACO, Texas) – The TSTC Foundation, the support arm of Texas State Technical College, has received a significant gift to help students in specific programs on the Waco campus. The $1 million cash gift to create the David and Valerie Fallas Scholarship was announced at the TSTC Board of Regents meeting and quarterly dinner on...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – More than 900 high school students and visitors, including some from as far away as San Antonio, toured Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus during Discovery Day on Thursday, Nov. 30, to learn more about the career pathways and state-of-the-art technologies that are available at the college. Stephanie Garcia, TSTC’s student recruitment...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College offers its programs to adults of any age and background to help them find higher-paying jobs.  Industrial Systems student Troy Campbell, of Longview, gained several years of experience in the maintenance, oil, machining and welding fields before coming to the Marshall campus to receive a formal education. “I...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When he was a teenager, Texas State Technical College student Seth Cancino’s love for video games sparked his interest in video game design — until he became the victim of a dastardly deed. “I used to have a Microsoft email account that was set up so I could play video games on...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texans are positioned to help lead the United States in the battle against cybercrime. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Texas had the third-highest level of employment for information security analysts in the country, with almost 15,000 jobs in the state in May 2023. Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program...

(WACO, Texas) – Hipolito Galan is already putting a spark in his future career. Galan, 18, is a senior who spends mornings at Waco High School and afternoons at the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy, or GWAMA. His days are a combination of textbooks and hands-on learning with welding equipment. “It’s something different every day,”...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Jerry Nieto sold the business he co-owned and he wanted to travel the world, but a life surprise led him to Texas State Technical College.  The Brownsville native graduated with an associate degree from TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program in Spring 2019, and since then has found success within his chosen...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The road to commencement was no easy journey for recent Texas State Technical College Mechatronics Technology graduate Hugo Gamboa, but he overcame the hurdles and received his associate degree on Friday night. The 20-year-old was one of nearly 300 students who received a certificate or associate degree during TSTC’s Commencement at the...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus held its annual Counselor Update on Friday to kick off the new year. “It just gives them a chance to see what is going on if they are new,” said Trey Pearson, TSTC’s North and Central Texas regional director for student recruitment. “For those...

(WACO, Texas) – Daniel Gormley and Travis Kight have known each other since they were in middle school in Boerne. Now they are in their fourth semester as Texas State Technical College students studying Welding Technology. The students are completing a special project that is sure to make Dorman Vick, their former welding instructor at...

Architectural-Mechanical Drafting is one of several courses available this summer (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Kayla Boettcher might not be 100% sure of exactly what she wants to do with her Industrial and Systems Engineering degree from Texas A&M University, but she is keeping her options open with a broad range of experiences this summer. One experience...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – According to website cyberseek.org, there is a dangerous shortage of cybersecurity workers with more than 100,000 job openings, with about 24,000 of those jobs available in Texas. TSTC Cyber Security lead instructor Cesar Ibarra said the supply of skilled cybersecurity workers is low in Texas and as a Department of Homeland Security...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Melinda Cannon had the support of her family while attending Texas State Technical College. The mother of two TSTC graduates decided to go to school knowing she would need a support system. She is now a candidate for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology. Cannon, who...

Surgical technology is a rapidly growing field that is expected to rise in demand through at least 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This well-paying career entails getting front and center in an operating room to help a surgeon with necessities such as cutting sutures, transporting patients and keeping track of equipment...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Mandy Jenkins, a mother of five, knows that her options will be open when she completes the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program at Texas State Technical College next year. “There is so much you learn in the program,” she said. “I know that I will have a lot of options. But...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Computer Networking and Systems Administration at Texas State Technical College brings the digital world to life for students enrolled in the program. Instructor Emanuel Palacios discussed the highlights of the field, as well as what students can expect during their time in the online program and beyond. “This program will provide students...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – It takes a process, with trained people overseeing it, to make sure water stays clean and wastewater gets treated. “There is an increase in demand for wastewater treatment process operators, but the number of jobs in this career field is less than jobs available in chemical plants and oil refineries,” said Nicholas...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Julian Rodriguez found the college that would lead him to a specialized career after a few minutes. While searching for schools that offered Electromechanical Technology, Rodriguez said Texas State Technical College was at the top of his search results. After reading about what the program offers, the Lufkin native knew that TSTC...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Readers of the Marshall News Messenger have given their opinion that Texas State Technical College in Marshall is technically better. The campus was named Hometown Best College/University for 2021 in the newspaper’s annual readers poll. The formal announcement was made in Sunday’s edition of the News Messenger. “This is a very humbling...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com, an online market leader focused on education. TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its...

(WACO, Texas) – Brandon Bozarth, of San Antonio, did not know when he logged in to Texas State Technical College’s Virtual Industry Job Fair last spring that it would lead to an internship and, later, a full-time career. Bozarth, an online Engineering student at TSTC, is a testing supervisor and project manager at POWER Engineers...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In celebration of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8, Texas State Technical College’s Advocacy and Resource Center will host a webinar titled “Women in Technology” that will showcase some of its current and former students in technical programs and nontraditional careers. The free event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to...

(ABILENE, Texas) – A FAST Trac Workforce Training program offered at Texas State Technical College helps military veterans prepare for careers as civilians. The 16-week Airframe and Powerplant training program prepares veterans, as well as civilians and active-service personnel, to become well-rounded technicians. It is intended for anyone eligible to have their airman certificate or...

(ABILENE, Texas) – With structural growth continuing in West Texas, the need for electrical and electronic engineering technologists in the region is increasing. Texas State Technical College Electrical Power and Controls instructors Cody Davis and Kevin Staton have seen a trend over the past two years. “The level of students we put out is tremendous,”...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Electromechanical Technology instructor Arnoldo Soto has seen his students find success with a wide range of industries. The need for quality employees is high, Soto said, and he wants to continue TSTC’s tradition of placing Texans in great-paying jobs around the state. “Our graduates can go anywhere and...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Wind Energy Technology student Axel Torres likes to take a break from his studies by sitting on the banks of Lake Trammell in Nolan County. The peacefulness of the lake is calming for the Arlington, Texas, native. Because he does not have cellphone service there, he can be...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduate Annabelle Simons recently received a STEP Platinum Safety Management System award for her work at Locke Solutions, a precast concrete manufacturer in Pearland. The award is designed to recognize companies that put in the work to prevent workplace accidents, train employees and complete inspections. “To be honest,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is known for its designation as a Military Friendly School. For U.S. Army veteran Adalberto “Beto” Mata Jr., he credits TSTC’s Veteran Services for its smooth process to begin his college journey. “TSTC Veteran Services representative (Maricela) Zepeda is exceptional at her job, and the overall process was...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – As East Texans adapt to an uncertain future of self-isolation and businesses reducing hours or temporarily closing, online shopping is becoming the way for consumers to acquire what they want. And for those people who do not shop online much, they could be a prime target for scammers. “From a security perspective,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As students gear up to start classes this fall, Texas State Technical College has been diligently planning and preparing for a new way of learning. The coronavirus has very quickly changed the way we go about our daily lives, a change that has also had an impact on how TSTC distributes curriculum....

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Sherry Love knows she will have career options when she completes Texas State Technical College’s Vocational Nursing program in December. Love is studying to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), with plans to remain in her hometown of Breckenridge after graduating. “I know nursing has a very vast job field,” she said....

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College and a Waxahachie insulating glass manufacturer are in the early stages of building a partnership to bolster the career possibilities for Industrial Systems students at TSTC’s North Texas campus. “They have been great about working with us,” said Lily Connolly, Cardinal IG Co.’s recruiting manager in Waxahachie....

(WACO, Texas) – Travis Hanson, of Mabank, stood alone as he slowly mixed paint during the Color Analysis and Paint Matching class at Texas State Technical College. Afterward, he put on gray overalls, placed personal protective equipment on his face and ventured inside a booth to practice painting. “If you really want to do it,...

Automation offers enhanced safety, efficiency and control (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Oil and gas drilling contractor Nabors Industries made history in October 2021 as the company announced that its PACE-R801, the first fully automated land drilling rig, reached total depth on its first well, located in Midland, Texas. While the company retained a similar number of...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Raquel Rios wants people to be less wasteful in order to help protect the environment. That is one reason she is studying Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance at Texas State Technical College. She is in her third semester of the Associate of Applied Science degree program and has enjoyed each aspect of...

(WACO, Texas) – Jason Macon, of Boerne, wants one day to fly for a living. But first he wants to understand how the electrical systems in airplanes work. The Texas State Technical College student is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Avionics Technology and is scheduled to graduate this summer. He is...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department recently held a virtual Interview Practicum aimed at offering TSTC spring 2022 candidates for graduation a real-life interview experience. In addition, Big Interview (biginterview.com), a virtual interview platform, was introduced. It helps users sharpen their interview skills and allows them to interview virtually, wherever they...

(WACO, Texas) – Amanda Williams, of Belton, is an Instrumentation Technology student at Texas State Technical College who is scheduled to graduate this spring. She grew up in Hawaii and has lived in Texas for the last few years. How did you choose TSTC and your program of study? My fiance, Timothy Daniels Sr., was...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Adam Cox, of Pflugerville, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County. He is scheduled to graduate in December. In April, Cox received a bronze medal in the CNC Milling competition at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills...

(WACO, Texas) – Justin Meckel is already getting valuable work experience even though he is in his third semester in the Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He works as a warehouse technician and robot supervisor at Sherwin-Williams Co.’s distribution service center in Waco. He said experiencing the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The serenity of nature. The beauty of mountain landscapes. And an adrenaline-filled rock climbing hobby in high altitudes. Each of those captivating elements is what Alex Walker grew up around in his home state of Wyoming. Years later, his concern for the environment — and the fact that climbing to dizzying heights...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Quentin Brentz made a commitment to himself to complete his college degree, even if it meant enduring a grueling commute. Driving weekly to Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus to study Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance, Brentz reached his goal of graduating this summer with an Associate of Applied Science degree. It...

