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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

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.

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

Let us help with your workforce needs.

• hireTSTC for Employers

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.

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

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.

East Williamson County

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

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.

Harlingen

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.

A Gold Medal Technical Education

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.

TSTC Online

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.

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.

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.

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.

Want to get a head start on your college education? Dual Credit may be for you! Dual Credit gives high school students a head start toward their futures. Take college courses to earn college and high school credit at the same time.

Dual Credit courses are available at some high school campuses, on-site at a TSTC campus, and through distance learning classes taught by TSTC instructors.

In 2015, TSTC reorganized from four vertically integrated colleges into a single, statewide college with ten campuses. At the same time, we merged our fragmented infrastructure into a single leadership team with stewardship of the entire college.

The Office of Government Relations connects Texas State Technical College (TSTC) with the Texas Legislature, Congress, and federal and state agencies by monitoring appropriations processes, legislation, regulatory changes, and other policy developments relating to TSTC, higher education, workforce training, and economic development.

CompTIA’s A+ certification is the top credential for associate-level IT professionals.

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.

West Texas
Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater

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

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.

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

Our application process is personalized and transparent. You’ve worked hard to get this far; our Enrollment Coaches are available to walk you through the next steps. They will answer any program questions you may have, help you set up your financial aid profile, and guide you to graduation.

Applying is easy — and free.

Grants are typically need-based financial aid that typically do not have to be repaid, which makes them highly desirable.

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.

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.

Growth, Upcoming Expansions and Improvements

North Texas

Being different is part of who we are.

Meet Daniella. She’s a pageant winner.

She’s also a TSTC Welding Technology graduate.

Get paid training in the Hill Country with Guaranteed Job Placement
in a High-Demand Field!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

(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...

(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...

(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....

(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...

(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) – 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...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program is experiencing double the fun, times two. Alejandra and Galilea Puente, of Waco, and Sam and Tim Winters, of Colleyville, are students at Texas A&M University in College Station. The students are taking nine weeks of welding classes this summer at TSTC’s Waco campus as...

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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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,...

(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,...

(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) – 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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – National Welding Month, which is observed each April, is a good time to showcase how current automation technology in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program is preparing students for careers in the manufacturing field. The orbital tube welding machine and the robotic welding arm cell are types of welding automation that...

(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....

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...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Imagine a world where all structures are at risk of collapsing at any second. Buildings creak with every step, a slight gust of wind could knock down a bridge, and airplanes and space exploration are nothing but fantasy.  Luckily, the world is a much more secure place — thanks to welders. “We’ve...

(WACO, Texas) – Many welders work in challenging conditions. From confined spaces to fumes to light radiation, the workers need to heed federal and state safety guidelines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 48 deaths and 100 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020 among brazers, solderers and welders in the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When Texas State Technical College Welding Technology alumnus Samuel Grimaldo accepted a job as the Maritime Welding instructor in TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education program, he did not anticipate the influence that his experience would have on the students. “I teach shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core...

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) – 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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College teaches students the skills needed to thrive in the fast-growing career. Instructors Manuel Ahumada and Mark Casares are on a mission to ensure that their students not only are familiar with the world of welding, but also are confident in their abilities from day one...

(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....

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus hosted more than 80 high school welding students for the Texas High School Welding Series on Saturday, Feb. 17. It marked the first time that the campus had hosted the series, which gives students opportunities to improve their employability and technical skills in welding....

(HUTTO, Texas) – The majority of instructors in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program at the East Williamson County campus happen to be women. Kristin Burke, Samara Flener and Charli Wright bring decades of professional experience to teach their students to be the best welders they can be. “Three of the five welding instructors...

“It is not for the faint of heart,” Erica Bridges said.  Bridges is a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College. She was referring to her field of study and the field of welding in general.  “I encourage it, though,” she added. “This is a really good money-making (career). The people that you will...

(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...

(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) – 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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Jessica Krause, of Round Rock, left her job as a pet groomer to enroll at Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County to study Welding Technology. The first-semester student said she was not expecting such a fast pace of teaching. Besides adapting to new skills, Krause had not been in a...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Jerroll Hodge is not sure where he would be today had one of his Agriculture Mechanics classmates not invited him to help build a trailer during his sophomore year of high school in Huntsville. “Those guys saw my work ethic when we were in class, and they asked if I wanted to...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Automation is the future for many industries, and welding is no exception. Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology automation lab at TSTC’s campus in Fort Bend County recently received new equipment to help keep TSTC students on the cusp of emerging technology and practices. “We’ve got a submerged-arc machine, new orbital pipe...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – More than 70 high school students from different areas of Texas competed for scholarships during Texas State Technical College welding competitions this month. Events were held at TSTC’s Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses, with students having to work on different projects. High school agriculture science teachers said the contest provided students with...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Luis Chavira admits that he did not have much welding experience when he began Welding Technology classes at Texas State Technical College. Chavira had not taken welding classes at ATEMS High School in Abilene, but he wanted to learn the trade to save money for a second career. “I want to work...

(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...

(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...

(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) – When it comes to welding, Matthew Bakus has just about seen and done it all. The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor — and graduate — has worked everywhere from fabrication shops to power plants and pipelines. “You throw something at me, I can weld it, but I think my strong...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted the Texas High School Welding Series on Thursday at the Industrial Technology Center on the Waco campus. It was the first time that the campus had hosted the welding event. More than 200 students from more than 20 high schools from throughout Texas attended the daylong event....

(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) – Life takes us in various directions, and for former U.S. Marine Christopher Torres, the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College caught his interest. Torres served as a CH-53E helicopter engine mechanic with the Marine Corps for two years. He said that while he is proud of his Hispanic heritage, he...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After joyless experiences working in retail and restaurants, Joshua Reyes has finally found something he loves: welding. The Rosenberg resident will earn a certificate of completion this semester in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. Afterward, he looks to continue his studies and training to complete an Associate of Applied Science...

(WACO, Texas) – Some high school students from throughout Texas gathered May 9-10 for the first Texas High School Welding Series State Build-Off held at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. “I think TSTC did an outstanding job welcoming the (welding series) board and each and every one of the students,” said Mike Higgins, board...

(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) – A group of Welding Technology students at Texas State Technical College recently learned about job opportunities that they might pursue at the EPIC Piping fabrication facility in San Marcos. During the recruitment visit, representatives from EPIC Piping discussed the company’s history, career outlook, job benefits and work culture. “The welding industry is...

(WACO, Texas) – Emily Sanford did not pick up a welding torch until she was a student at Madisonville High School in East Texas. During that time, she did a lot of gas metal arc welding. “I was raised around 4-H and FFA, but it was not welding at all,” she said. “None of my...

(ABILENE, Texas) – After one of Zach Aiken’s favorite teachers left his high school, Aiken found a new passion in life: welding. While attending Liberty Hill High School, Aiken started a journey to join law enforcement. But when the teacher leading that program left prior to Aiken’s sophomore year, he decided to find a different...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College‘s Welding Technology program are well positioned to fill welding jobs that are being vacated by retiring baby boomers. Jesus Gonzalez, of Harlingen, will graduate from the program this semester with an Associate of Applied Science degree and is excited about the promising job opportunities that await...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Eric Payne is no stranger to a welding torch. Payne worked in civil engineering for the U.S. Air Force for eight years, performing structural maintenance. Knowing that he and his wife would be moving from Idaho to West Texas, he began looking at earning his welding certification. That is where Texas State...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Texas State Technical College Workforce Training and Continuing Education Maritime Welding program has helped train students since its inception in 2021. Individuals learn tough technical concepts during an eight-week period to prepare for the Texas workforce, and to alleviate concerns experienced in the welding industry. Students will learn components such as...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Overcoming adversity is nothing new to Hunter Dickens. The Springtown native, who is studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, was born to a single mother, was injured while playing high school football, and experienced the loss of his family’s home. He fought off those...

(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...

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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – There is growing demand for jobs for machinists and welders in modern engineering and manufacturing. This offers an excellent career outlook for students at Texas State Technical College who seek to fill those positions. In observance of Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 7, TSTC recognizes its Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program will continue to teach in a hybrid format this fall. Students will listen to lectures online and participate in hands-on labs on campus. “Welding is by far one of our most popular programs, and it’s easy to see why,” said Barton Day, provost at TSTC’s...

(WACO, Texas) – Samuel Esqueda, of George West, began welding when he took his first agriculture class as a high school sophomore.  “It stuck with me more than anything else,” he said. “I wanted to turn it into a career.” Esqueda is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Hernan Hernandez has been welding most of his life, but he has learned that the little things matter. Hernandez is working toward a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College with the hopes of finding employment in the Brownwood area. Before he completes the program, Hernandez wants to...

Hillger teaches night classes in the Welding Technology program (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Welding is not something that is in Daniel Hillger’s blood. His father was not a welder and neither was his grandfather. “I just kind of started doing it on my own,” he said. If anything, the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Tabitha Bishop is making her family proud by being its first person to attend college. The Gatesville native is planning to earn her certificate of completion later this year in Structural Welding at Texas State Technical College. “My family is so proud of what I am doing and learning here,” she said....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Since the inception of Texas State Technical College’s Maritime Welding Workforce Training program in 2021, many alumni have found great success. One such graduate is Ezra Stieglitz, who now works as a welding instructor at an area educational institution in Harlingen. “I’ve always wanted to teach in higher education and help others...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Crystal Ruiz thinks back to when she was introduced to welding by two Raymondville High School agriculture teachers. One of those educators, Erika Williams, noticed that Ruiz had a talent for welding and suggested that she enhance that gift at Texas State Technical College. “In that agriculture...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – The structural integrity of buildings caught the attention of Clay Scheller from a young age. The Newcastle native is now learning more about how metal stays together while studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. After earning his certificate of completion in Structural Welding, Scheller hopes to work for a West...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus hosted the annual Texas High School Welding Series (TXHSWS) regional welding competition on Friday, Oct. 4. A total of 181 high school students signed up to compete, nearly doubling last year’s entries. Jim Baxter, the TXHSWS state/regional event coordinator and a TSTC graduate, said the organization’s...

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Austin Hargett makes roses bloom from metal — thorns and all. The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor can also get scorpions to skitter out of aluminum, bees to buzz around a honeycomb of hex nuts, and many other feats of metalworking. A co-worker who became a friend showed Hargett the...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – One day while working on the family ranch, J.T. Caraway found a welding rod. It ignited a passion for welding that has continued ever since. This month, Caraway is a candidate to graduate with a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. He said learning more about welding...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Rodger Ruiz wants to show people that they are never too old to learn a new skill. When Bangs High School students toured TSTC’s Welding Technology lab in Brownwood earlier this month, Ruiz talked to them about his military career and what he is doing today.  “I wanted to let those students...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Samuel Valdez wants to expand his business opportunities. The Welding Technology student is studying for a certificate of completion in Structural Welding at Texas State Technical College in order to add to the list of work that he can perform in his construction business. “I am self-employed and wanted to expand my...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In a roundabout way, Gabriel Garcia’s path to Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program started with a barbecue pit. When he was a teenager, Garcia became fascinated with welding while watching his uncle use welding to build a barbecue pit. Later, his cousin convinced Garcia to join him in the welding...

(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...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – In Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program, the issue of safety is as hot as the sparks flying off welding torches. The program has an orientation during the first semester before classes start for students to learn how to prevent injury to the hands and eyes, along with other topics, said...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program has completed an expansion just in time for the start of the fall semester on Aug. 31. Forty spacious welding booths have been built in an area once used by the Precision Machining Technology program. The welding area will be used by classes and also...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Watching his older brother piqued the interest of Rory Bustamante to explore a career in welding. The May native followed in his brother’s footsteps to Texas State Technical College to pursue a certificate of completion in Welding Technology. “My brother graduated from TSTC nine years ago,” he said. “I went to another...