(WACO, Texas) – The week of Oct. 17 is Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, a time for people to learn about the career possibilities existing in the fast-changing field. Texas State Technical College offers the Cybersecurity program in a hybrid format at the East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and North Texas campuses. The...

(WACO, Texas) – Nick Meyer is a Biomedical Equipment Technology student at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He is scheduled to graduate in spring 2023. “I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but I could not really handle nursing tasks,” the Harker Heights resident said. “That is why I wanted to...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Ryon Korenek chose to pursue Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus because it is cutting-edge technology. “It’s more important to our economy right now because of how backed up everything is,” said the El Campo resident. “We just need to get stuff moving rather...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus hosted on Friday a National Apprenticeship Week Mold Making/Injection Molding Registered Apprenticeship Signing Day. Representatives of R&D Molders Inc. and TASUS Corp., both located in Georgetown, and Saleen Performance Parts, located in Round Rock, signed agreements with the U.S. Department of Labor committing to...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Beginning with the spring semester, Texas State Technical College’s Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program will be offered in Abilene. The program will be taught at the U.S. Highway 80 campus by Teresa Purcell. Since the move from the Breckenridge campus was announced, Purcell said the news has been well received by...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In today’s digital world, hackers are developing extraordinary methods to access consumer data. Data Privacy Week begins Jan. 22 and not only educates consumers about how to better protect themselves, but also highlights how Texas State Technical College students are being prepared for their future careers. Daniel Follis, a Cybersecurity instructor at...

(WACO, Texas) – Juvencio Perez, of Waco, is glad to be working in a growing field without leaving Central Texas. Perez graduated in 2022 from Texas State Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology. Within a few weeks after graduating, he began work early last fall as a solar...

(WACO, Texas) – Holley Jeffrey, of Waller, is an Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance student at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. She is scheduled to graduate later this year. Jeffrey is also president of the campus chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). What factored into your decision to attend TSTC? After...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is among the top 50 community colleges in the country, according to the 2023 Best College Rankings compiled by Niche.com. According to the website, TSTC is ranked 48th out of 906 community colleges in the United States and second among Texas community and technical colleges. The platform also...

(WACO, Texas) = Natalie Ozment looks forward to working in her hometown of Temple after she graduates from Texas State Technical College. Ozment, a third-semester Biomedical Equipment Technology student, eventually wants to work as an on-site technician at a hospital. “The biomedical field is definitely in need of women because the field is lacking,” she...

(WACO, Texas) – The color of a vehicle can make a statement, but getting the perfect shade can be a challenge. Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program offers a refinishing component for students who have an interest in auto body work and painting. The program is taught in a hybrid format,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Five Texas State Technical College Cybersecurity students will participate in a national competition during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which is observed during October. Ricardo de Leon, Cesar Herrera, Brandon Martinez, David Murillo and Anna Reyes will represent TSTC during the National Cyber League (NCL) event. NCL, a virtual training ground that features a...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Adrianna Contreras, of Killeen, is a student in Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program at the East Williamson County campus. She is working toward an associate degree and is scheduled to graduate in late 2024. What factored into your decision to attend TSTC? I already knew...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – After touring Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus, Shayne Howard found a program especially well suited for him. “I toured each of the programs in Sweetwater, and after visiting with the instructors and seeing what was available, I knew this was the program for me,” Howard said of his decision to pursue...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Victoria is not a real patient, but “she” does play a vital role in the training of Texas State Technical College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students. Victoria is a medical manikin that simulates a full range of obstetrical events to facilitate teamwork and deepen critical thinking skills for nursing students, according...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Autonomous technology manufacturer Kodiak Robotics recently sent representative Matt Cearnal, its head of service and support, to speak with Diesel Equipment Technology students at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus about the growing autonomous trucking industry and open and upcoming positions within the company. Kodiak Robotics, based in Mountain View,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Olivia Montalvo is a person who enjoys keeping herself busy. When she is not practicing martial arts, she is working on airplane engines in the Aircraft Powerplant Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen location. Montalvo, who is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree, first sparked an interest...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – The roadways of Texas soon will be filled with summer travelers. Two Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students recently said that preventive vehicle maintenance is the key to a successful road trip. Automotive Service Professionals Month, which is observed in June by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is a...

(ABILENE, Texas) – When college students begin competing at the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference on Monday, June 24, Texas State Technical College’s West Texas locations will be well represented. Five students, representing TSTC’s Abilene, Breckenridge and Sweetwater locations, will be in Atlanta, Georgia, along with fellow state gold medalists. TSTC’s students are...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Eric Gonzalez, a Mechatronics Technology student at Texas State Technical College, recently began an internship with HGG Profiling Equipment Inc. in Houston. According to HGG Profiling Equipment’s website, hgg-group.com, the company designs and builds 3D profiling machines for a manufacturing process that uses advanced technology to cut three-dimensional forms on metal pipes,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For six years Samuel Steele served in the U.S. Army, and the talent that he developed as a network communications systems specialist has led him to an education at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. “I relocated to the Rio Grande Valley after my military career and looked for a job in...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College trains students for careers. One important aspect of those careers is the first step: applying for and then interviewing for jobs.  Some students at the TSTC campus in Brownwood recently received advice from Joe Razza, a regional recruiter with TSTC industry partner Crown Lift Trucks, about how to...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) -It all started with a Home Improvement 1-2-3 book for Kristen Perales, who was among a group of 40 students who graduated Friday from TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Construction level 1 course. “My family was spending a lot of money doing simple repairs...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Not all heroes wear capes, but some do arrive in big red fire trucks. Three Brownwood firefighters, Ron Groom, John Hendrix and Justin Prince, volunteered to further their education and attend the Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program in Brownwood to become paramedics. It almost requires superhuman strength for...

David Peña is an Engineering major at Texas State Technical College. He expects to graduate this semester with an associate degree. The 22-year-old, who also works as a work-study employee as a mentor with the TSTC Office of Student Success, said he is excited about his future and happy that he’s been able to grow...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Miguel Gutierrez of Burleson is fascinated by Volvos and engine overhauling. The Texas State Technical College student has combined his interests through hands-on training and getting a job in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Gutierrez is a candidate for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology-Heavy Truck...

(WACO, Texas) – The last few weeks have been busy for the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program at Texas State Technical College. David Brannen, the program’s lead instructor, said several companies have visited the campus to recruit HVAC students for jobs. Brannen is happy about this because the program has a very high...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Two years ago when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast, Texas State Technical College student Nolen Maraman and his family lost their home to flooding, forcing them to start over, yet through it all he also found a new career. “We had to evacuate north, in the middle of the storm,” said...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jobs, of all levels, are in demand in the health industry, especially in the medically underserved Rio Grande Valley, and Workforce Training at Texas State Technical College is helping employers meet their needs and fill a skills gap with its new Allied Health courses being offered. This is the first time that...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – From serving his country overseas to serving his local community, Texas State Technical College student James Phillips III has dedicated his life to helping others. Phillips, a Big Spring native, is an Army veteran and a Vocational Nursing student at TSTC. He recently competed at the state-level SkillsUSA Postsecondary Leadership and Skills...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Luis Garcia II, 37, graduated in 2018 with an associate degree in Business Management Technology from Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly five years before becoming a disabled veteran due to on-the-job injuries. He was stationed in North Dakota and was on...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Spring 2019 Dental Hygiene class at Texas State Technical College has made the college proud by earning not one, but two, 100 percent pass rates on their national board and clinical exams. “This is something very difficult to do,” said Victoria Martin, TSTC Dental Hygiene instructor. “The boards are a challenging...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Abilene will offer a new program of study starting this fall: Computer Programming Technology. Students who successfully complete the five-semester program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. “We brought the CPT course to Abilene because industries are moving forward to digital and electronic-based needs. This...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Ruben Ramirez was only 17-years-old when he began his career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and since then his passion for the field and training newer generations of EMS technicians and paramedics has only grown, leading him to Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native is a coordinator and instructor for TSTC’s...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Edreich Torres grew up in Georgetown taking broken items and putting them back together. “I believe that my love for knowing how things work and wanting to fix them has always driven me to pursue the next big challenge that awaits me,” he said. Torres graduated in 2016 with an Associate of...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Once equipment is installed at a chemical plant, personnel are needed to operate it. Texas State Technical College’s Process Operations program in Marshall teaches industrial processes, troubleshooting, process instrumentation and other topics to students interested in pursuing jobs as chemical, gas plant, power plant or refinery operators. “We have started to get...