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Lauren Caprio got her first welding job in 2016 shortly after graduating with a certificate from the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County. Caprio, 33, of Pflugerville is a level III ultra-high-purity welder at Dynamic Manufacturing Solutions in Austin, where she works in a humidity-controlled clean room...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – The welding program at Texas State Technical College is training and educating highly skilled welders quickly to continue to meet industry demand.  Texas has the highest employment level for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And demand is expected to keep growing....

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Jason Tong, a Welding Technology instructor at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus, is full of pieces of advice for students in the program. “Pretty doesn’t pass,” for instance, encourages students to get over the notion that their welds have to look like popular videos on Instagram. Clean welds are...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The ability to work at his own pace is one reason Garrett Hamner enjoys Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. The U.S. Army veteran also knew welding would be a career path after his military service. Hamner credits his Jim Ned High School agriculture science teacher for his interest in welding....

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Sparks will fill Texas State Technical College’s welding labs next week in West Texas. High school students will compete for scholarships during welding competitions at the college’s Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses. This is the second consecutive year that TSTC is hosting the scholarship competition. “We are expecting 50 students at each...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – One year after participating in a high school welding contest at Texas State Technical College, Christian Chapla is proud to promote the college’s Welding Technology program to prospective students. Chapla, of Newcastle, is working toward a certificate of completion in Structural Welding at TSTC this semester and is considering returning to earn...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Tatum McFarland is striving to become the best welder she can by watching and learning from everyone. McFarland, of Abilene, is studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College with the hope of starting a career. Her venture into welding is nothing new for her, but...

De La Cruz recommends prospective welding students pursue degree, certificate (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Omar De La Cruz Jr. is a third-generation welder — two of his uncles and his grandfather were in the industry. “I still remember the time when my grandpa was welding right in front of me,” De La Cruz said. “I enjoyed...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student Maris Goode always thought that, in spite of her fascination with the craft, welding would only ever be a hobby for her. But then a friend — and TSTC graduate — convinced her to start earning a certificate of completion in TSTC’s Welding Technology program....

(WACO, Texas) – Jimmy Guerrero, of Olton, is a fall candidate for graduation for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. He also worked for three semesters as a resident advisor at the on-campus Village Oaks Apartments. “I am pretty happy about graduation and look forward...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Kayleb Carter needed one additional class during his sophomore year at Mineral Wells High School. “I needed a filler class in high school and decided to enroll in welding,” said the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student. “I immediately fell in love with it.” That first impression helped Carter to enter...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Weston Conine was surprised to see a familiar face when he walked into the Welding Technology lab at Texas State Technical College’s Brownwood campus. Conine, of Comanche, recognized instructor Salvador Marquez, who was a Comanche High School classmate. Conine said he was more relaxed knowing that Marquez would help him during class...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Stephanie Aguilar, Shawna Long, Casey Osgood and Hailey Thomas, all third-semester female students in the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus, recently voiced their hopes that other women pursue the welding industry. Aguilar said that although her family includes several welders and welding had interested her...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted a Texas High School Welding Series (TXHSWS) regional welding competition on Friday, Nov. 3, at the college’s Marshall campus.  The student competitors were scored on a pass/fail system, and those who passed received an American Welding Society certification. Ninety-nine high school students from across Texas participated in...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – There is a new generation of motivated women who are gaining the hands-on technical skills to fill vacated welding jobs, and that is what led Haylee Whitt to Texas State Technical College. Whitt, a native of California who now lives in Los Fresnos, has a career goal after she graduates from TSTC’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Justino Rivera remembers being introduced to welding by a high school friend who had a welding machine at his home. “I found the welding techniques he showed me interesting,” Rivera said. “(He) mentioned that McAllen High School had a welding program. I met Mr. (Alejandro) Soto, who...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Abilene High School senior Drake Fewell knows exactly what path he wants to take in his life. “I want to buy my own ranch,” he said. To help him achieve that dream, Fewell started welding in the Abilene Independent School District’s welding program and recently completed his dual credit courses in Welding...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus hosted more than 160 high school welding students for the North Texas Weld Wars on Friday, Oct. 11, in Red Oak. “It is good to expose what we have to offer at the North Texas campus,” said Joseph Francia, program team lead for TSTC’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Yordan Rueda has gone from confused young man undecided about his future to successful business owner – all in a matter of three years. The 24-year-old graduated from TSTC Welding Technology with a certificate in 2016. “I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn’t even have a prior interest...

(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...

(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) – 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...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Nicholas Delaurelle of Longview is relieved that he has been hired for a job before he graduates from Texas State Technical College. “It is reassuring making some money, because I have bills to pay,” he said. “I’ll be moving into an apartment the day after graduation.” Delaurelle is one of more than...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Keeping students safe while welding is a top priority for Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructors. Philip Miller, an instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Marshall, said students learn about safety in the first couple of weeks each semester. Personal protection equipment is one of the most important topics covered....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After Brian Salinas graduated from high school, he started to search for a career — literally. He learned about welding online, saw how close his home in Katy, Texas, was to Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County, and decided to go for it. “It looked nice from the website,”...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Manuel Soto has seen a big difference in his welding skills over the past year. Soto, of Newcastle, Texas, is completing his certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. As each day goes by, he thinks about returning to school when he graduates. Now in his third semester...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Landon Rodriguez’s father was the person who first ignited a spark in him when it came to welding. The current Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student has been welding — and loving it — ever since. “He’s proud of me,” Rodriguez said of his father. “He’s happy to see that I’m...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – William Briggs is setting his sights on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student plans to complete his certificate of completion in Structural Welding in order to work for his friends on the coast. “I have a bunch of buddies on the coast who own boats and...

(WACO, Texas) – Employees from Alvarado-based Magna Mechanical visited Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program Thursday, April 6, to talk to students. Magna Mechanical provides industrial and commercial services to industries including beverage and food, oil and gas, manufacturing, paints and polymers, and semiconductor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The company has divisions for...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The welding quality displayed by Christopher Cumpton impressed one of his instructors so much that it led to a job opportunity. Cumpton, a candidate for graduation this month with a certificate of completion in Structural Welding from Texas State Technical College, has a career planned with Broadwind Heavy Fabrications in Abilene. That...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Will Dempsey has two passions: music and welding. When Dempsey, a longtime fan of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Metallica, learned that Texas State Technical College would offer scholarships through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), he jumped at the chance to apply. The scholarship that he received will help him...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Welding has been in Jacob Dannar’s family for generations. It was only natural for him to continue the tradition. “I remember my grandfather working in a welding shop in Nebraska,” said the Texas State Technical College Metallica Scholar and current Welding Technology student. Being able to learn additional techniques, both as a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – April is National Welding Month, and Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student Laura Torres is honing her welding skills to meet job demands in the state. Torres is one of 10 women in the program at the Harlingen location. She was first introduced to welding at Edinburg Economedes High School (now...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a child, Joshua Joel Anstead was fascinated with doing hands-on projects in his backyard. Years later, he was introduced to welding by a friend and it would spark a career interest. Anstead, who earned a certificate of completion in Welding Advanced Pipe Specialization from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen location in...

(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...

(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) – Tania Segura, a senior at La Vega High School, is motivated to learn about welding and how it ties into her interests in architecture and construction. Segura is in her second year of taking dual enrollment classes in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program at the Waco campus. She and some...

Welding student is working with TSTC staff on career placement (SWEETWATER, Texas) – James Martin, of Mason, has always liked to work with his hands. After four years of welding classes in high school, Martin is furthering his education in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. He is planning to obtain a certificate of...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – When Monty Moeller learned that Texas State Technical College was hosting a high school welding event, he knew his students would be in attendance. Moeller, the Rolling Plains Technical School coordinator and welding instructor, wanted his students to see TSTC’s facilities. Two of his students finished in the top three at the...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – More welding torches are being used in the Welding Technology lab at Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus. Instructor Taylor Elston is excited to see 26 new students, including two women, beginning their journey to a career as a welder. Elston said the new group is the largest he has had in...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – William Reid, of Cisco, was looking for a good place to learn more welding techniques. After reviewing his options, Reid said he chose Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology because of the respect everyone at TSTC showed him. He said he made the correct decision to attend TSTC in Breckenridge. “Everyone I...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Bailey Crow is no stranger to working hard. The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student mowed yards as a child in order to buy his first welder. He is now studying for a certificate of completion to hone his skills in the field he loves. “When I was a kid, I...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Trenton Cowart has noticed a trend during his time in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology lab. Cowart said before he started the certificate of completion program last August, he had bad habits when it came to welding. He has been losing those habits while improving his skills before entering the workforce....

(SEGUIN, Texas) – Nine students in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program at the Waco campus toured United Alloy Inc. in Seguin on Friday, July 14. The Seguin facility has more than 180 employees and specializes in custom-fabricated enclosures, diesel fuel tanks, trailers and complex weldments. The company employs people in assembling, fabricating, materials...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Daniella Mendez can often be found after hours, or on her days off from school, working on projects in the Welding Technology lab at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus. But this TSTC student wears more than just a welding helmet: Mendez happens to be the reigning Miss Rosenberg Latina....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – High school students from the Houston area and across the state of Texas came together at Texas State Technical College on Friday, Oct. 6, to participate in the Texas High School Welding Series competition. Buses and vehicles displaying school names could be seen throughout the parking lot at TSTC’s Fort Bend County...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Dakota Jones hopes to break barriers in the welding industry. Studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, the Wyoming native and Bangs High School graduate has her sights set on a career in underwater welding. “A lot of people never expected me, as a female,...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Having earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology and a certificate in Structural and Pipe Welding from Texas State Technical College in 2018, Juan Avila is now back at his alma mater, imparting his wisdom and expertise to the current cohort of welding students as a lab assistant. “When...

(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) – The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology program recently hosted the Texas FFA Association’s Area 6 Applied Agricultural Engineering Career Development Event at the Marshall campus. “We’re trying to showcase what TSTC is willing to do for the local schools, students, and Texans as a whole,” Russell Hutcherson, a TSTC welding instructor, said....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Prospective Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students can have the opportunity to learn about the program firsthand during the program’s open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. “Potential students will get a look into our new and updated welding building during their visit to campus,” said assistant...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – A familiar face will be helping to educate the next generation of welders at Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge this fall. Stephen Hope, a Breckenridge native, is ready to serve his community as a welding instructor for the TSTC Welding Technology program. “This is my way of giving back. I am...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology students are finding a need for their skills regionally and throughout the country. The demand for brazers, cutters, solderers and welders is projected to increase up to 439,100 workers by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency attributes this to replacing the...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training office wants to bring welding to you. The office recently finished creating a mobile welding training lab inside a 42-foot enclosed gooseneck trailer. The training lab features four welding bays, one being wheelchair accessible, along with multipurpose welding machines, a fume extraction system and a hydraulic...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Dakota Smith of Gladewater learned early on the importance of a good work ethic, especially in a welding booth. “Once I have something to do, that’s all I focus on until it is completed, and I do it to the best of my abilities,” she said. Smith is scheduled to receive an...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Lineworker Technology and Welding Technology programs at the Fort Bend County campus are expanding. “Those have been two of the hottest trades in the region for several years,” said Jeremy Heath, executive director of the Rosenberg Economic Development Corp. “Everyone who goes through either program has a...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Comanche’s Caden Amos likes the challenges he faces in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology classes. He is working toward a certificate and looking forward to the day when he has a job. With instructor Daniel Aguirre providing his own work experience, Amos knows he will be well prepared when he graduates....

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Like some Welding Technology students, Rogelio Del Toro did not have much welding experience before enrolling at Texas State Technical College. His inexperience did not stop him from setting a goal of earning a certificate and finding a job, however. “My father did some welding, and I tried it in middle school,”...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education program recently held a graduation ceremony for its third cohort of welding students. Eight students embraced the challenging eight-week training program. Each individual earned a Maritime Welding Level 1 certificate from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) under the direction...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Eric Pesak left Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Technology Center with a smile on his face. Pesak, executive director of the Texas High School Welding Series (THSWS), watched as more than 150 high school students competed for over $209,000 in scholarships, as well as welding certifications, at TSTC’s Abilene campus. It was...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Hannah Balli has always liked to work with her hands — especially on cars with her father. Her father’s work in refineries also inspired her to take a technical path in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. “I’ve always been close to my dad, so I was like, ‘I want to...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – More than 200 students representing 40 high schools competed in welding competitions at three Texas State Technical College campuses earlier this month. The popularity of the competitions has grown since they began in 2020. The top seniors at the competitions, which have been held at TSTC campuses in Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater,...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – The nonprofit Boys & Girls Club of Brown County knew where to ask for help to keep children safe. Katherine Palmer, the club’s chief executive officer, asked the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students for their assistance. The students were excited to be asked to build a security gate and fence...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Braxton Wade knew what he wanted to do after graduating from Breckenridge High School earlier this year. “I have always been interested in welding, and I lucked out that we have a (college) campus in my hometown,” he said of studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. Wade is no stranger...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Sebastian Constancia found a career path after touring Texas State Technical College. As a senior at Early High School, Constancia made sure to stop by the Welding Technology lab during his class’s tour of the Brownwood location. He knew immediately he wanted to enroll in the program and is currently studying for...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Calder Woods said entering the Texas State Technical College Welding Technology lab is one of the best parts of his day. “I like the time I spend in the booth working on my projects,” the third-semester student from Throckmorton said. “I am able to concentrate on what I need to do.” Studying...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Some employees of Indiana-based Lippert Components Inc., which has locations in Texas, recently finished four weeks of workforce training at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus. The 10-member cohort learned how to perform metal inert gas welding and flux core arc welding to test for 1G plate certification endorsed by...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After studying dental assisting at an area college for several months, Kendraly Gomez realized that it was not a good fit for her. “One day at the school, I noticed some students who were welding in their program,” she said. “I thought it would be interesting to try welding because I enjoy...

(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) – 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...

(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...

  (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...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Chris Medina knew welding would be a good trade to learn. Instead of following his parents in joining the U.S. Air Force, Medina decided to enroll in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. “I took some welding classes in high school and enjoyed it,” said Medina, a graduate of Jim Ned...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Among the drywalling and framing tasks she was doing with her father for a barn project last spring at the family home in Granger, Mikayla Larremore picked up an affinity for welding she did not know she had. “I got into it because everything I had done in my life before, I...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Three participants in Texas State Technical College’s recent high school welding competition liked what they saw and decided to continue their education at TSTC. Pablo Camacho, Christian Chapla  and Manuel Soto were among the 16 high school students who welded a cube for TSTC Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope in the hopes...

Welding is one of several choices for summer courses (HARLINGEN, Texas) – Vanessa Perez is getting some advice during her summer welding program at Texas State Technical College from an unusual source: her grandfather. “My grandpa was a welder in the Port of Brownsville for many years, so he would always tell me about it,”...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructors are ready for a new wave of students to begin classes this fall. With more construction sites showing up in the region, the need for welders is growing. TSTC will be preparing students for jobs on construction sites and in the oil field. Some graduates...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Tyler Mogen tinkered with welding while attending Comanche High School, not thinking of it as a future career. But after graduating, he realized that welding could be a good professional opportunity and enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program.  Mogen is now pursuing a certificate of completion at TSTC. “I...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Bobby Suniga knew he wanted to do something with his life while he is still young. Suniga, of Brownwood, decided that he needed to learn a trade, which led him to Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. “I wanted to make something of myself, and I knew that welding was a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Ricardo Flores is in pursuit of an entrepreneurial goal: to establish an automotive restoration and modification shop. The Harlingen resident is aligning that path through an education at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. “I earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from TSTC in 2021,” Flores...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Daniel Coers has set a goal for himself while studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. “I want to work to become the best welding student at TSTC,” he said. He set the goal knowing that he would be starting a program that he knew little about. In fact, Coers, of...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus hosted a welding competition for area high school students on Thursday, March 30. Over 130 students from 27 area high schools competed in the contest.  Students were separated into two divisions. The junior division included freshmen and sophomores, and the senior division included juniors and seniors....

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Growing up, Keviyhon Pauley’s interest in animals led him to believe that he would one day become a veterinarian. However, his high school agriculture classes helped him find his true calling: welding. The Laneville native chose to pursue the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall location, where he received...

(WACO, Texas) – Bill Martin and his son, Zander, see a lot of each other. The Martins live in Killeen and commute together to the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. They are both pursuing certificates of completion and are scheduled to graduate in August. “It makes it a lot easier,”...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – There is always going to be a need for welders, regardless of the industry that you go into, according to Brenda Wilson, HR manager for Titan Production Equipment. Wilson knows what she is talking about. Having begun her career nearly 20 years ago, she has seen the need for welders firsthand and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College and the South Texas Independent School District’s Science Academy in Mercedes have partnered to offer a dual credit program in Welding Technology. Classes, which are taught at the high school, started this semester. “The dual credit program pairs well with our hands-on approach to the engineering program of...

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) – Nacona Tovar did not expect to have a career in welding like his father. But as an adult, something changed, and he picked up his own welding torch. After receiving his welding certification from Texas State Technical College in December, Tovar was hired by BNSF Railway in Fort Worth. Someday he would...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Andrea Green admitted she wanted to do something different in her life. Researching college opportunities, Green, a native of Abilene, learned about Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. Without any welding experience, Green enrolled in the program and is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. “I wanted to do...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College is one of the more popular programs offered statewide. Students enter the program for different reasons, from seeking a career change to learning more about a craft they dabbled in during a weekend project. TSTC instructors will teach students how to hone the craft in...

(ABILENE, Texas) – With construction projects increasing in West Texas, the need for welders will only grow. Greg Nicholas, Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructor in Abilene, said the number of area job postings for welders increases on a weekly basis, and that means construction is underway. “Currently there are more jobs available than...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Welders are naturally competitive. Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope decided to use a competition to promote the program and offer scholarships. High school students from New Castle and Trent competed on March 24 for a chance to win a welding scholarship. On March 31, the competition will continue...

(ABILENE, Texas) – When Lucas Robirds returns to Texas A&M University this fall, he will be able to tell his friends that he learned a new skill. Robirds, an aerospace engineering student at Texas A&M, is spending his summer break studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. He is participating in the Bachelor’s+ Program,...

Both have excelled in statewide welding competitions (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Hector Guzman and Zitlaly Rangel, two recent graduates of Cleveland High School, each received an $11,000 scholarship to attend Texas State Technical College for welding training this fall. Jerroll Hodge, lead instructor for the Welding Technology program at TSTC’s campus in Fort Bend County, was...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Daniel Aguirre has seen his students make remarkable strides over the past 10 months. With six students preparing to graduate later this summer, Aguirre said he hopes the next cohort will find similar success. “I have seen a lot of improvement from all of the...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Rider Duggan has always had an interest in building things. In his hometown of Winters, Duggan used to visit a local shop where welding was a mainstay. That piqued his interest at a young age. Today, he is studying for a certificate of completion in Structural Welding at Texas State Technical College....

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Guy Watts juggles life, work and attending Texas State Technical College with the goal of opening his own welding business. Watts, a U.S. Navy veteran studying Welding Technology, said that after leaving the military he had to decide the next step in his career. After touring TSTC’s Brownwood campus, the path became...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Returning Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students noticed some different faces in the Breckenridge lab this semester. “They could not have been a better fit for us in Breckenridge,” Stephen Hope, TSTC’s program team lead for Welding Technology, said of new instructors Leroy Brigman and Jacob Gonzales. “It makes me emotional...

(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,...

(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...

(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) – 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...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Sparks from welding torches were a daily occurrence this summer at Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus. Students have been completing labs in preparation for entering the workforce when they receive their certificates. But the work does not stop once the torches are laid down. For Ethan Hammond and Zane Fitch, a...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Scott Rosignol, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Army, dabbled in welding on weekends while living in Harker Heights.  But it was not until he moved to Breckenridge and toured the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College that he began to think of welding as a career option. After talking...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is quickly becoming home to state-level welding competitions. The Texas FFA Area IV held its inaugural applied agricultural engineering career development event at TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene earlier this month. Organizers said TSTC will continue to host the event on an annual basis. “This is the...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Nicholas Tuma graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program with an Associate of Applied Science Degree and is currently working at Surgitech improving his welding skills. He plans on continuing his education at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus for one more semester to receive the Welding Advanced Pipe Specialization certificate...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 juniors and seniors at Taylor High School are enrolled this year in free dual enrollment welding classes through Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus. “It’s a really good opportunity we have,” said Tristin Stewart, a Taylor High School senior. “It feels good to get credits outside of...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Oscar Quezada credits Texas State Technical College for helping him find his career path. Quezada is a candidate for graduation in Welding Technology at TSTC and will begin working with an oil field company next month. He is scheduled to receive a certificate of completion in Structural Welding during the summer commencement...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Xavier Gomez wants to see Texas State Technical College students succeed. Gomez, a 2016 graduate of TSTC’s Welding Technology program in Brownwood, recently returned to his former campus for an employer spotlight to talk to current students about job opportunities with Prime Metal Buildings & Components, where he is a shift supervisor....

(HUTTO, Texas) – For some Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students, the sparks begin to fly when the workday is ending for most people. TSTC’s East Williamson County campus in Hutto offers welding students night class options, allowing them to work all day while still pursuing their education. Paulina Maldonado works in the medical...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Brad Panneton spent his military career flying helicopters in the Army, scouting for terrorists and protecting convoys, but now he is pursuing a career in welding. Panneton is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus. He already holds a...

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) -From student to instructor, Jerroll Hodge is back at Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County and is ready for his new role. Hodge graduated from TSTC in Waco in 2016 with an associate degree in Welding Technology and said he never imagined he would return to the college in this capacity....

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Daniel Aguirre, a lifelong resident of Brownwood, is ready to pass his knowledge of welding on to the next generation. Aguirre will begin his first year as Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructor in Brownwood this fall. This will be his first time teaching welding, and he said he is excited...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Jeremiah Hall, of Coleman, knew his life would be an adventure. The U.S. Army veteran, who was stationed in Hawaii, moved to West Texas after he completed his military service. This fall, his adventurous life led him to Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. “I guess you could say I was...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is known for its Welding Technology program. Greg Nicholas, an instructor at the Abilene campus, said the program is thriving, with new students eager to learn and show off their skills. “If this group of students remain committed, which I think they will, we are going to be...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Steven Byerly was in a dark place when he made a life-changing decision. While serving a prison sentence for driving while intoxicated, Byerly decided to rewrite his life story by going to college, earning a degree and starting a career. He spent time researching colleges that offered welding, and Texas State Technical...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Representatives from NOV Hydra Rig, a coiled tubing, nitrogen and snubbing equipment manufacturer in Fort Worth, visited Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus Tuesday, May 16, to speak with Welding Technology students about career opportunities. The representatives discussed the company, job opportunities and benefits, and emphasized the company’s focus on...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Mat Kirkwood likes the learning environment at Texas State Technical College’s Brownwood campus. “It is big-time learning with a small-town feel,” the Welding Technology student said of his first semester in college. After serving 14 years in the U.S. Army, Kirkwood knew that his military benefits would be used to study in...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Osbaldo Pacheco said he felt welcome at Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus beginning with his first visit. Pacheco, 17, graduated one year early from Graham High School so he could start studying for a certificate of completion in Welding Technology at TSTC. He said the TSTC staff’s support has helped him...