(WACO, Texas) – Today’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians need to know more than basic electrical theory and refrigeration principles. As technology evolves, so does the need to be familiar with how smart technology is being used in HVAC systems. “It’s been around for quite a few years and keeps improving,” said Tim Snyder,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Today’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians need to know more than basic electrical theory and refrigeration principles. As technology evolves, so does the need to be familiar with how smart technology is being used in HVAC systems. Jorge Cabrera, lead instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program in Harlingen, said fifth-semester students...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking all had one thing in common: their love for physics.  Two Texas State Technical College instructors enjoy exploring the complexities that physics has to offer while passing them along to TSTC students.  Physics department chair Jose Alvarez began working at TSTC in 2011 and initially...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – D’Angelo Thomas of Longview made the commitment and stuck with it. Thomas chose to attend Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus because he wanted to do something different in his life. He previously worked in the oil and gas field and was a commercial truck driver before enrolling. He chose the Industrial...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Haley Howdeshell started taking Computer Programming Technology classes at Texas State Technical College only knowing the basics. Howdeshell is graduating this semester with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Even before receiving the degree, she has found a career opportunity at Funeral Directors Life in Abilene. “They have so many career paths...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Motivated by a desire to serve his community, Justin Vasquez is currently nearing the end of his time as an Emergency Medical Services student at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native, who is set to graduate this semester, credits TSTC’s small class sizes as one of the main reasons he learned...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Students in the Automotive Technology program on the Texas State Technical College campus in Sweetwater listen when their instructors talk. Mike Myers and Gerod Strother use their different backgrounds to teach the students what to expect on the job. Myers worked in the automotive industry for more than three decades, while Strother...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Harold Mason Jr. has always been interested in computers. That interest led him to Texas State Technical College, where he received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration this spring. “I have been into computers since I was 11 years old,” said Mason, a native of Abilene....

(WACO, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Construction program have an array of opportunities for work after graduation. TSTC offers an Electrical Construction certificate at the Waco campus. Students learn about basic electrical theory, electrical codes, safety regulations, wiring and other topics. “As your (TSTC’s) students are concerned, what gives them a...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College graduate John Hendrix was happy to see the Emergency Medical Services program come to Brownwood. In 2016, Hendrix had the chance to build on his advanced certification when the EMS program began at the Brownwood campus. “The closest place a paramedic program was available was more than one...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Seven Breckenridge High School seniors will get a head start toward a nursing career this fall. A partnership between Texas State Technical College, Breckenridge ISD and the Breckenridge Economic Development Corp. was formed to provide Nursing program classes at TSTC’s Breckenridge campus. The students’ tuition for the four classes will be paid...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program at the East Williamson County campus is shifting all teaching and labs online this fall. The prospect of reaching prospective students in the Austin area and beyond to teach them about computer systems forensics, digital forensics, routers and other topics is proving exciting to Joshua Schier,...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program will use a hybrid teaching model this fall. But the instructor that students will see teaching online may not be from their home campus. The program’s faculty from the East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas and Waco campuses...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Robotics, machining, and computing, oh my! Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College offers an exciting degree path to an even more exciting career. Lead instructor Eldwin Leija discussed some of the program’s courses, as well as the characteristics that make studying mechatronics at TSTC technically better. What courses do you teach? I...

(WACO, Texas) – As doctors and nurses battle the COVID-19 pandemic, biomedical equipment technicians are alongside them keeping devices and machines functioning. CardioQuip in College Station has two Texas State Technical College alumni encountering the most serious work they have done so far in their careers. David De La Hoya is a training associate and...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Abilene’s Ashli Arispe wants to give people a second chance. That is why she attended Texas State Technical College’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program in Abilene. She is on track to graduate later this month with a certificate of completion from TSTC. “I think everyone deserves a second chance,” she said. “My nature...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Frederico Luna knew he wanted to become a lineman after seeing the disaster brought on by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. This semester, he graduated from Texas State Technical College with a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker Technology. What was your experience like at TSTC? My experience at TSTC was amazing. The...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Kyle Hudgins of Sulphur Springs is motivated by waking up every day to do something new. “I get ready to add to the knowledge I have already gained and get a better understanding of the work we do and how each component functions,” he said. Hudgins is pursuing an Associate of Applied...

(WACO, Texas) – Students from Texas State Technical College campuses across the state can take advantage of scholarship funds donated by energy company Phillips 66. The TSTC Foundation was recently awarded $50,000 from Phillips 66 to assist students with scholarships and student aid funds.  “The Phillips 66 scholarship is an example of an ideal partnership...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Daniel Gainer, of Mason, has been building things his entire life. He found a love of working on different vehicles in his father’s shop at a young age. He is preparing to enter the workforce after he graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program this fall. “I have had a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For Texas State Technical College Business Management Technology instructor Cynthia Mata, the last three decades seem to have flown by. “It does not feel like 35 years,” she said. “I was between jobs, and my parents mentioned that I should apply at TSTC. I started as an instructor in the Business Skills...

(RED OAK, Texas) – While people pursuing the heating and air conditioning industry need to know how electricity and refrigeration flows work and how a meter functions, interpersonal skills are just as important to have. Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program has a statewide advisory board made of industry professionals...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Mark Casares has a passion for welding, and he is grateful that he gets to bring his knowledge into the classroom with each passing semester. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding occupations are expected to grow continuously through 2029. TSTC’s Welding Technology...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Aircraft Airframe Technology program are back in the hangar. Students studying for a certificate in the program began their second semester in January and are ready to learn more about the inner workings of an aircraft. “This semester, so far, has been really good for me,”...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Joseph Fredericks, of Ballinger, admits that he is learning more than he expected in Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program. Fredericks, a second-semester automotive student, is already setting his sights on furthering his education at TSTC. He is currently studying for a basic automotive certificate and plans to earn an automotive...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The need for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is expected to grow over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 26 percent increase in the number of counselors needed in Texas by 2028, and Texas State Technical College is helping to train counselors to fill...

Adilene Camarena has applied culinary knowledge to business (WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts graduate Adilene Camarena launched her Waco bakery, Around the World, in April 2020, with high hopes, fierce determination and a generous helping of optimism. The bakery is at Union Hall in downtown Waco. One year later, the Hillsboro...

(WACO, Texas) – Zachary Muth is planning to continue his education in the fall. Muth, who graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program last month, wants to add an occupational skills award in welding to his associate degree. “I plan to return this fall because the more skills I have, the better...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Balancing a full-time job, family and school is nothing new to Alfred Rodriguez. The 2020 Texas State Technical College graduate is back in the labs, studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems. Rodriguez previously earned a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology from TSTC, but he wanted to add...

(WACO, Texas) – This was a visit several decades in the making for Dr. Charles P. Fletcher, of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Fletcher, 95, visited the airport at Texas State Technical College in Waco during the recent Father’s Day weekend while traveling with his family. The land the college is on was once Waco Army Air...

Lineworker students learned about local opportunities in field (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Electrical lineworkers must respond to power outages in all weather and conditions — especially when the lights go out because of the elements. As if to illustrate this point, rain poured down from above during a Tuesday visit by three staff members from the...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The 10 letters that make up the word “automation” carry a lot of weight in how we work now and will in the future. Automation is the ability to transform raw material into a finished product with very little human interaction, said Douglas Clark, lead instructor in TSTC’s Automation and Controls Technology...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is hosting a group of engineering students from Texas A&M University in College Station who are taking classes this summer in Waco. The students are taking nine weeks of courses focusing on AC and DC circuits and basic programmable logic controllers. The classes are being taught by TSTC’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – What does a group of employees at law offices, restaurant chains, retail giants, insurance providers, school districts and banks have in common? They are all recent alumni who graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program — and that is not counting individuals who have positions at information technology and security-centric companies....

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Night owls who are good at math and excited about programming and technology are needed to fill machining jobs in East Texas. “Some companies are just looking for a well-rounded individual to work for them,” said Danny Nixon, lead instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program in Marshall. “One...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Technology in vehicles changes often. To keep up with new technology, Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students have a new vehicle to work on during lab sessions in Sweetwater. The college recently purchased a 2018 Dodge Charger through Performance-Based Education funds for students to learn the newer technology. “There is a...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline made headlines earlier this year as the East Coast suffered a gas shortage, it was simply the latest and most visible example of an ongoing threat posed by hackers. Other incidents have compromised the personal information and accounts of many, causing our nation’s leaders to...

(ABILENE, Texas) – A new wave of computer technicians is learning to keep the world connected at Texas State Technical College. Adrian Medrano, a Computer Networking and Systems Administration instructor, said the program’s goal is to produce a graduate who is knowledgeable in all areas of information technology. “We do not focus on one area,...

Precision machinist students gain experience on relevant equipment (ROSENBERG, Texas) – You may understand what goes into manufacturing a car or an airplane, but do you know how the machines to make those vehicles are manufactured themselves? That is the role of a precision machinist. “We make all the mechanics to put your vehicles together,”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – What do well-known companies such as American Electric Power, National Oilwell Varco, Schlumberger and Toyota have in common? Each has hired a graduate from the Mechatronics Technology program at Texas State Technical College. The term mechatronics combines “mecha” for mechanical and “tronics” for electronics. TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program combines basic skills in...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – After 12 years of serving in the U.S. Army, Hollis Manis has plans to open his own automotive shop in his hometown. Manis, of San Angelo, said studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical College is the first step of his goal. “I have...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Robotics Technology program is on the move. The program is slowly relocating from its longtime campus location in the Electronics Center into space being remodeled in the Dr. Roy G. Dugger Center, which is next door. The move is scheduled to be complete by the end of the...

Campus welding lab is home to 160 booths (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Sparks flew as students practiced their craft recently in the welding lab at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County. Lead instructor Jerroll Hodge walked from booth to booth, straightening strip curtains and answering questions from students. With an expansion completed in...

TSTC partners with Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners for testing (AUSTIN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College, the leader in technical education, and the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) have joined forces to provide a greater and more efficient method of administering exams for Texas plumbers. Last February’s winter storm had devastating...

(WACO, Texas) – As Texans prepare to beat the fall chill, their heating units could use some attention from qualified technicians. Texas State Technical College’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program and the Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas in Austin have ways for consumers to save time and effort in having...