(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) – 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) – 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, 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...

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,...

(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...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Education means opportunity, and no one values that more than Alan Acosta, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood.   Acosta plans to be the first member of his immediate family, who immigrated from Mexico when he was 6, to earn a college degree. He started working on...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Ronald Jones, of Hamlin, was laid off in the spring. He took the advice of his wife and enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program. “At that time it was hard for people to get a job. My wife said I should take the opportunity and pursue the welding program,”...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Taylor and Jason Bigbie are spending a lot of time together. The Bigbies are enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program in Brownwood. For Jason Bigbie, he wants to use his education to open a business, while Taylor Bigbie wants to help him when she is not working as a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Manuel Ahumada enjoys the field that he dedicates his time to teaching. Most importantly, he enjoys seeing his students succeed throughout the semester with increasing confidence in their skills as they prepare to enter the growing welding field.  What inspired you to become an instructor?...

(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...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Isaiah Flores wanted a 24/7 college experience. He decided to attend Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program in Sweetwater and live on campus. He has not regretted the decision to leave his childhood home of Hamlin to attend school. “I toured the Abilene lab and knew that welding would be a...

(ABILENE, Texas) – U.S. Military veteran Dylon Moreno enjoys the pace of his Welding Technology classes at Texas State Technical College. Moreno, who served in the Marine Corps for four years, said having welding experience before enrolling at TSTC paid off with instructors. “We can go at our own pace. If you know what you...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jeremy Lopez has seen several job offers come his way lately. The Texas State Technical College Welding Technology student, who will graduate this fall with a certificate of completion in structural welding, is considering several job opportunities, thanks to his progress at TSTC. “I did some welding in high school because I...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – When given the opportunity to help welcome people to his hometown, Stephen Hope did not hesitate to say yes. Hope, Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology instructor in Breckenridge, was approached with the project by the Breckenridge Downtown Development Council and its chairman, J.B. Sparks. The council, through the Breckenridge Economic Development...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Salvador Marquez has great memories of studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College in Waco. He wants future welders to have those same memories at the Breckenridge and Brownwood campuses. Since November, the 2016 TSTC graduate has been a Welding Technology instructor, splitting his time between teaching students at both campuses....

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology students recently learned about the current demand for welders in West Texas. Three industry officials discussed the latest trends and needs of their businesses with students during a panel discussion hosted by TSTC’S Career Services department. The officials were Mark McCarty with Gem Equipment of Oregon...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Six 2024 Brownwood High School graduates who enrolled this fall at Texas State Technical College each were rewarded financially with $1,000 scholarships. Joshua Diaz, Triston Holder, Trent Loftin, Stevey Ramirez, James Stroope and Rudy Velasquez, all Welding Technology students at TSTC, were among the first recipients of the inaugural TSTC Hometown High...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Driving by Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus caught the attention of MacKenzie Duvall. Having recently moved to Texas from Washington state to be closer to her grandmother, Duvall said seeing TSTC was an inspiration. “I was sitting one day getting my hair cut when the stylist told me I should go...

(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...

(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,...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The Automation and Controls Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus offers a path into numerous job sectors. Automation and controls is a field that TSTC instructors Douglas Clark and Troy Powledge said many find difficult to understand, due to its broad scope, but is an industry that has endless...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Listed by Forbes as one of the top five manufacturing trends in 2023, sustainable manufacturing has been on the rise for years. The need for training related to the trend has not gone unnoticed by Texas State Technical College. Jimmy Carter, a representative from semiconductor manufacturing company Texas Instruments, recently gave...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus hosted a visit Tuesday by state Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, who represents the newly redrawn District 7 at the state Capitol. Dean’s visit was his first to the Marshall campus. “It has been a very impressive trip to visit the facilities and visit the faculty and...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 20 career and education counselors and teachers throughout Texas learned about technical careers at Texas State Technical College’s TECHcelerate conference held Tuesday, July 11, through Thursday, July 13, at the Waco campus. Attendees got hands-on experience in some of TSTC’s programs, including Building Construction Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Robotics...

(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...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A chance conversation while helping his father at a construction site led Anthony Gutierrez on a career path. Gutierrez asked a welder about his profession and immediately wanted to learn more. He knew Texas State Technical College had a Welding Technology program close to his hometown of Colorado City and began taking...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Lacey Watson, of Coleman, is now able to show her father some of the latest welding techniques. Watson, a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College, is working toward a certificate in the program, but she is most pleased with showing what she has learned to her father, a longtime welder....

SkillsUSA gives students chance to hone technical skills (ROSENBERG, Texas) – The Welding Technology lab at Texas State Technical College was cold and quiet on a recent morning, with several of its 180 booths occupied by high school welding students absorbed in their work. All of the students concentrated intently on the projects in front...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Representatives from PMG Manufacturing Services recently visited Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County to discuss potential career opportunities with students from TSTC’s Welding Technology and Precision Machining Technology programs. TSTC students learned about the benefits and opportunities at PMG and saw examples of success from other TSTC graduates who...

(ABILENE, Texas) – High school welders from North and West Texas recently competed at Texas State Technical College’s Abilene campus for the right to attend the Texas FFA Association’s agricultural and engineering career development championships. TSTC hosted the Texas FFA Area IV event, with the top three teams advancing to the state competition later this...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 students at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus are preparing to compete in the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled for April 13-15 in Houston. SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and...

(NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas) – Michael Skufca came to Texas State Technical College’s New Braunfels campus to save money on tuition, and in his first month he was able to set himself up to start his career while earning a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. “I was going to go to (another college), but it...

(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) – 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) – 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) – 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...

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...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Mechatronics Technology program equips students with the essential skills needed to succeed in a career that is expected to grow through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mechatronics, whose name derives from combining the words mechanical and electronics, is the study and use of multiple...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Gladewater resident and single father Blake Edwards had a special request for senior enrollment coach Jason Beach when applying to attend Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus. “What I asked Jason for was the hardest program with the biggest potential,” Edwards said. “I was just looking for something to get me in...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 30 employers gathered Thursday at Texas State Technical College in Marshall for the spring semester Industry Job Fair, the first in-person career event held at the campus since 2019. “I am very pleased with the turnout,” said Hannah Luce, director of planning and special events for TSTC’s Career Services department....

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department hosted three industry panel discussions for TSTC students on Wednesday, May 31. Company representatives spoke to students in the Industrial Systems, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs. The panel discussions were held in the Industrial Technology Center on the Waco campus. Josh Beck, a...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Two Texas State Technical College students in North Texas recently voiced why they made the choice to attend a technical college.  Third-semester HVAC Technology student Timothy Williams said that when he was growing up, he had watched his father work hands-on jobs, and so technical school had always been a consideration....

(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) – 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...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College student Quincy Butler has set a goal for himself. Butler, who completed his first semester in Welding Technology this fall, wants to be a traveling welder. He is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in order to achieve his goal. “I have seen most of Texas...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Bobby Gullick knew he needed an additional skill to accomplish a lifelong goal. To help open a more diverse furniture-making business, Gullick needed to learn how to weld. His wife suggested that he enroll in the Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College. “I knew if I was going to get...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some 50 students from Texas State Technical College’s Mechatronics Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs at the Harlingen campus experienced a tour of aerospace manufacturer SpaceX’s launch facility in Brownsville Wednesday, March 16. They were greeted with a spectacular view from outside the facility of a Stargate base and three...

(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) – 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...

(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,...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Darwin Henriquez is pursuing a certificate of completion in the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus. He is scheduled to graduate in December. Henriquez, of Missouri City, is a graduate of Hightower High School. How did you become interested in TSTC and your...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas Instruments recently sent representatives to talk to Texas State Technical College students about the possibility of a career at Texas Instruments and what that would look like. Texas Instruments, a manufacturer of semiconductors and integrated circuits, sent a team of representatives to talk with TSTC students on Feb. 7. They...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus hosted representatives from Houston-based electrical engineering and construction services company Saber Power for an employer spotlight on Monday, March 6. About 16 students from TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls and Industrial Systems programs sat in on Saber Power’s presentation about the company and what...

(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...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Caleb Abbate, a dual enrollment student enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus, is taking initiative and aiming to graduate early. Abbate will be a junior at Heritage High School in Midlothian beginning in the fall and is striving to graduate with an...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Adair Briones knows which career path he wants to travel. And with just over a semester left in his college education, recently he was fielding multiple offers to get there.  Briones is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus. He attended...

(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...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – Faustino Laessig of Lometa felt right at home in the auto collision labs at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. “I’ve always been fixing things up and making them look good,” he said. Laessig is an associate degree candidate for graduation in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program at TSTC’s Fall...

(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...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Breckenridge High School senior M.T. Heatley does not want to stop studying Welding Technology when he graduates in May. Heatley plans to continue his education at Texas State Technical College, where he is a dual enrollment student, to pursue an associate degree. He said that will set him up for a brighter...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College had many triumphs during the busy spring semester on its Harlingen campus. Here is a look back at some of the semester’s highlights: SpaceX tour Some 50 students from TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs at the Harlingen campus experienced a tour of aerospace...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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) – 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...

(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...

(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...

(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) – 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) – 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) – 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) – 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) – 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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Some recent graduates of Texas State Technical College are in-demand by several area companies despite the current economic climate.   Hunter Henry, a TSTC Career Services associate at the East Williamson County campus, said some companies within a 100-mile radius of Hutto have contacted him about multiple open positions they have available. He...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s faculty and staff pride themselves on helping military veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Annette Collins, TSTC’s Veteran Services program officer in Abilene, strives to make sure that veterans have everything they need to begin their college journey. She knows about the paperwork that veterans face while enrolling...

(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) – 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...

(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....

(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...

(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...

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) – 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...

(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...

(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...

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...

(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) – 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...

(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...

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Friday, Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County will host its first Registration Rally of the summer. The event, hosted at the TSTC Brazos Center, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will focus on registering prospective and current students for four of the 10 programs offered at...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cristobal Davila served his country for eight years. Today, he is helping veterans transition to civilian life at Texas State Technical College. On a daily basis, Davila, who is a Department of Veterans Affairs school certifying official at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, processes college applications, as well as showing veterans how to apply...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Aaron Sorenson, of Longview, credits representatives of Longview’s Eastman Chemical Co. visiting his high school in helping him choose his career path. “I was at a point in my life where I did not know what the heck I was going to do,” said Sorenson, a Process Operations Technology student at Texas...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College held its Back-to-School Bash on Thursday at its North Texas campus in Red Oak. Students, faculty and staff were treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sodas. Those attending gathered at tables arranged in the first floor hallway of the Jim Pitts Industrial Technology Center. Marcus Balch,...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 30 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 16, at the Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel at Wiley College in Marshall. Rush Harris, director of business services at the Marshall Economic Development Corp., was the ceremony’s guest speaker. He talked...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is expanding the number of programs that will offer night classes this fall.  Nathan Cleveland, TSTC’s associate provost, said the goal is to attract more nontraditional  students to the campus to study in programs that can help them update their skills or learn new ones. He said potential...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Welders are always needed, no matter the economic situation. Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Robert Whitley knows his students will likely find a job soon after completing the program. In West Texas, welders are needed not only in the oil field, but also at other sites, he said. “Other (businesses)...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Stanley Harris recently received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology from Texas State Technical College. The job security that comes from a career in welding is what motivated him to pursue welding technology, and he is thankful for the education he received while at TSTC. What was your experience...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Like many people, Wesley Kite did not let a work layoff stand in his way. Kite enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program this fall to increase his “workmanship.” The Brownwood native has stayed in touch with his former employer, saying his prospects of being rehired after completing the program...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – A chilly but bright morning welcomed Texas State Technical College students to the Fort Bend County campus Monday, Jan. 10, on the first day of the spring 2022 semester. It was El Campo resident Joshua Laslie’s first semester at TSTC, though he intends to finish his bachelor’s degree in emergency management from...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 25 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2022 Commencement held Tuesday at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. Before the ceremony began, Lissa Adams, provost of TSTC’s East Williamson County campus, said she was proud...

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 30 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Summer 2022 Commencement held Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott Conference Center in Pflugerville. Lissa Adams, provost of TSTC’s East Williamson County campus, said she was honored to have representatives...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, for a visit to the Waco campus on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Cook, led by TSTC administrators and staff, visited the Aircraft Pilot Training Technology, Aircraft Powerplant Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs, along with the Texas State...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 40 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Fall 2022 Commencement held Monday, Dec. 12, at the Waxahachie Civic Center. “Every time we do one of these, it seems to get bigger and better,” said Marcus Balch, provost...

(ABILENE, Texas) – All four of Texas State Technical College’s West Texas locations will be well represented during the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston on April 18-20. With a total of 27 students participating from the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater locations, TSTC provost Andy Weaver is excited to see...

(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) – 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...

(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...

(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...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Why learn just one skill when you can learn multiple? The Industrial Maintenance Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Abilene is commonly known as the jack-of-all trades program; something both students and instructors says is one of the best selling points of their chosen career field. “My favorite thing about...

(ABILENE, Texas) – U.S. Navy veteran James Johnson had some downtime in his life. “I decided I wanted to go back to school. I knew I could use my GI Bill,” said Johnson, a student in Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program. In fact, Johnson already knew some of the things he would learn...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Glen Cusack III, of Kyle, graduated this fall from Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology. He is working at DJO Global in Austin, where he uses machining to create surgical implants.  What factored into you choosing Precision Machining Technology...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) -A Minnesota transplant, Jonathan Eichten is ready for his first South Texas summer at Texas State Technical College doing what he loves best – helping students start and finish college. The 53-year-old is only a couple of weeks in as TSTC’s newest campus enrollment executive, but brings with him more than two decades...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home. After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard veteran Jeromy Jeffries has lived across the United States and overseas, but he now calls the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College home. After more than two decades, the 44-year-old decided it was time to return to college and earn a degree....

(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) – Eric Interiano graduated from high school in the top ten percent of his class, but with no college plans or career path to follow. For the now 20-year-old, who recently earned his associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, this was concerning on many levels. As a top 10 percent, general academics dual-enrollment...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – John Moody is an Automotive Technology graduate from Texas State Technical College. He earned his associate degree in 2012 and since then has had a successful career in industry. The 37-year-old, San Benito native, said vehicle maintenance and repairs has been his life. As a child he would assist his late father...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Rosit Youssef was only 13-years-old when her family moved from Egypt to the United States. She has struggled, but has persevered, and now at age 18, is one of the youngest students in Texas State Technical College’s Cybersecurity program. “I struggled with being in a new country, but I knew we had...

(WACO, Texas) – Today the Texas Workforce Commission awarded a Skills Development Fund grant totaling $115,132 that was used for customized training provided by Texas State Technical College for two companies.  The grant created industry-related training for 58 new and incumbent workers at Cargill, a Minneapolis-based company whose Waco plant processes cooked meats, and Eagle...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Cooking and baking are only a couple of the skills students learn in Culinary Arts at Texas State Technical College. Emma Creps, TSTC Culinary Arts lead instructor, said with an industry that is growing, graduates from the program can find opportunities to begin their careers. “Many of our graduates are placed in...

(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) – In one year, Texas State Technical College student Christopher Machado will earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology, making him the first in his family to graduate from college. But the 19-year-old also has one other thing to be proud of: He already has a full-time job in his chosen career field....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Friday, Jackie Cook joined nearly 100 other Texas State Technical College graduates who received a certificate or an associate degree during the college’s commencement ceremony at the Stafford Centre. The 31-year-old walked across the stage to receive his associate degree in Cybersecurity Technology as his family and friends witnessed the graduate’s...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Friday, Texas State Technical College student David Krenek will walk across the stage at the Stafford Centre and receive his associate degree in Industrial Systems. “It feels great knowing that I’m done and about to graduate,” said the 20-year-old. “It’s time to move forward and get my life started. That’s exciting.”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – By the time they are 63 years old, most people are thinking about retirement. But not Adan Chavez. He is just getting started on what he calls his second chance at life. The Pharr native graduated from Texas State Technical College in 2018 with certificates in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Astro Mechanics in Round Rock is one of the few manual machining shops in the Austin area, said Carrie Stemp, the company’s president. “I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars looking in Texas, and I just don’t get anybody,” she said. “I may get one or two (potential employees), but they...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – A fascination with chemistry, environmental science, health and safety can lead to jobs in Texas for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators. Graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Process Operations program in Marshall can pursue these jobs, along with those at chemical, gas and petroleum plants. The program exposes students...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Chemical Dependency Counseling program learn more about themselves, according to Patty Bundick, the program’s department chair. Bundick said the need for licensed counselors is always high and students range in age from high school graduates to older students. “Some of our students are hungry to know...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Faculty members and students in Texas State Technical College’s Process Operations Technology program started working with a new virtual reality software system this summer. PetroSkills Simulation Solutions’ Distillation VR is in the early stages of use this summer in the Process Technology III – Operations and Process Troubleshooting classes. Students can  access...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – In the seven months that Sugar Land native Yareni Gomez has spent with Texas State Technical College as a program enrollment coach, she has not only assisted TSTC students in Fort Bend County plan for their futures, but also made it her goal that they know they can count on her for...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training department is providing a 10-month customized industrial maintenance academy for Mars Wrigley employees in Waco. “The training program is a prime example of the mission of TSTC to prepare students for great-paying jobs in Texas,” said Adam Barber, interim director of TSTC’s Workforce Training department. The...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Some Johnson County college students are looking to Texas State Technical College to shape their futures. During the fall semester, more than 60 county residents are attending TSTC’s campuses in North Texas, Marshall, Sweetwater and Waco. “The hiring potential in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Ellis County and Johnson County areas is increasing...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Some Johnson County college students are looking to Texas State Technical College to shape their futures. During the fall semester, more than 60 county residents are attending TSTC’s campuses in North Texas, Marshall, Sweetwater and Waco. “The hiring potential in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Ellis County and Johnson County areas is increasing...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For nine years, Jorge Cabrera has been bringing his vast experience and knowledge of heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the classrooms of Texas State Technical College. The military veteran graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology from TSTC in 2007 before serving in the U.S. Marines for...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Process Operations Technology program in Marshall are getting the most out of some new virtual reality software. The program’s faculty members and students began using PetroSkills Simulation Solutions’ Distillation VR software last summer. The software can be used in classes focusing on process instrumentation, troubleshooting and...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s online Business Management Technology program prepares students for a wide range of career options. Graduates of the program have worked in different areas of business, from accounting to business management. Earning an associate degree or certificate has opened doors for many of the program’s graduates. Ron Howard is...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College is known for adapting its technical programs to fit the needs of industry. Starting this fall, a new degree will enable students to learn to protect the health and safety of others. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance combines two previous degrees...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Armando Galvan Jr., a biomedical technician II at Fresenius Kidney Care, credits his degree from Texas State Technical College to his current success in his position. “The Biomedical Equipment Technology program at TSTC really helped me gain the skills and knowledge that I needed to choose a great career path,” he said....

(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....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology program is seeing its biggest session yet this semester on the Fort Bend County campus. Nearly 50 new students have started their technical training, learning in a hybrid format of online learning and hands-on training. “They can experience more and have more growth in the...

Area company looking to staff industrial maintenance technicians, among other positions (ROSENBERG, Texas) – The 15 Texas State Technical College Industrial Systems students who attended a recent industry spotlight event with Leedo Cabinetry walked away from the experience with more than just a brand-new Stanley tape measure. They also came away with valuable insights on...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Pilots get planes off the ground, but skilled technicians ensure that planes are safe to fly. Texas State Technical College student Juliana Perez, of Brownsville, is training to be one of those technicians. She is proud of her decision to enroll in the Aircraft Powerplant Technology program at TSTC. She also is...

(WACO, Texas) – As the COVID-19 pandemic rampaged across the world, Texas State Technical College responded. And that plan has received recognition from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with a 2021 Star Award, which recognized higher education institutions in Texas for their response efforts to the pandemic. TSTC activated its statewide Emergency Operations Team...

(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) – Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department recently held its first in-person Interview Practicum after holding them virtually for two years due to the pandemic. The two-day event offered practice interview experiences for more than 100 TSTC students, who met with business representatives to discuss their job qualifications. Every two-hour session had...

(WACO, Texas) – Beginning in fall 2024, Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program will combine mechanical and electrical specialties to meet industry and student needs. Edward Chaney, the Industrial Systems program’s statewide department chair, recently gave a brief description of what the industrial systems industry entails. “(Industrial systems) is the background in industrial manufacturing...

(WACO, Texas) – Students from Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering are wrapping up a summer of hands-on learning at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. More than 30 students in the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s (TEES) Bachelor’s+ Program began taking hybrid and online classes in late May and finished at the end of...

(WACO, Texas) – Paul Roberts, of Leander, is a regional safety director at Rogers-O’Brien Construction in Austin and a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus. Roberts graduated in the early 1990s from what was then Texas State Technical Institute with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health and a...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Career Services department hosted four industry panel discussions for TSTC students on Wednesday, June 5. Company representatives spoke to students from the Industrial Systems, Precision Machining Technology, Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance, and Welding Technology programs. The panel discussions were held at the Industrial Technology Center on the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For U.S. Navy veteran Axel Iracheta, his former job as an aviation boatswain’s mate on an aircraft carrier docked in California — and a brief handshake with a movie star — led him to pursue an education in aviation maintenance at Texas State Technical College. “My job was doing some maintenance on...

(WACO, Texas) – They came for the career lessons and stayed for the ice cream. Representatives of Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham spoke to more than 170 students in the Electrical Power and Controls and the Instrumentation Technology programs at Texas State Technical College on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The event was hosted by TSTC’s Career...

(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,”...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – “Chaotic” is the best way Mandy Barker can describe her life right now. Not only is Barker, who lives in Dublin, a student in Texas State Technical College’s Welding Technology program, but she also is the general manager of a fast-food chain in Stephenville and a mother of two children. “You can...

  TSTC affords veteran opportunity to pursue goal of teaching (WACO, Texas) – U.S. Navy veteran Jake Jordan wanted to expand his work skills. During his 17-year military career, Jordan was a welder. After retirement, he tried his hand at various jobs in the Austin area. “It was not a good fit for me,” he...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Cage Bordelon wants to be the first in his family to accomplish two milestones. First, he wants to be the first person in his family to graduate from college. Second, he plans to enlist in the U.S. Army.  Bordelon’s first goal will happen later this year when he earns a certificate of...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Seventeen West Texas school districts are taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities at Texas State Technical College. A total of 119 students are on TSTC campuses during the day, learning from instructors in a variety of programs.  The most popular program is Welding Technology, with 63 students enrolled this semester. Stephen Hope,...