(WACO, Texas) – Brayan Plascencia, of Crowley, is an Automotive Technology student at Texas State Technical College. He is scheduled to graduate in December with a certificate of completion in Automotive Technician and continue on toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology at the Waco campus. He commutes to and from classes...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Robert Olivares wanted to know more about automobiles. Before he enrolled as a Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology student, he already knew how to fix a tire and change the oil. But it was knowing about the inner workings of vehicles that Olivares craved. “In high school, I took a class...

Around 300 welding students participate in event (ROSENBERG, Texas) – When Jose Perez Jr. was in high school, he competed in welding competitions like the Texas High School Welding Series event hosted Friday, Oct. 29, at Texas State Technical College. During his senior year, Perez even met TSTC lead welding instructor Jerroll Hodge at an...

Craig Warnasch has worked in HVAC industry since age of 16 (ROSENBERG, Texas) – When he was 16 years old, Craig Warnasch got summer employment at a heating and air conditioning company to appease his parents — who told him he needed to “stop farming and get a job.” He was actually gaining his first...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Claudia Reyes, of Harlingen, is a 2019 graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Computer Networking and Security Technology (now Computer Networking and Systems Administration) program. An admiration of working with computers, analyzing crime documentaries and advocating against cyberbullying led her to return to TSTC to pursue an advanced technical certificate in Digital...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – David Cardenas is a former member of the United States Navy. He enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus with the goal of someday launching a business with his brother, Armando, who is also a student in the program. David Cardenas is...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology students learned one thing from February’s winter storm. The students learned to have their vehicle prepared for an ice storm and a lengthy period of not driving it.  Recently several of the students shared some of the vehicle winterization tips they have gleaned from their time...

Welding processes fascinating TSTC student (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Cameron Weaver grew up around an uncle who welded whatever was needed. “He wasn’t the type to go out and buy tables and racks,” Weaver recalled. “He built all the stuff. I was just really fascinated by all of that.” After 13 years in the Army and...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Simon Mendoza has found a calling through TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program. As he pursues an Associate of Applied Science degree — he expects to complete it by next summer — Mendoza looks forward to a future career where he can find fulfillment. “I’ve had jobs where...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Villarreal, of Pharr, became interested in automotive vehicles at the age of 7 when he assisted his grandfather in the family’s garage. That mechanical knowledge intrigued him and became a deciding factor that led him to enroll at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Harlingen. He is now pursuing a certificate...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Luz Puente is something of a trailblazer. The San Benito resident is currently the sole female student in the Precision Machining Technology program at the Texas State Technical College campus in Harlingen. Before Puente enrolled, she had met with Precision Machining Technology instructors and toured the program. Its state-of-the-art lab equipment, especially...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Omar Escalon, of La Feria, served as a U.S. Border Patrol agent for 11 years. Afterward, he was in search of a personal challenge that would be out of his comfort zone. He enrolled at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus to begin that educational career change and earned an Associate of...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Spending six hours a day in Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology lab helped five candidates for graduation form a bond and learn the value of teamwork. Joseph Fredericks, Brady Kennemur, David Lopez-Cortez, Patrick Rodriguez and Tanner Tankersley agreed that their time in the lab taught them more than just skills they...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Carlos Ulin Jr. may have just earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College’s recent fall 2021 commencement ceremony, but he already has his sights set on what comes next: a certificate of completion in Structural and Pipe Welding from TSTC. The Sugar Land resident...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Helena “Lani” Orr does not look like a typical electrical technician. But once she earns her Associate of Applied Science degree in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls program, she hopes she can help change that — particularly since the industry resonates with her and comes with an added bonus...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – In our increasingly connected world, headline-grabbing cyberattacks are becoming more frequent — especially when they wreak havoc on things like the supply chain, paychecks and access to online services. One type of attack in particular has caused headaches worldwide. “Of cyberattacks, ransomware is probably the nastiest of them all,” said Texas State...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Anyone can dream up an idea, but it takes manufacturing to bring that dream to life. “Without manufacturing, nothing gets made,” said Matt Sykora, a representative for Haas Automation. Such a crucial facet of the economy requires highly trained workers, which Texas State Technical College works to provide with its Precision Machining...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Ruby Steptoe’s family has a welding streak that runs three generations long. But the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor’s family did not know she was going to school for welding until she brought her plate and pipe home to show her grandfather. “They had no clue,” Steptoe recalled. “They thought...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – After putting an engine in a 1984 Chevrolet pickup truck, Tate Potter knew he was destined to work on vehicles. Potter said he felt a sense of accomplishment when he completed the job and began preparing his career. He is working to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology...

(WACO, Texas) – A ribbon-cutting held Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus marked the opening of a high-tech testing facility for licensing by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).  TSTC, the state’s leader in technical education, and TSBPE have joined forces to provide a greater and more efficient method...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When he earned his degree in December 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic nearly derailed Texas State Technical College Precision Machining Technology graduate Andrew Butschek’s plans for his career. But a few months — and a quick refresher course from a TSTC machining instructor — later, the Katy resident got hired and started succeeding...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College alumna Kari Alonso, of Brownsville, recalled her childhood memories of observing her father work on auto body repair projects outside their home. Little did she realize that would steer her toward a prosperous career in manufacturing. She grew a keen interest in the medical field after graduating from...

(WACO, Texas) – Isaiah Carter has a passion for barbecuing brisket and ribs. Carter, a senior at the Connally Independent School District’s Connally Career Tech Early College High School, is learning the proper methods to slice, bake and boil as he earns college credit hours. He is doing this by taking dual enrollment classes in...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Antonio Ramirez wants to work at a bigger company. Jacob Ramirez wants a good job. And one day, Eujenio Rojo wants to own his own business. All three are hoping to put their dreams to work after earning their Associate of Applied Science degrees in HVAC Technology at Texas State Technical College....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Mario Granados’ dream job involves manufacturing his own firearms, something the veteran has been interested in since he transitioned from the U.S. Army. The Missouri City resident is already closer to realizing that dream through working at Stafford-based Radical Firearms and training in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program. How...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – For three high school seniors, a few hours in Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology lab give them each a sense of pride and accomplishment. Sweetwater High School seniors Ely Barrera and Jacob Rosas, along with Colorado High School senior Richard Martin, plan to continue their journey in college after completing the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Melissa Castro, of Mercedes, grew an interest in the automotive industry with motivation from her uncle, who was a mechanic. His approach for resolving automotive issues impressed her. After her uncle’s death, the hardworking mother of four desired more for her family. Now she is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Rachel Wood-Rush has always been around vehicles. “I have been helping my father work on cars since I was eight,” she said. “I am the grease monkey of all my sisters. I have been my father’s go-to person when it comes to cars.” It is only natural that Wood-Rush, of Stephenville, would...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For one Texas State Technical College alumnus, the need for a career change from automotive technology to cybersecurity happened almost overnight. Mario Graciani, of Raymondville, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from TSTC in 2002. He then was hired as a diesel mechanic for a San Benito construction...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program is training students to seize opportunities in the growing field. Even with historic female contributions in information technology, there is still room for more women in the male-dominated field. Cybersecurity instructors Norma Colunga-Hernandez, Amy Hertel, Jan Nesmith and Carol Scheler, who share decades of teaching experience...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Although the cybersecurity field is still dominated by male workers, two female graduates from Texas State Technical College are finding their place in the data security and tech world. Claudia Reyes, of Harlingen, has always been interested in computers. “Even now, if it has buttons on it, I want to push them,”...

Hands-on HVAC training has boosted Chalhoub’s experience (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Gus Chalhoub is no stranger to a career change. He first set his heart on becoming a nurse. But when the birth of his twins — and the stress of caring for his toddler — closed the door on that path, Chalhoub instead decided to...

Students who are mothers face challenges TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Centers can help address (ROSENBERG, Texas) – In Texas, the average annual cost of infant care is $9,324, according to the Economic Policy Institute. With the price of other necessities also on the rise, Texas State Technical College’s Advocacy and Resource Centers (ARCs) at campuses...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program is a powerful tool for anyone looking for a high-demand, great-paying career across countless industries. “We fix very complicated pieces of equipment when they break,” said TSTC Industrial Systems lead instructor Brian Weakley. “We’re not focused on any one industry because the skills learned here...

(ABILENE, Texas) – For two Texas State Technical College aviation students, the past is their future. Colby Northcutt and Matthew Voss, both of Abilene, want to follow the example of Nelson Ezell, founder of Ezell Aviation in Breckenridge. Ezell had a passion for preserving and maintaining World War II-era aircraft. In honor of her late...

Hunter is leveraging skills from TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program in a new job at Bobcat (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Hunter Rees had been working in an animal clinic for five years and taking classes like organic chemistry and biology at a big university before he realized that becoming a veterinarian was not for him. A professor...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Years ago, many motorists used a clutch to shift gears in their automobiles. With technology growing in the automotive industry, drivers moved away from a manual transmission vehicle. But at Texas State Technical College, Automotive Technology students recently spent one day learning how to take apart a manual transmission in order to...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Among the life-changing decisions that Texas State Technical College alumna Dora Vasquez has been satisfied with was her choice to transition from being a call center supervisor to enrolling in the Mechatronics Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. Vasquez, a former Harlingen resident who now resides in McKinney, earned an Associate of...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When two Waukesha-Pearce Industries representatives recently visited Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County, connecting with current TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology students was just one facet of the company’s relationship with the college. “It’s for us to get the name out,” Cris Perez, Waukesha-Pearce Industries regional operations manager, said of...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When Alexandra Santos used to drive a truck for J.B. Hunt back in 2017, a brewing company’s account routed her deliveries to the Silver Eagle Distributors location in Rosenberg. Now the Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology student is working as a diesel mechanic apprentice at Silver Eagle — a position...

(WACO, Texas) – As hot weather settles in, be sure to give your air conditioning system a big hug. Sunday, July 3, is Air Conditioning Appreciation Day. And there is no better time to make sure that cooling systems are operating at their best. Texas State Technical College’s HVAC Technology program and the Better Business...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Representatives from Fairbanks Morse Defense recently visited Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County to connect with more than 30 students from TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, and Industrial Systems programs. “Our objective for being here today is to tell you about our company, opportunities, our growth...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As the health care field introduces the latest advancements in medical technologies, Texas State Technical College implements similar resources to prepare its students for real-world careers. The Surgical Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus recently introduced a new PeriopSim surgical simulator to be used by students during lab sessions. The software was...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Irving Velasquez wanted to expand on the automotive knowledge that he gained from his father. After learning that Texas State Technical College offers Automotive Technology, Velasquez knew it would be the best place to grow as a mechanic. He is studying for an automotive technician certificate at TSTC, with plans to open...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Sparks sprayed and popped in the Welding Technology lab at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County.  Texas state Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond) was applying what he learned from TSTC Welding Technology instructor Alex Deibert in a hands-on lesson. Jetton grinned as he raised his welding helmet to check out...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Artistry. A passion for perfection. The ability to restore a damaged vehicle to showroom condition. All are sought-after attributes found in the best automotive refinishers. And Texas State Technical College student Edrick Cuevas wants to be one of the best. The Port Isabel resident possesses an impressive talent for automotive refinishing that...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – For the first time, Texas State Technical College in Marshall is hosting a group of Texas A&M University College of Engineering students who are taking summer classes as part of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s Bachelor’s+ Program. Students are taking nine weeks of classes in the Process Operations and Basic Welding...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The 2022 summer session at Texas State Technical College has been rewarding for three Texas A&M University engineering seniors who are receiving hands-on training at TSTC. Hector Guzman, Eric Martin and Jesus Perez are enrolled in the Mechatronics Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus through their university’s Bachelor’s+ Program, a professional education...

(WACO, Texas) – Jacob Pevia hears about it when he visits auto collision and repair shops of all sizes in Texas: more workers are needed. Pevia, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program in Waco, is also a part-time instructor for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. Part...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jake Franklin has learned he will be able to do more than work on a truck after completing Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. Franklin, of Snyder, began studying for a Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck certificate of completion this summer. He has found that there are ample job...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has produced many skilled workers that instill an integrity into their work ethic, such as those in the HVAC Technology program. TSTC alumnus Mathew Mendoza is representative of that effort. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology from TSTC’s Harlingen campus in May. He...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Many automobile aficionados who have a passion for the automotive industry set out to achieve a dream of establishing their own automotive mechanic shop. That is the commitment of Jesus Manrique-Garcia, a first-semester Automotive Technology student pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree at Texas State Technical College. Manrique-Garcia developed an interest...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Sunstate Equipment recently gave three pieces of equipment to The TSTC Foundation for Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program at the Marshall campus. The equipment rental agency, which has 20 locations in Texas, gave an SVL97-2 Kubota track-type skid steer, a SkyJack scissor lift, and a power shift transmission with...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In a recruiting effort to identify potential qualified employees for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, company representatives recently visited the Mechatronics Technology program at Texas State Technical College. Students who had already completed a written assessment by the company were given a hands-on test in the areas of mechanical drives, motor controls/electrical wiring,...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Bryce Block is taking the skills he is learning in Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program home with him on weekends. Block, of Wall, is working to restore a Chevrolet Camaro while studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree at TSTC. He said he enjoys learning the new skills in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a reminder that a child’s captivating smile reflects good oral health. And for a child to achieve healthy teeth, prevention of tooth decay is key — something that is stressed in the Dental Hygiene program at Texas State Technical College. “Teaching the proper brushing technique...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment are becoming common sights right now in Hutto and Taylor. These are signs of economic growth, which means job opportunities for students at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus. “It provides more options for the student,” said Albert Martinez, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A group of Mechatronics Technology students at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus recently heard about job opportunities at the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor production facility in Taylor. During the recruitment visit, representatives from Samsung Electronics discussed the company’s job outlook and work culture. Brian Reckart, master technician for Samsung Electronics, said...

(WACO, Texas) – Texans adore their air conditioning and heating systems, and they will do whatever is needed to ensure that they work properly. February is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month, a time to check ducts, filters and vents to make sure that there are no hindrances in generating air. Tim Snyder, lead...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A paramedic often works side by side with firefighters to provide advanced medical support when helping a patient in a medical crisis. Texas State Technical College Emergency Medical Services alumnus Richard McLaughlin, who is a firefighter himself, has utilized his medical training to save people’s lives. “I used to live in Dallas...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Representatives from Dallas-based Texas Instruments visited with more than 30 students at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus on Wednesday, March 8. Students in attendance were from a variety of programs, including Electrical Power and Controls, Industrial Systems and Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology. The representatives highlighted the benefits of...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Being able to help others was the goal for five Texas State Technical College Automotive Technology students at CarFest in San Antonio. Kohl Henry Clark, Juan Guerra, Richard Martin, Ryan Rogers and Alejandro Soto represented the Sweetwater campus during the annual event at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall earlier this month. San...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jeremy Gaytan, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, recently accepted an internship opportunity at Oncor Electric Delivery in Dallas that he will start in May. He had met some Oncor company representatives during a recent employer spotlight held...

(RED OAK, Texas) – The TSTC Foundation recently received a $10,000 donation from Holcim Inc. for the purchase of 13 toolkits to be used by the Industrial Systems program at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus.  The toolkits will provide most of the tools that an entry-level technician would need, including wrench and screwdriver...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Gissela Hernandez Guzman recalled a time during her youth when her father had a successful automotive shop. His interest in repairing automobiles would be the first spark that would lead his daughter to an education at Texas State Technical College. “It made me want to learn more about the automotive field,” she...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Over the course of three days, six students in the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus participated in the recent SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. For them, it was a learning experience and a great time to show off their skills. “Other...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Ninety-eight graduates are ready to enter the workforce after earning Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates of completion from Texas State Technical College on Thursday, April 27. TSTC honored graduates from the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses during the Spring Commencement at the Abilene Convention Center.  Andy Weaver, provost of...

(WACO, Texas) – The process of making sure that students have jobs before they graduate from Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls program begins as early as the first semester. Michael Cooper, a program instructor at TSTC’s Waco campus, said students entering the program typically enroll because they know someone who is in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The dedicated faculty and staff at Texas State Technical College care deeply about student success, and Belinda Palomino is passionate about that “culture of caring” philosophy. She serves as the statewide lead for TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center, which at the Harlingen campus is located in the Student Center. She and her...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus celebrated Spring Commencement Friday, May 5, at Memorial City Hall. Twenty-two students received their Associate of Applied Science degrees, occupational skills achievement awards or certificates of completion.  Barton Day, provost for TSTC’s Marshall campus, congratulated the graduates on their hard work and advised them to keep...

(WACO, Texas) – As the boundaries are pushed in manufacturing, it is critical to do so in a way that is mindful of the environment. Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program continues to look for sustainable ways to teach students. The program at the Waco campus has been working to be more sustainable...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – There is an artistry that goes into the job of a machinist, and that caught the eye of Rene Garay Jr. Garay is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Two years ago he was first introduced to machining by...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning services are requested by businesses, Javier Garcia and Carlos Ortega are ready to provide their skills. The two graduates of Texas State Technical College’s HVAC Technology program founded Apex Automation LLC in 2022. The company offers industrial and commercial automation that is used in such...

Recruiter Norris Chamberlain of Prolec GE Waukesha hosted a 20-minute employer spotlight at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus on Wednesday, July 26. An astounding 62 Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology students attended the seminar. The workload of Prolec GE Waukesha — known primarily for manufacturing power transformers — has nearly tripled over the last...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Manufacturing jobs are an integral part of the Texas economy, and recently the Central Texas region has experienced an increase in machinist jobs. This job outlook is a key motivator for students who are enrolled in the Precision Machining Technology program at Texas State Technical College. The program is known for training...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s statewide Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization program will have an enhanced curriculum beginning in the fall semester starting Monday, Aug. 28. The program has added classes in industrial electricity, print reading, welding and a second class focusing on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for students to take. “The additional...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – As a child, Damon Barker was fascinated by engines and Texas’ seemingly endless truck population. “I’ve always looked at the semis going down the road and wondered how they worked,” Barker said. “That’s what started it all for me.” Today, Barker is studying for a certificate of completion in Texas State Technical...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Before the invention of the chainsaw, woodcutters used saws and axes to chop down trees needed for firewood. The addition of the chainsaw made cutting trees easier and quicker than ever before. Wallace Pennington, an instructor in the Cybersecurity program at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus, believes that the...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Cooper Wallin’s passion to become the best Welding Technology student has caught the attention of his Texas State Technical College instructors. “When Cooper started, he was not a strong welder. Today, I can say he is one of the strongest welders in his class,” said Greg Nicholas, a Welding Technology instructor at...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The HVAC Technology program at Texas State Technical College educates students about not only the basics of electricity and principles of refrigeration, but also how improperly installed or inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can be troublesome. Valentin Lopez is an HVAC Technology student at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. He became interested...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – It can be easy to think of lineworkers’ jobs as being emergency-focused. When a storm rolls in and power lines are down, lineworkers roll in to restore electricity to homes and businesses. But while that is an essential role they play, the work they do every day to keep the lights on...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted over 300 students from 24 high schools at its North Texas campus for the Texas High School Welding Series competition on Friday, Oct. 27. “We are thrilled that these students traveled to our campus to compete and learn more about the career opportunities at TSTC,” Marcus...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Phishing emails offering fake jobs or attempting to con one out of money have made most people familiar with virtual scams. That is why Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program is teaching the next generation of data protectors. “It’s an extremely broad field,” Amy Hertel, lead Cybersecurity instructor at the Marshall campus,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Automobile tire safety is crucial for drivers who commute on Texas roadways, and knowledge about an aging tire can help prevent an automobile accident. Miguel Zoleta is the Automotive Technology program director at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Harlingen. Recently he shared how tire efficiency can improve a driver’s safety. “An...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology alumna Rebecca Vargas recalls when she accepted a full-time job from Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen earlier this year. Since beginning her career in August, Vargas has proved herself as a surgical technologist by utilizing the hands-on technical skills she gained while studying at TSTC....