(HOUSTON, Texas) – Students and faculty members from eight of Texas State Technical College’s campuses have converged on Houston for the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference. The conference began with an opening ceremony held April 7 at the Omni Houston Hotel. Competitions began after the opening ceremony and continue Friday at locations throughout...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College students are flying high because as SkillsUSA gold medalists they will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference that will be held June 20-24, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. Alfredo Aldape, Omar Escalon, Carina Garcia, Caleb Garza, Carlos Lara, Adrian Nacianceno, Alfredo Martinez, Isela Munoz and...

(ABILENE, Texas) – The newest members of the state’s workforce were honored during Texas State Technical College’s Summer Commencement on Friday, September 2. TSTC honored 88 graduates representing the four West Texas campuses in the exhibit hall at the Abilene Civic Center.  Andy Weaver, provost of the West Texas campuses, congratulated the college’s newest alumni....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted Houston City Council member Sallie Alcorn as she toured the Fort Bend County campus and learned about its programs on Monday, Dec. 5. Alcorn was led by TSTC staff through many of the programs that are taught on campus, including Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker and Management...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus began the spring semester on Monday, Jan. 9. “With the increased career opportunities in technical jobs in this region, our students are well positioned to land high-paying, high-demand jobs by the time they graduate or while they are still in classes,” said Lissa Adams,...

(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...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Ten Texas State Technical College students will represent the West Texas campuses at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled for this week in Houston. SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled...

(HOUSTON, Texas) – At least 100 students from Texas State Technical College’s campuses converged on Houston on Thursday, April 13, for the first day of the 2023 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference. SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be...

(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,”...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With its “culture of caring,” Texas State Technical College’s Advocacy and Resource Center has made a lasting impression on many students, and the staff’s commitment has helped them to focus on their studies. Three of those students, Jose Abrego, Hector Guzman and Rus Lenox, each experienced personal obstacles that led them to...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The instructors and staff of Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus dedicate themselves to the school and their students by working to reach the college’s goal of placing more Texans in great-paying jobs. For some of them, the work does not stop at 5 p.m. It simply changes. Veronique Ramirez, a Student...

(ABILENE, Texas) – To say that Rachel Lowe is busy does not begin to describe her daily schedule. In between attending Eula High School, caring for show goats, preparing for National FFA Organization and agriculture science mechanical competitions, and operating her own welding business, Lowe is a dual credit student in Texas State Technical College’s...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – More than 600 high school students and visitors toured Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus during TechXperience Day on Thursday, Feb. 29, to learn more about the technical career pathways and state-of-the-art technologies that the college offers. The participating schools included some from Donna, Edinburg, La Joya, McAllen, Mission, Monte Alto, Palmview,...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 400 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2024 Commencement held Thursday, May 2, at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco. “Graduation represents the culmination of all the hard work of our students,” said Beth Wooten, campus...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Many veterans find transitioning back to civilian life to be difficult, a feeling that James Norman knows all too well. Having served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, Norman is no stranger to the physical and mental challenges that can come with military service. Still, he has found ways to keep...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – The nervousness began to disappear as Texas State Technical College students recently sharpened their interview skills. For the first time in several years, TSTC’s Career Services department hosted an Interview Practicum for students at the Brownwood campus. Local industry partners joined TSTC staff members in conducting practice interviews with students in the...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has been recognized as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendly.com, and veterans of the United States Air Force have found, or are currently studying for, second careers in West Texas. From students to instructors and staff members at TSTC, veterans take pride in their service in the Air...

(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) – 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...

(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) – 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...

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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

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...

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...

(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) – 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) – 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....

(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...

(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...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently hired Stephen Sharp, a resilient and experienced paramedic, as the new emergency medical services instructor for the Brownwood campus. Sharp has come a long way from last year. He was working for Life Guard Ambulance Service on February 20, 2018 when the unthinkable happened.  After dropping off...

(WACO, Texas) – Nathan Craig of Hamilton found his footing on Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus, following the path of a few family members.  Coming from a family of first responders, Craig, 21, has a strong interest in the emergency services field. When he came to TSTC, he was unsure of what route to...

(WACO, Texas) – Two new members of the Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents were sworn in Wednesday, Feb. 5, during a ceremony led by board chairman John K. Hatchel. Kathy Powell and Ron Widup, who were appointed to serve as TSTC regents along with returning regent Keith Honey by Gov. Greg Abbott...

(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,...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Terra Alvarado has been a team player at Texas State Technical College for the past 14 years. This year, Alvarado was honored with the Chancellor’s Excellence Award for going out of her way to help students who struggle with math. “The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Omar Salinas enjoys his job at Texas State Technical College. Salinas, the production chef at the Sweetwater campus, received the 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award for his outstanding job performance and willingness to lead by example. “The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their...

(ABILENE, Texas) – After working for Texas State Technical College a few years, Annette Collins knew it was going to be a career-defining opportunity. Collins’ work with veterans in West Texas earned her a 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award. “The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for both their...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Carly Kahl believes in Texas State Technical College’s values. Kahl, who has worked at TSTC for the past 12 years, received a 2020 Chancellor’s Excellence Award for her dedication to the college and willingness to help others. “The teammates who win this award model excellence for us all and are recognized for...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Elizabeth Bryant has enjoyed many fulfilling careers in her professional life. She has worked for the government, spent time as a journalist, and even been a legislative aide. However, she now considers her most rewarding role to be that of instructor of government classes at Texas State Technical College. Inspired by her...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After a perfect first semester at Texas State Technical College, Jianina Sells knew that she could finish the remainder of her years as a Health Information Technology student on the same note. Not only was the Raymondville native able to graduate as a TSTC Board of Regents honor graduate, but she was...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Digital circuits, manufacturing robotics and electromechanical systems are only a few of the hands-on courses that students will take when they study Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College. Lead mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija, who has taught at TSTC for nine years, talked about the importance of mechatronics. “Mechatronics is the study...

(WACO, Texas) -Students in Texas State Technical College’s Advanced Pastry Shop class in Waco presented their sweetest treats as part of a final exam on Thursday. Students spent two days this week making multiple desserts of their choice. Students also had to turn in a portfolio of all their work for the semester, including product...

(RED OAK, Texas) – A new scholarship is available for students living in Red Oak and who are planning to attend Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus. The Red Oak Industrial Development Corp. board of directors recently approved a resolution donating funds to TSTC’s Red Oak IDC scholarship. Scholarships in the amount of $1,000...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Environmental Technology at Texas State Technical College offers training for a diverse array of career opportunities, ranging from environmental field technician, environmental consultant and environmental specialist. The program is not only extremely hands-on, but it is also taught by instructors who are just as passionate about education as they are about the...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The end of the year brings about many festivities that have one thing in common: food. Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts instructors Ayla Cabarubio and Emma Creps know a thing or two about the importance behind the traditions that come from homemade meals and shared experiences at the dinner table. “When...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The end of the year brings about many festivities that have one thing in common: food. Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts instructors Ayla Cabarubio and Emma Creps know a thing or two about the importance behind the traditions that come from homemade meals and shared experiences at the dinner table. “When...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Computer Programming Technology at Texas State Technical College equips students with the essential tools they need to continually stay in demand in this rising industry. The job outlook for computer programmers has not slowed down. In fact, the remote work environment that many people have become familiar with will lead to the...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Twenty-four hours after he was born, Eloy Hernandez suffered a stroke.  It was December 1, 2000,  and his parents had a new reality to deal with. The right side of their son’s body was partially paralyzed, the rest of his life shrouded in uncertainty.  Twenty years later, there can be no doubt...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Terry Steelman found his passion when he became Texas State Technical College’s newest Industrial Systems instructor. The Snyder native plans to use his U.S. Marine Corps experience during lab sessions. He brings knowledge as a technician and supervisor in manufacturing and utility fleet service to the Abilene campus. He knows his experience...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Josiah Otto has overcome a fear of heights while preparing for his first climb inside a wind turbine. Otto, who moved to West Texas from Illinois, admitted he had to overcome his fear to begin studying Wind Energy Technology at Texas State Technical College. Later this month, he will be climbing TSTC’s...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The summer 2021 commencement ceremony for Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County might have been missing caps and gowns and graduates walking across a stage, but that did not keep it from being a celebration. “When you registered for your first class, this was not what you thought your...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Wind Energy Technology program offers students the chance to reach the very top of their potential. “The wind program takes you to new heights because you’re literally climbing 300 feet in the air,” TSTC Wind Energy Technology instructor Patrick Zoerner said. “If you’re interested in learning about electronics...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Now is a great time to become a diesel equipment technician. “Technology in our industry is constantly changing, from hybrid trucks that use electric axles to compressed natural gas engines being used now,” said Matthew Dobbs, lead instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College in North...

(WACO, Texas) – Their role in saving lives is critical, and there is a need for more of them in Texas. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians are some of the first medical personnel that people encounter when they need to be transported to a hospital or receive lifesaving procedures. “Due to the nationwide shortage of...

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The Electrical Lineworker Technology pole yard and surrounding area at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County was abuzz with activity Thursday morning. It was equipment day: the first opportunity for first-semester students to get their hands on their gear — and try it out. Dozens of TSTC students waited...

Certificate of completion from CDL training opens many avenues for drivers (ROSENBERG, Texas) – The semitrailer pulls forward and reverses under the midmorning sun before pulling forward again. And reversing. Again. Paul Hildebrandt, a Texas State Technical College workforce trainer for the Fort Bend County campus, watches, shielded with a bucket hat and shades.  “Do...

(WACO, Texas) – Sean Vanderveer, of Sherman, is a graduate of Texas State Technical College in Waco, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which is now known as Precision Machining Technology. He was recently named executive director of the Sherman Housing Authority and oversees 298 units.  At Southeastern...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – When Roland Leija graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, the alumnus never imagined that his passion for technology would bring him back as an instructor to the same location. He is thrilled to celebrate 10 years as a Mechatronics Technology instructor at TSTC....

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – As the bell sounded around 8 a.m. on a recent morning, high school students who were dressed in chef’s jackets, medical scrubs, automotive work shirts and other uniforms filled the hallways of Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center in Sugar Land. Senior Ryan Watassek was among them, on his...

(WACO, Texas) – Protecting data today is not just a concern for large companies. “The hackers are now starting to go after more of the mom-and-pop places because ransomware is used, and they make them pay money to get their network back,” said Daniel Follis, a Cybersecurity program instructor at Texas State Technical College. The...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Hugo Martinez did not have a career in mind when he started researching his college options. After looking at Texas State Technical College’s Electromechanical Technology program on the internet, Martinez, of Mason, said he could have many job opportunities in the future. “I always wanted to do something with my hands, and...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students, instructors, staff members — and members of the Fort Bend County community — gathered in the main hall of the Industrial Technology Center this week for TSTC’s Community Resource Fair. The event offered plenty of opportunities to connect TSTC students with helpful resources both on and off...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The TSTC Foundation recently received a $28,000 donation from Saber Power Field Services LLC, a NETA Accredited Company serving the electric utility, petrochemical, municipal, industrial/commercial, renewable, and oil and gas industries, on behalf of Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls (EPC) program. Of the donation, $18,000 is an in-kind gift...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For six years prior to the pandemic, Primitiva Martinez, of Harlingen, was a paralegal. When the pandemic became a reality, she sought a new, more engaging career direction. After she researched multiple educational options, the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus appealed to her. “I really enjoyed what...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Dental Hygiene program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus has produced many dental hygienists through the utilization of its on-site clinic. Raquel Rico, a TSTC Dental Hygiene instructor, said the clinic has been beneficial in the students’ growth since it first opened in 1996. “It is necessary that students practice...