(WACO, Texas) – Two students at Texas State Technical College are scheduled to be the first ever to graduate with degrees in the college’s newest Auto Collision and Management Technology specialization at the upcoming Fall 2023 Commencement in Waco. Bryam Herrera, of Rosebud, and Carlos Rincon, of Jacksonville, Texas, are on track to receive Associate...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Over 500 high schoolers participated in Texas State Technical College’s Discovery Day on the North Texas campus on Thursday, Nov. 30. “This gives us an opportunity to be with the community and to be able to show them what we have,” Frances Kelly, a director of student recruiting at TSTC, said....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Daniel Pacheco strives for perfection with his hands-on assignments in TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program. He applies the same level of commitment while he prepares to compete in the SkillsUSA Texas District 13 Leadership and Skills Conference that will be held February 15-17 at TSTC’s...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The AEP Foundation has contributed $300,000 to The TSTC Foundation to provide scholarships for members of underserved and underrepresented populations to participate in Texas State Technical College’s new Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program in Abilene. TSTC’s Abilene campus will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Dominick Zavala first became fascinated with automobiles when the “Fast & Furious” media franchise became popular. “I enjoyed watching the movies because the characters drove high-performing sports cars,” he said. “The movies inspired me to buy my first vehicle, which was a 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck....

(WACO, Texas) – Working with electricity can be a highly charged task.  “People need to understand how electricity and currents work,” said Andy Pustejovsky, an Electrical Construction instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus.  Some of the problems that people have with electricity include faulty outlets, outdated electrical setups and tripped breakers. “I would...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The idea of a high-risk career as an electrical lineworker may not be appealing for some, but it is for cousins Arturo Solis and Eric Zamora. Zamora, of Primera, first became interested in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program when some of its recruiters visited Harlingen High School...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Selena Gomez knew that she wanted a better life after experiencing several unfulfilling jobs. “I was an insurance adjuster at my last job,” the Mercedes resident said. “I wanted a career that would be hands-on.” Her brother recommended looking into Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College. “I scheduled a tour...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Marshall native Amanda McMinn knew early on that she never wanted to work a desk job.  Thanks to Texas State Technical College, she holds a Process Technology (now Process Operations) Associate of Applied Science degree and works as a process safety management and risk management technician for Texas Instruments in Dallas. “TSTC...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Advocacy and Resource Center at Texas State Technical College believes in student success, and it goes above and beyond to ensure that students have the resources they need to achieve their goals. Recently the center’s lending library expanded its inventory of books and tools to better serve student needs at the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – U.S. Navy veteran Emanuel Torres developed a connection with Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus when he was a teenager. “I went on a field trip to TSTC when I was in middle school,” he said. “A program that we visited was Precision Machining Technology. I had the opportunity to input a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Precision Machining Technology student Adrian Munoz developed a fascination with engineering at a young age. “My dad and I worked on a project where he wanted to fuse two jeeps together and make it an eight-seater,” he said. “During that process, I loved working on the automobile’s engine.”...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Aaron Mershawn, of Corsicana, is an Electrical Power and Controls student at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas location in Red Oak. He is also an industrial electrical apprentice at Owens Corning, a worldwide construction and building materials producer, in Waxahachie. Mershawn recently talked about learning and working in the electrical...

(WACO, Texas) – Heather Scoggins, of Nevada, Texas, is an associate degree student in the Aircraft Powerplant Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Waco. She has already completed requirements for an associate degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology and is scheduled to graduate later this year. Scoggins recently talked about her experiences in the...

(WACO, Texas) – Zachary Womack balances working as an emergency medical technician in Gatesville with taking HVAC Technology classes at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. “I was just talking to my wife about my schedule,” the Harker Heights resident said. “With emergency medical services, I work 24 hours on and I am off for...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Leonel Perez, a Mechatronics Technology student at Texas State Technical College, recently began an internship with Oncor Electric Delivery in Big Spring. Perez, who is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree, said the internship supplements what he is learning at TSTC. “I’ve learned how to monitor the performance of electrical switches...

(ABILENE, Texas) – When the fall semester begins at Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene, people will see something new. TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program will welcome its first class in West Texas, and students will start climbing practice utility poles within weeks of the semester beginning.  The program will...

(WACO, Texas) – Fourteen students from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus will travel later this month to Atlanta, Georgia, to represent Texas at the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The students qualified by placing first in events at the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference held in April in Houston....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After weeks of training, students could recently be seen inspecting the truck that will carry them over the finish line of the Professional Driving Academy program at Texas State Technical College. Each student must pass a series of upcoming tests designed to showcase their skills and aptitude in order to earn their...

(ABILENE, Texas) – When Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls instructors at the Abilene campus need assistance from a student, there is one person in particular who they look for. Kaleb Brosig, a third-semester student pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in the program, will be ready anytime he is called upon....

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Allied Health programs are sponsoring a conference that will give TSTC students a chance to network with regional health care providers. The inaugural Empowering Rural West Texas Allied Health Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the D.A. Pevehouse Technology Center on the Sweetwater...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – For many firefighters in central Texas, Brownwood will be home for the next few months — at least one day of the week. Some firefighters from Brownwood, Mason and Stephenville, along with an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Texas, are part of Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical...

(WACO, Texas) – The fall season brings many food temptations for children and adults: candy at Halloween, pies at Thanksgiving, and tamales in December. When not eaten in moderation, they can derail healthy habits. Parents have critical roles in ensuring that children get the best nutrition possible. Some statistics The Centers for Disease Control and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The life lessons and skills that Texas State Technical College student Rolando Lopez Jr. learned from his father while growing up would later be the blueprint for his future career. “My father introduced me to his business venture, Lopez R. Construction, when I was 17 years old,” Lopez said. “He taught me...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – After graduating from high school, Donovan Suchan followed his father’s advice and explored the possibility of an internship with Komatsu at its Longview facility, where the company manufactures mining equipment. Now a student in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program, Suchan has a partial scholarship from Komatsu and a paid...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will expand its Fort Bend County campus offerings with the addition of the Automotive Technology and Auto Collision and Management Technology programs next fall. But what do those programs entail, and why are they needed? Becoming an automotive technician means learning skills in a variety of fields. For...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 40 educators on Friday learned about Texas State Technical College’s mission to help students earn certificates and associate degrees that could lead to great-paying jobs. The Spring Counselors Update focused on dual enrollment, in-demand jobs and other components of TSTC. The gathering’s goal was to arm educators with new...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) -Texas State Technical College recently hosted its fifth annual Empowerment Conference focused on getting students industry-ready. Mary Morales, a TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student, was one of nearly 50 students who attended the event. The 30-year-old said that as a nontraditional student there are challenges she will face, and this event...

(AUSTIN, Texas) – Lawmakers in both chambers of the 86th Texas Legislature honored Texas State Technical College today with resolutions declaring Feb. 27, 2019, as “TSTC Day at the Capitol.” TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser noted that TSTC is different from all other colleges in Texas. “TSTC is all tech, all the time,” he said. “At...

(WACO, Texas) – Julian Rodriguez’s future in the solar industry looks to be as bright as the sun shining on the panels generating energy in Texas. Rodriguez, 18, of McCamey in Upton County, is in his second semester at Texas State Technical College, studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Solar Energy Technology...

With Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education a focus in K-12 and institutions of higher education, Texas State Technical College Mechatronics Technology students are stepping up and doing their part to encourage middle schooler’s interest in STEM-related fields. Recently, Mechatronics Technology Club officers and students volunteered with the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District STEM2...

Esperanza Velazquez is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student at Texas State Technical College. The San Benito native boasts a 3.75 grade-point average and expects to graduate with an associate degree in Spring 2020. The 21-year-old is also active on campus as a work-study employee for Student Life and Engagement and the Student Government...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Mariela Ramirez, 20, is pursuing an associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics at Texas State Technical College. The Harlingen native maintains an impressive 3.9 grade-point average while working as a mentor with the TSTC Office of Student Success. What are your plans after graduation? This month I will begin an...

(Abilene) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Abilene have been honored for their dedication and service. Matt Briggs, the clinical coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program, and Susan Cowart, an instructor for academic English and Humanities, were selected to receive TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. “The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a yearly...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Abilene have been honored for their dedication and service. Matt Briggs, the clinical coordinator for the Emergency Medical Services program, and Susan Cowart, an instructor for academic English and Humanities, were selected to receive TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. “The Chancellor’s Excellence Award is a...

(WACO, Texas) – Five technical programs at Texas State Technical College were recently recognized by the Office of the Governor’s Texas Workforce Investment Council at a ceremony in Austin. Associate of Applied Science degree programs for Biomedical Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Process Operations, Solar Energy Technology and Wind Energy Technology were recognized for merging...