(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...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With the Texas State Technical College fall 2022 semester beginning Monday, August 29, TSTC students will have the opportunity to learn more about TSTC’s Harlingen campus when they engage in Welcome Week activities. Representatives from TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center will answer students’ inquiries at information stations. In addition, TSTC administration will...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, an opportunity for libraries to educate lifelong learners about the value of library cards. At Texas State Technical College, a student ID functions as a library card. This enables students to gain access to many of the educational resources at TSTC’s Library Services. Julio Solis, of...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Although the word “hack” has been around since the 13th century, today many think of it as having something to do with gaining access to someone else’s computer — and not in a good way. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Cybersecurity program at Texas State Technical College prepares its students...

(NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas) – Texas State Technical College and the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (TX FAME) Lone Star Chapter announced a new job-training partnership on Thursday at the Central Texas Technology Center in New Braunfels. TSTC will provide advanced manufacturing technician training for students that will be sponsored by area companies. Students will...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored 115 graduates representing the four West Texas campuses during its Fall 2022 Commencement on Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Abilene Convention Center. Students received Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates of completion in programs offered at the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater campuses. Andy Weaver, provost...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In observance of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9, Texas State Technical College is honoring officers who are currently in law enforcement, have served in such a capacity, and those who have given the final sacrifice for that profession. The duty of a police officer is to ensure public safety...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The bond between a father and son is a connection that can transform a child’s ability to learn life lessons. Texas State Technical College HVAC Technology alumnus Marco Silva treasures the relationship he has with his father because it led him to a valuable trade and the possibility of becoming an independent...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College Surgical Technology students recently engaged in a one-day hands-on training session with the da Vinci Xi surgical system provided by medical company Intuitive Surgical Inc. It is the second year that TSTC’s Surgical Technology program and Intuitive have collaborated to immerse students in cutting-edge technology to prepare...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – On Valentine’s Day, Texas State Technical College helped spread the love at the Fort Bend County campus’ annual resource fair, which connected participating TSTC students with some community resources. TSTC strives to help break down barriers to students’ success in their education. While many needs can be met with on-campus resources, the...

(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...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Representatives from Saber Power Services LLC visited with more than 30 students at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus on Wednesday, March 29. Most of the students in attendance were from the Electrical Power and Controls program, with a few from the Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology program. The representatives...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College Nursing students recently heard about some job opportunities that they might pursue after they graduate. During an employer spotlight held at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, representatives from Valley Baptist Medical Center discussed their company’s job outlook at the Harlingen and Brownsville locations, a nurse residency program, tuition reimbursement,...

(RED OAK, Texas) – May 26 is recognized as National Heat Awareness Day. Douglas McCuen, lead instructor for Texas State Technical College’s HVAC Technology program at the North Texas campus, recently gave some tips for how best to handle air conditioning systems during summer months and rising temperatures.  What are some of your tips for...

(AUSTIN, Texas) – An Austin company is utilizing Texas State Technical College as a resource to fill critical positions needed to keep operations running smoothly. Flex is a multinational contract manufacturer that partners with many different companies across multiple industries. Flex pioneers within industries such as automotive, aerospace, computer hardware, medical devices, and renewable/solar. One...

(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) – The job application process can often leave one feeling frustrated, exhausted or — worse — discouraged.  That is why the Career Services department at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus offered a series of resume writing workshops to TSTC students from July 31 to Aug. 2. An average of 19 students attended...

(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...

(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...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – When the newest blockbuster comes to theaters, the most attention is given to the ones at center stage: the actors. However, the work done behind the scenes can make or break a movie and be just as exciting, and the work these people do can take them all over the world and...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program held an end-of-semester taco luncheon for its students on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Waco campus. The lunch was held in a program lab and catered by Taqueria Los Cuates of Lacy Lakeview. Students and faculty members ate street-style tacos with pork,...

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – With the need for network and computer systems administrators growing statewide, Texas State Technical College is the place many individuals turn to for training in this field. At the Brownwood campus, TSTC provides students with different options to earn a degree or certificate in Computer Networking and Systems Administration. Students may choose...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Chanel Hinton, a Cybersecurity student at Texas State Technical College, recently began an internship with the U.S. Coast Guard. Keith Kooyman, the statewide online Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics lead instructor for TSTC, said Hinton is a dependable and dedicated student. “She has always been a very hard worker, she has always...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus has joined the North Texas Semiconductor Workforce Development Consortium, headed by the University of Texas at Dallas, after passage of the state’s CHIPS Act in June. The consortium includes five North Texas community colleges, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the semiconductor industry...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus and the Red Oak Independent School District began a partnership in 2013 that continues to grow and benefit students. TSTC’s North Texas campus was originally opened due to the partnership with Red Oak ISD.  “TSTC first began operations in a district-owned building offering a...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The high-risk challenges that electrical lineworkers experience when working with electricity on utility poles would inspire Marisol Gonzalez and Jacqueline Mejia to pursue an education in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Gonzalez and Mejia recently recalled the moment in each of their lives when they...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has been awarded the Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (DHSI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant assists low-income and Hispanic students, ensuring they will have access to an equal opportunity in higher education. “To become a Hispanic serving institution, you have to have at...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Students in the Dental Hygiene program at Texas State Technical College are about to have a new tool to help prepare them for careers in the Texas workforce. The program will introduce a new HTC VIVE Focus 3 virtual reality simulator next spring that will be used by students in the third-semester...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College Automation and Controls Technology instructors Douglas Clark and Troy Powledge recently took 10 of the program’s students on a field trip to STEMCO in Longview, Texas. “Some of these students have never even been in a manufacturing facility in any way,” Clark said. “We wanted them to see...

(WACO, Texas) –  People working from home often have the comfort of their pets and favorite snacks to help get them through their workdays. But with the convenience comes technology risks.  As part of Home Office Safety and Security Week during the second full week of January, Texas State Technical College’s Computer Networking and Systems...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Out of all the questions that Laura Kelner gets as the student accounting coordinator at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus, the most common is “How do I pay for school?” TSTC operates with the ideology that a good education can, and should, land you a high-paying job. To get...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s HVAC Technology program in North Texas recently received a donation, through the TSTC Foundation, of an AAON rooftop unit (RTU) that will be used for teaching purposes. The unit was donated by Rusty Vaughn, a partner at Texas AirSystems and a TSTC Foundation Council of Advocates member....

(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) – 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...

(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...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Jessica Canales, the career services coordinator for Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus, recently visited multiple classes to sit down with students and walk through different tips and tricks for how to prepare for, and do well in, a job interview. She later shared some of those tips and tricks....

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining Technology program at the East Williamson County campus will benefit from training on a new computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The program recently purchased its first Haas Automation UMC 500 5-axis mill CNC machine using Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education funding. “Manufacturing...

(RED OAK, Texas) – “It’s a pathway to a great career, not just a job,” Adam Barber, executive director of Workforce Development at Texas State Technical College, recently said. “It’s really a win-win for both the individual and the employer.” Barber was referring to apprenticeship programs, a model for workforce development that he has seen...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jackie Mayfield and Benita Sparrow each made a commitment to graduate from Texas State Technical College. The LVN to RN Transition Nursing Program graduates had time to think about that commitment every time they started their vehicles to begin the trip to Sweetwater while they were students. Mayfield drove 350 miles one...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – More than 900,000 CenterPoint Energy customers lost power as a result of the storm that rolled through the Houston metro area on May 16, according to the company’s website. As someone with professional experience in the electrical lineworker field, and as an instructor for the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program at...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Some students in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen location are sharpening their skills by learning how to do a suspension overhaul on a 1993 Chevrolet Silverado. TSTC instructor Jesus Reyna assigned the hands-on project at the start of the summer semester as part of...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Joseph Aguirre’s salary was not enough to support his family, so he enrolled in Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program. “I was already working as an industrial maintenance technician at the time,” the Marshall native said. “I started off at about $12 an hour, and after three years I’d moved up...

(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,...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – Representatives of Texas State Technical College and the Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield honored two students on Wednesday during National Signing Day 2019 co-sponsored by SkillsUSA and Klein Tools. Nick Crook, a senior at Legacy High School in Mansfield, and Juan Vela, a senior at Summit High School in Arlington, both...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 40 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2019 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 9, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. Celina Estrada-Thomas, superintendent of the Hutto Independent School District, gave the commencement address. She told graduates to celebrate their accomplishments and...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – A limited number of Texas State Technical College students returned to campus Monday, May 4. Students allowed back on campus are studying in programs that require them to complete hands-on lab work in order to finalize their semester. While on campus, students and instructors practiced social distancing guidelines and wore face coverings...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – If there is one word to describe Mallory Torres, it is fierce. Not only is she conquering the male-dominated field of mechatronics, but she is also doing so after overcoming personal hardships. In 2017, she completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College, where her...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Succeeding in a predominantly male field is nothing new for Marisela Ferrer. After taking welding courses in high school, the Beasley native wanted to further her skills in another surprising industry, and she chose to attend Texas State Technical College to receive a certificate in Diesel Equipment Technology. The 20-year-old is ready...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County is offering Hutto High School students two new technical programs for dual enrollment in the new academic year. Students can take classes to work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Robotics Technology or a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. Some students...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus hosted a visit Wednesday by Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Waxahachie, who represents District 10 at the state Capitol. “In the short time we have known him, he’s demonstrated that he deeply cares about what we are doing here at TSTC and, more importantly, he cares...

Gold medalists will go on to compete on the national level at SkillsUSA (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students earned a total of 47 medals — 18 gold, 15 silver and 14 bronze — during the recent statewide SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. The three-day competition ended Saturday, April...

Commencement included music, joy, dancing (ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County celebrated the achievements of around 90 graduates during the Spring 2022 Commencement held Thursday, April 28, at the Stafford Centre. Cheers filled the air as music pumped through the auditorium, with graduates dancing through the aisle and waving...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 30 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2022 Commencement held Monday at the Waxahachie Civic Center in Waxahachie. Before the ceremony began, Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas campus, commended the graduates for their perseverance...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The Career Services department at Texas State Technical College has a mission, and that is to help TSTC students and alumni find a great-paying career. That is a commitment that Drake Everett shares as the department’s new Career Services representative in Harlingen. He recently transitioned from a job as a student worker...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted state Rep. Carl Sherman Sr., D-Lancaster, for his first visit to its North Texas campus on Wednesday. Sherman, led by TSTC staff, stopped by the Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, HVAC Technology, Industrial Systems, Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs. “I think it...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Mineral Wells High School juniors and seniors were able to experience what Texas State Technical College students do on a daily basis with the technology available in the college’s labs. More than 20 students recently toured TSTC’s Breckenridge campus to learn what programs are available there and at the other nine TSTC...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 50 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Fall 2022 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 16, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. Hunter Henry, a Career Services associate at the East Williamson County campus, said 70 percent...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted state Sen.-elect Morgan LaMantia, D-Brownsville, for a tour of the Harlingen campus on Friday, Dec. 16. Members of TSTC’s Harlingen campus administrative team, including Amanda Posada, provost, and Cledia Hernandez, associate vice chancellor for External Relations and Workforce Development, told LaMantia about the various programs that are...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus began the spring semester on Monday, Jan. 9. “The first day of the spring semester represents an opportunity to kick off the new year with a bang,” said Beth Wooten, acting provost of TSTC’s Waco campus. Enrollment coaches worked quickly during the morning at the Student...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Classic automobile aficionado Jesus Reyna, an instructor in the Auto Collision and Management Technology program at Texas State Technical College, has educated his students about the restoration process of vehicles for two years now. His latest project is a 1927 Durant touring car that the students began working on last year. “I...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Three students from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus won medals at the recent 2023 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. “We are proud to have the students representing us and showcasing the local talent here in Williamson County,” said Nelson Adams, associate provost of TSTC’s East...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Modern technology is reshaping the automotive body repair industry, and that impacts how future automotive body repairers are trained. Jose Vasquez is the Auto Collision and Management Technology program director at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. Recently he talked about how some of the industry’s new technology is enhancing students’ skills....