(Sweetwater) – Two employees at Texas State Technical College in Sweetwater have been honored for their outstanding service and dedication to TSTC. James Spivey, a building maintenance supervisor, and Karen Waller, chief of staff of Strategic Relations, have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. “Yearly, the Chancellor’s Excellence Award honors those who have consistently demonstrated a...

(WACO, Texas) – Six employees at Texas State Technical College in Waco have been honored for their skills and work. Meagan Cooper, an instructor in the Electrical Power and Controls program; Kent Kahler, a senior instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program; Anju Motwani, senior accountant; Jana Polansky, student accounting coordinator; Raymond Silva, a Culinary...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in Harlingen will host its first of four registration rallies for the summer on Wednesday, June 12. The event, to be held at the Engineering Technology Center on Airport Drive, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will focus on programs: Architectural Design & Engineering Graphics, Biomedical Equipment Technology,...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Carly Kahl, senior history instructor and assistant department chair for General Education at Texas State Technical College, was recently recognized for her exceptional service to TSTC with the W.R. Potter Award of Teaching Excellence during the college’s Employee Appreciation Day.  The Potter Award was established in 1996 to recognize outstanding teaching at...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Sweetwater native Glen Bedgood was recently recognized for his exceptional 35 years of service to Texas State Technical College during TSTC’s Employee Appreciation Day.  Since graduating from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, as a double major in computer science and commercial art, Bedgood has spent his professional career serving...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College won one gold medal, four silver medals and one bronze medal at the 55th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held June 24-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching employability, leadership and technical skills helping middle school, high school and college students pursue successful...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A gallon of gas was $1.10, a movie ticket was $2.50 and Dan Bodnar was beginning his career at Texas State Technical College. The year was 1984. As a witness to the college’s transition from typewriters to computers, Bodnar was recently recognized for his 35 years of service during TSTC’s Employee Appreciation...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It was 1991 when Ester Bodnar began her career at Texas State Technical State College as a work study employee, never imagining it would be a place she still calls home 30 years later. Bodnar was recently recognized for her three decades of service to the college during TSTC’s Employee Appreciation Day...

(WACO, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College students are learning how consumers can save money for their residences by making them more energy-efficient.  Students in the Residential Building Performance Consulting class used a vacant home on campus on Monday to perform a series of tests to find out where outside air leaked in, and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – This summer more than 50 high school students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties have participated in the Migrant Academic Achievement Residential Summer (MAARS) program at Texas State Technical College. MAARS is designed to meet the needs of high school migrant and seasonal farmworkers in pursuing higher education and to provide community...

(WACO, Texas) – Mark Schneider, division director of Culinary Arts at Texas State Technical College, has been selected to compete at Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) Food & Beverage 2020 next  spring in Singapore. Schneider was selected because of his membership in the Epicurean World Master Chefs Society. This will be his first international competition,...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program in Waco hosted practice sessions this week for the WorldSkills USA’s Restaurant Service contestant, and he happens to be a Texan. Colt Schultz of League City spent his time practicing his cooking, barista, beverage service, and casual and fine dining table presentation skills ahead of...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – National Manufacturing (MFG) Day is around the corner and Texas State Technical College, in partnership with the Central Fort Bend Chamber, will be celebrating with a community event. MFG Day, traditionally held on the first Friday in October, will be hosted October 4, 2019, from 9 a.m. to noon at the TSTC Brazos...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Isise Flores was working on homework one late night in June when he got hungry, went to the kitchen and stepped in a puddle of water. For the 20-year-old Texas State Technical College student this puddle turned into knee-deep water that flooded an entire part of his family’s home, leaving a humble...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With commencement only a few months away, Texas State Technical College student Gabriel Flores still can’t believe that he’ll become a college graduate at only 19-years-old. The Precision Machining Technology student said college was always the only option in his home, but when got to his senior year in high school panic...

(WACO, Texas) – Jake Pringle and Fernando Venegas have known each other for as long as they can remember. They grew up together attending Groesbeck schools and now are attending Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus where they are in the Welding Technology program. Pringle is working toward a certificate, and Venegas is studying for...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For Esthela Hernandez, becoming a college graduate seemed like a dream that would never come true. But on Friday night, the Texas State Technical College Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics student earned her associate degree. “This point in time seemed like it would never be possible,” said the 23-year-old. “I didn’t know...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Physics is a study of matter, motion and behavior through space and time related to energy and force. In Texas State Technical College’s Physics program, students receive the building blocks to support technical programs and educational goals. TSTC Physics campus department chair Jose Alvarez said that the mastery of physics can lead...

(WACO, Texas) – Starting in March, Texas State Technical College will become the first college in Texas to host the Tesla START training program.  Tesla START is an accelerated 12-week training program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become electric vehicle technicians. Following completion of the program, Tesla will work with successful...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program at the East Williamson County campus has reopened Level 3, its student-run restaurant, for the spring semester. Friday’s Mardi Gras menu included creamy new potato and leek soup, chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, and other dishes. The menu and restaurant’s festive decor was designed by...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Three employees at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus have been honored for their work and skills. Angela Bross, Carol O’Reilly and Josh Stampley have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award. “Josh is not just a top-notch instructor, but the backbone of Marshall’s SkillsUSA efforts,” said Bart Day, provost of TSTC’s Marshall campus....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Computer Programming instructor Shelby Coffman said he is encouraged about the future of this new program. TSTC introduced the Associate of Applied Science degree program at the Harlingen campus in the fall of 2019 to help meet the needs of the state’s workforce. “The first year of our...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After serving in the U.S. Army for seven years, Luis Garcia wanted to expand his aviation maintenance knowledge. Garcia earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in aviation maintenance from Texas State Technical College in 2018. The Brownsville native wanted to remain in the Valley, and Leo Guajardo, an aviation maintenance instructor...

(WACO, Texas) – Seven employees at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus have been honored for their work and skills. Sally Estrada, Tonya Isaacks, Misty Kaska, Matthew Peterson, Shelli Scherwitz, Tina Skidmore and Julie Threlkeld have received TSTC’s Chancellor’s Excellence Award. “We are so excited and pleased for our Waco campus Chancellor’s Excellence Award recipients,”...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Daryl Golden of Waxahachie worked in sales for a decade and decided he wanted to take a different direction in his career. And, the direction he took led to Texas State Technical College. “I get anxious that I’m not accomplishing anything if I don’t have a progression path set up,” he...

(WACO, Texas) – With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in hand, Kory Dyer of Bellville wanted to make himself more marketable. “I went home and just wanted to weigh out what all my options were. During the internship (for the degree), I came to realize that engineers are expected, going into the field coming...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Billy Potts has a passion for auto racing. The 1997 Texas State Technical College graduate is passing that passion to the next generation, but not through a lot of horsepower. Potts is president of the Bobcat Solar Racing Team composed of students at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club. Each year,...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 20 miles separate the city of Ennis from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus in Red Oak in Ellis County. Ennis can count more than 3.6 million workers within a 60-mile radius of the city. This means there is an array of area jobs, from machining to welding,...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its spring graduates Saturday morning with a drive-in celebration. Instructors lined up on both sides of the entrance to TSTC to cheer graduates and their relatives as they drove by in decorated vehicles.   Barton Day, provost of TSTC’s Marshall campus, read off the names of graduates and...

(WACO, Texas) – The construction industry needs well-trained workers who have a safety-first mentality. Texas State Technical College prepares them for that.  “We are short on workers and losing them regularly due to the retirement age,” said K. Paul Holt, president and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America’s Central Texas Chapter...

The current global pandemic has kept many students outside of the classroom and in their homes to continue their education. In response to this, Texas State Technical College has adjusted several programs to make them completely online while still maintaining the same standards that TSTC is known for. Associate Vice President of Distance Learning Gina...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus continues to strengthen relationships with municipalities throughout Ellis County. Midlothian, in the northwest part of the county, has proven to be a supportive partner in promoting technical education to residents. “There has been a lot of collaboration with Midlothian,” said Marcus Balch, TSTC’s provost....

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students interested in learning in the evenings this fall can pursue a range of technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus. The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program’s daytime and evening students can finish a certificate in three semesters or an associate degree in five semesters.   “The...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students attending Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will see differences in how they learn and interact as they start the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 31. Students will see ample signage promoting campus health and safety, and social distancing will be practiced in labs. Students will also have designated entrances...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With guidance from her sister, Taryn Crow made the decision to pursue a career in the medical field. Now she is one of 28 graduates who will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology this month from Texas State Technical College. The Los Fresnos native is grateful for how...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training department is offering a second round of online Microsoft Office courses, this time for statewide residents. “I think employers should view this course as a cost-effective and time-conscious way to provide training to their employees on software that they are likely already using,” said Haley Chapman,...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Electromechanical Technology program begin the day using an unusual combination: Lincoln Logs and a robotic arm. During lab sessions, students practice moving a robotic arm through a log structure to drop a pin from its perch. The goal is to move the pin without knocking over...

(WACO, Texas)  – When Nancy Talley graduated from Texas State Technical College in August, she learned she was the recipient of a special award: the Mike Torres Jr. Leadership Award.  Talley, of Waco, worked in technology sales for several years and took a couple of courses along the way at a four-year university. She then...

Texas State Technical College has implemented a hybrid learning format as part of the many safety regulations being followed during the ongoing pandemic. However, even with more sessions being taught online, programs like Culinary Arts are still managing to give students the hands-on learning that TSTC has become known for. “Every week students meet their...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program has started using a supplemental curriculum from the National Tool &Machining Association this fall to teach students. Darren Block, TSTC’s statewide program lead, said students will get a more thorough education in machining, combined with the professional knowledge that faculty members bring to labs...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some enthusiastic Texas State Technical College summer 2020 graduates recently made their way back to campus to celebrate their achievement with a Grad Swag Pickup. They drove up to a designated area to receive a diploma cover, as well as a TSTC-branded face mask and yard sign. “We are proud of our...

(WACO, Texas) – A Culinary Arts instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus has received the highest recognition given by the American Culinary Federation. Michele Brown has received the organization’s 2020 Presidential Medallion Award.  “This is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF’s fundamental principles,” Brown said. She said the award shows...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program will have another option available to make themselves more marketable starting next summer. Students who graduate with the Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity can choose to pursue a Digital Forensics Specialist advanced technical certificate. The certificate has traditionally been offered in Waco,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – It is often said that sometimes a new career path will find you. Such was the case for Rick Vargas, who became an instructor at Texas State Technical College after finding that he thoroughly enjoyed presenting curriculum to his co-workers. Three years later, he is now the lead instructor for Building Construction...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 30 employees with service award drive-thru celebrations this month. With COVID-19 restrictions limiting large gatherings, the celebrations were planned to honor employees with five to 35 years of experience. Celebrations were held at the Abilene, Sweetwater and Breckenridge campuses. Lance Eastman, interim provost for the West Texas...

(HUTTO, Texas) – The Texas aviation and aerospace industry is responsible for creating more than 778,000 jobs and a payroll of more than $30 billion, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2018 Texas Aviation Economic Impact Study.  “Aviation is a huge, growing field,” said Michael Smith, senior field development officer for The TSTC Foundation...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After working as a dental hygienist for 14 years, Texas State Technical College alumna Jessica Myers came back to her alma mater a year ago to bring her knowledge and experience to the next generation of dental hygiene professionals. She is adjusting to the career differences but enjoying every minute of it....

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training department has $15,000 available for workforce training at qualifying East Texas businesses. . The department has about six months to use the money from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business program, or it will be returned to the state. “With the financial opportunities that...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock is providing big opportunities not only for fun, but also for jobs for Texas State Technical College students. “Kalahari’s presence is a game-changer for the entire hospitality sector, and especially our Culinary Arts program,” said Michael Smith, senior field development officer for The TSTC Foundation...

(WACO, Texas) – Edward Sanchez, of Hubbard, is proud to be a third-generation welder. “I come in and do the best I can do every day,” he said. Sanchez graduated this month with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He is also the fall semester’s...

(WACO, Texas) – Representatives of Texas State Technical College and L3Harris Technologies recently gathered to celebrate a new company employee at a recognition ceremony. Tyler Rochelle, of Whitney, was hired by L3Harris as a computer numerical control machinist for its manufacturing department in Waco. He began in November as a part-time employee, but his work...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is ready to welcome students back to campus for the spring 2021 semester. Students, faculty and some staff will return to campus on Monday, January 11, on a limited basis and continue to follow TSTC’s coronavirus safety guidelines. Most courses will be taught with a combination of online...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On January 11, Texas State Technical College welcomed back students to its Fort Bend County campus for the spring 2021 semester. Some students, staff and faculty returned to campus on a limited basis, following TSTC’s coronavirus safety guidelines. While some courses are being taught online only, others are a combination of online...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Alan Sulak has been quietly imparting his vast knowledge of cybersecurity to Texas State Technical College students for a little over four years. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently he was named a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, a recognition given to TSTC staff and faculty who have shown...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Micah Johnson, of Carthage, looks forward not only to graduating this semester from Texas State Technical College, but also to starting work shortly thereafter as an instrumentation technician at Phillips 66’s Sweeny Refinery in Brazoria County. “I’m excited for sure,” Johnson said. “It is something new. It is going to take me...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Students may struggle with many different situations while attending college. Those attending Texas State Technical College can feel at ease knowing that they have guidance and support through the services of the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). Formerly called Student Services, the Advocacy and Resource Center offers an inclusive environment that embraces...

(WACO, Texas) – Wearing a mask and hard hat, Chelsea Wallace hoisted a long piece of wood on her shoulder to carry so her classmates could start a project framing a floor in a Building Construction Technology class at Texas State Technical College. She is grateful to be making good use of her hands during...

Real-life experience valuable to learning for construction students (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Hands-on work with lumber is essential to Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology program. And as students hammer, nail and saw to create a range of projects, program instructors are keeping an eye on the dollars and cents of lumber. “We use the...

(WACO, Texas) – It is a woman’s world in Texas State Technical College’s Office of Information Technology. Sixteen women work in a range of roles statewide to keep the college functioning, from serving as applications administrators to help-desk technicians. Gladia Escobar and April Falkner have roughly three decades of combined service to TSTC. Both are...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology students recently received hands-on training via a mock surgery performed under a retired surgeon’s supervision. The scenario, which included a lifelike manikin, involved students preparing the room for surgery, sanitizing and sterilizing their hands and tools, and even putting on scrubs and other proper attire for...

TSTC student pursued studies in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program (WACO, Texas) – Thomas Pechal, of Temple retired in August 2019 from Temple Fire and Rescue, where he was a firefighter and paramedic and also worked with community education and public information. A week later, he was attending Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus...

Health Information Technology students, graduates input patient data during event (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Kayla Halmon, of Harlingen, was glad to volunteer during a recent morning at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Primera that was hosted by Cameron County Public Health. Halmon, a spring 2021 graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Health Information Technology program, input...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is partnering with the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative to provide workforce training for soldiers stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. “We are extremely happy to be able to give back in a small way to these guys for their sacrifices,” said Adam Barber, TSTC’s executive director of...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Students at Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus benefited from watching and listening to instructors from various programs during recent lab sessions. In one session, Automotive Technology students learned how to take a transmission apart by watching Diesel Equipment Technology instructor Shannon Weir. While that was happening, Welding Technology instructor Taylor Elston...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Avionics Technology program has started using new equipment to make testing avionics radios easier as part of students’ training. Earlier this year the program purchased three T-RX avionics testers from Canada-based CCX Technologies. “The T-RX is a leap forward in technology, designed to be intuitive and easy to...

Recruitment event to be first in-person opportunity since pandemic (HARLINGEN, Texas) – If you make tracks to Texas State Technical College’s drive-thru recruitment event Thursday, July 29, you have a chance to roll out with a $1,500 scholarship. Any prospective student who swings by campus to meet instructors, learn more about hybrid and online programs,...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County is hosting three Texas A&M University engineering students taking classes this summer. Jacob Algaze, Preston Hackney and Grant Stinson are taking nine weeks of classes in the TSTC Welding Technology program in Hutto. The students are part of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Instrumentation Technology program is preparing students for a digital world once they graduate. “You need hands-on work to be a good technician,” said Mickle Peine, an instructor in TSTC’s Instrumentation Technology program. The program has added new equipment to its labs, including eight Emerson AMS Trex Device Communicators....

(WACO, Texas) – Seven U.S. Army soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, completed on Thursday the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program taught for the first time at Texas State Technical College. The 12-week program enabled soldiers to travel to Waco four days a week to take classes in mechatronics, with a focus on electrical systems,...

Drive-thru recruitment event showcases many programs on campus (HARLINGEN, Texas) – A relentless sun and heat index in the triple digits were not enough to deter applicants, prospective students and community members from attending Texas State Technical College’s drive-thru recruitment event Thursday on the Harlingen campus.  Vehicles began lining up 30 minutes before the event’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Halfway into their 12-week internships at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center, TSTC Biology students Paloma Gallardo and Sammy Huerta are thriving. Gallardo uses DNA extraction and PCR — polymerase chain reaction — in the leaf tissues of a plant to identify citrus greening disease. Huerta, working on an entomology project, examines...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County will host the Tesla START training program this fall.  It will be the program’s second location in Texas. The first, at TSTC’s campus in Waco, recently graduated its fourth cohort. “I think it’s indicative of the reputation that the Fort Bend County TSTC...

(WACO, Texas) – Luke Markham, of Belton, grew up with an appreciation for automobiles, but he also liked diesel equipment.  The students with whom he interacted during his time in home school thought he would pursue mechanical engineering. But Markham said the field did not interest him. “I don’t mind standing out,” he said. Markham...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College representatives connected with Abilene Independent School District students and their parents during the ribbon-cutting of the Leadership and Innovation in Future Technologies (LIFT) Center. TSTC dual enrollment representatives and recruiters will maintain a presence at the LIFT Center, Abilene ISD’s newest facility. During the Sept. 7 event, Abilene...

(WACO, Texas) – Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat and reappointed Tony Abad and Curtis Cleveland to the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) System Board of Regents for terms set to expire on August 31, 2027.  Cleveland currently serves as chair of the nine-member board. De la Garza Putegnat, of Harlingen,...

(HUTTO, Texas) – ICU Medical Inc., a company in Austin specializing in pure-play infusion therapy, has partnered with Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County’s Industrial Systems program to offer apprenticeships to selected students. “It’s really huge for our program,” said Lance Antilley, lead instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program at the East Williamson...

Food pantry designed to provide snacks, meals, groceries (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students will not go hungry on — or off — campus, thanks to the efforts of the Advocacy and Resource Center — and the donations that keep the Fort Bend County campus’s food pantries well stocked. This semester, the Food...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On the first day of class, instructors usually spend the majority of the time going over expectations for the course. While Tony Marquez, an instructor for the Tesla START program at Texas State Technical College, certainly outlined what would be covered over the next 12 weeks, the students also immersed themselves in...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Ramiro Aguilera, of Del Valle, eventually wants to take his cooking outside for everyone to enjoy. Aguilera is a certificate of completion candidate for December graduation in the Culinary Arts program at Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County. He has enjoyed learning how to cook different recipes while at TSTC....