(ABILENE, Texas) – High school students from the Texas Panhandle to Abilene’s Wylie High School, and everywhere in between, discovered the technologies and career possibilities available at Texas State Technical College during a Discovery Day on Thursday, Nov. 9. The event was held at TSTC’s Industrial Technology Center in Abilene, and it featured hands-on activities...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 30 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC’s Fall 2023 Commencement held Monday, Dec. 4, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. “I’m particularly excited that so many students in our high-demand industries found work before graduation,”...

(WACO, Texas) – Four of Texas State Technical College’s campuses will host secondary district SkillsUSA Texas conferences this month. SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching employability, leadership and technical skills helping middle school, high school and college students pursue successful careers and build a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 competitive events ranging from...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College and SkillsUSA Texas hosted U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, for a tour on Friday, Feb. 23. The visit coincided with TSTC’s hosting of the SkillsUSA Texas secondary District 6 Leadership and Skills Conference taking place from Thursday, Feb. 22, to Saturday, Feb. 24. “The development of the Texas...

(ABILENE, Texas) – From learning how to set up a welding machine to treating a medical manikin, some high school students and residents of the Big Country participated in Texas State Technical College’s TechXperience open house on Thursday, Feb. 29. “This was our chance to open the campus to showcase what we have to offer...

(WACO, Texas) – Zackery Mitchell, of Mesquite, took automotive collision classes in high school before spending four years in the U.S. Marines driving military vehicles.  After he left the service, Mitchell found his way to Texas State Technical College’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program because of the college’s work with veterans.  Mitchell said adjusting...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall location is sending 26 students to the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference from Thursday, April 18, to Saturday, April 20, in Houston. “The SkillsUSA competition is a great opportunity for our students to not just put their talents to the test, but to learn from...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 60 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County location received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2024 Commencement held Monday, April 22, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. “This is the most exciting graduation ceremony I have ever been part of in my...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County location and their families and friends attended TSTC’s Spring 2024 Commencement held Wednesday, April 24, at the Stafford Centre in Stafford. Each of the 102 graduates received either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate of completion in their program. John...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – “Texas State Technical College is a family.” This phrase often is repeated by its staff, instructors and students. And in some cases, the statement is literal. Many fathers, mothers, sons and daughters attend, teach and work at TSTC, creating a legacy of learning in technical fields. One such mother, Stephanie Basurto, is...

(NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas) – Classes began this week in two certificate of completion programs new to Texas State Technical College’s New Braunfels campus: Structural Welding and Industrial Systems Mechanic – Electrical. Mike Anderson, the campus’s provost, is happy with the additions. “I have been looking forward to this for a long time,” he said. “This...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Three Sweetwater High School graduates hope that more of their former classmates will take advantage of a new Texas State Technical College scholarship. Each one of the three, who are now TSTC students, was awarded a $1,000 Hometown High School Opportunity Scholarship made available to 2024 graduates of the Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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) – 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) – 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...

(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,...

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Spring 2019 Commencement held Friday, May 3, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. Guest speaker Terry Cook, the Williamson County commissioner for Precinct 1, cited a 2018 manufacturing skills report from Deloitte indicating there...

(ABILENE, Texas) – When someone is in need, you can count on Texas State Technical College students to answer the call.  On Friday morning, more than 25 TSTC students, faculty and staff, along with some of their family members, volunteered their time with local nonprofit organization Houses for Healing.  Houses for Healing provides free temporary...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 40 graduates received certificates and associate degrees at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2019 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 6, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. Several graduates either already have degree-related jobs or are looking for such work opportunities. Jonathan Guzman of Hutto received an Associate...

(WACO, Texas) – The Tesla START training program at Texas State Technical College held a graduation ceremony earlier this month for its first cohort of graduates. The TSTC students began the 12-week training program in March to learn the skills necessary to become electric vehicle technicians at Tesla. As a Tesla paid hourly internship, the...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students interested in learning after the sun goes down can pursue two technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus. Offering more opportunities to take classes at TSTC means that students can increase their opportunities in the marketplace and earn higher wages, said Lissa Adams, TSTC’s associate provost. “We believe...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored its fall graduating class with a virtual celebration Thursday, Dec. 10. The virtual celebration honored students at each campus and included a video message from TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. TSTC had 1,091 candidates for graduation for the fall semester. “Today we celebrate. We celebrate your...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Travis Miller, of Georgetown, is happy to start the next stage in his professional life. He received this month an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus. “I could not be more excited to be learning and growing in the field,”...

(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...

TSTC grad finds success with Champion Stone Co. (ABILENE, Texas) – Marcus Lance has done a lot in a short period of time at Texas’ largest limestone quarry. After earning an associate degree in Industrial Systems at Texas State Technical College in 2020, Lance began working for Champion Stone Co. in Lueders. The maintenance technician...

(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...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Some future members of Texas’ workforce are ready to put their newfound knowledge to use around the state. Texas State Technical College honored its summer graduates on Thursday, Aug. 19, with a virtual celebration. TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments with a video message. “Throughout your time at...

(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...

(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...

Career Services resources include resume help, interview prep and much more (ROSENBERG, Texas) – The Career Services department at Texas State Technical College has a simple but powerful mission. “We’re here to help (our graduates) find a job,” said Jamie Jimenez, a TSTC Career Services associate for the Fort Bend County campus. “Our motto is...

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – State Rep. Glenn Rogers, R-Graford, was impressed with the hands-on learning opportunities and technology available at Texas State Technical College’s Breckenridge campus during a recent tour. Rogers toured the campus December 2 with some members of TSTC’s West Texas administration and experienced using some equipment that students train with on a daily...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Oswaldo Nino wanted to learn more than one trade. For that reason he chose Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program and is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree. “I thought about going into welding, but a friend told me to look at Industrial Systems,” he said. “After looking at...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – High school students spent the day seeing what the future could hold for them during Texas State Technical College’s recent open house. The Sweetwater campus opened its doors to students to discuss career options through the various programs available at TSTC in West Texas. Faculty from the Breckenridge and Abilene campuses were...

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 30 students from Texas State Technical College in East Williamson County rode a chartered bus on Tuesday  to attend the Industry Job Fair hosted by TSTC’s Waco campus. For the first time, the event was spread out on the Waco campus to include the Col. James T. Connally Aerospace Center,...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) visited Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus Wednesday, March 23, experiencing firsthand the hands-on training that TSTC offers to students. “It’s incredible what TSTC is doing here on the Fort Bend campus and systemwide for our state and our country,” Kolkhorst said. “They are...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus hosted several hundred area high school students on Friday for its first in-person open house since 2019. “It’s so energizing,” said Lissa Adams, provost of TSTC’s East Williamson County campus. “I think everybody is excited to be in good company. It has been great...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 40 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2022 Commencement held Wednesday  at Memorial City Hall Performance Center in downtown Marshall. “What an exciting evening,” said Barton Day, provost of TSTC’s Marshall campus. “We are excited for our graduates....

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus hosted more than 250 area high school students on Friday for the first in-person open house held since 2019. Students, guided by their teachers and parents, learned about programs offered at the North Texas campus, including Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls and...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Many automobile aficionados recall how they first grew an admiration for the automobile industry. For Kevin Cantu, of Pharr, the oil change he performed on his grandfather’s vehicle as a teenager would lead to an education at Texas State Technical College. After that moment, Cantu’s interest in automotive knowledge spread like a...

(WACO, Texas) – Five Texas State Technical College students at the Waco campus will soon put their skills up against the nation’s best. The 58th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference will be held June 20-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing will be Michael Lopez, of Taylor, in Facilithon; Luis Luna, of Stephenville, in Collision...

(ATLANTA) – Students and faculty members representing six of Texas State Technical College’s campuses arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, June 20, for this week’s 58th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Students from the Breckenridge, Brownwood, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas and Waco campuses will compete against the nation’s best in events such as...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus hosted a visit on Thursday by state Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, who represents the newly redrawn District 1 at the state Capitol. VanDeaver’s visit was his first to the Marshall campus. “It is very impressive,” he said. “They (TSTC) are obviously preparing people for success...

(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...

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Killeen, for a visit to the Waco campus on Monday. Buckley, led by TSTC administrators and staff, visited the on-campus Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners testing facility, along with the Aircraft Pilot Training Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Diesel Equipment Technology, Precision Machining Technology...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – They enrolled. They trained. They conquered! Texas State Technical College graduates echoed phrases such as “this is for you” and “it’s time to celebrate” at TSTC’s Summer 2022 Commencement held Saturday, August 27, at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. Cheers of excitement filled the arena when more than 280 graduates from...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For many Texas State Technical College students, a great college journey begins with an engaging program experience, an enjoyable campus culture and a pleasant dormitory. Lorena Garza-Garcia, TSTC’s student housing director in Harlingen, said the TSTC student housing team does its best to ensure a comfortable living environment for new and returning...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s West Texas student recruitment team is ready for a busy year. For the first time in recent history, TSTC will have recruiters located on the four West Texas campuses to help students continue their educational journeys. “We have a full group of recruiters, and they are divided into...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The Stafford Centre in Stafford was filled with excitement as Texas State Technical College’s campus in Fort Bend County celebrated the accomplishments of more than 100 graduates during the Summer 2022 Commencement held Friday, Sept. 9. Each graduate shone with a sense of accomplishment as they walked across the stage, waved to...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted state Rep. Ed Thompson, R-Pearland, for a visit to the Fort Bend County campus on Tuesday. Thompson, led by TSTC staff, visited the Tesla START Apprenticeship Program located on campus, along with the Electrical Power and Controls, Precision Machining Technology, and Robotics and Industrial Controls Technology programs....

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College hosted U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, for a tour of the Harlingen campus on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Being a former TSTC student herself, Flores said she was thrilled to return to TSTC. “It’s very impressive to see the growth of the Harlingen campus as a TSTC alumna,” she...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – At least 175 Texas State Technical College students and alumni attended TSTC’s Fall 2022 Industry Job Fair on Thursday at the Marshall campus. The event was held in the South Building. More than 50 employers attended the event, which is the largest number the campus has ever hosted. “This shows there is...

(ABILENE, Texas) – More than 400 high school students learned that Texas State Technical College offers training opportunities in many career fields. Students visited with instructors and completed hands-on activities during a Fall Preview Day on TSTC’s East Campus in Abilene on Thursday, Nov. 3. The event was organized by the college’s Student Recruitment department...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Graduates and their families from Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus attended TSTC’s Fall 2022 Commencement held Friday, Dec. 2, at the Stafford Centre in Stafford. Each of the over 110 graduates received either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate of completion in their program. Bryan Bowling,...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College offers several ways for students to progress through school. Different opportunities for learning, such as in-person day or night classes, online programs, hybrid programs that combine in-person and online classes, performance-based education and dual enrollment, provide TSTC students with the option to pick the pathway best suited...

(ABILENE, Texas) – High school students from throughout West Texas learned about career opportunities available to Texas State Technical College graduates during the spring open house events in March. The four TSTC campuses in West Texas — Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood and Sweetwater — hosted open house events to showcase the programs available at each location,...

(WACO, Texas) – More than 40 students from Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus are preparing to compete at the SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled for April 13-15 in Houston. “Students are buzzing with anticipation, as well as advisors,” said Abby Ford, TSTC’s assistant department chair of general education and SkillsUSA coordinator...

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College students and alumni had the chance to visit with representatives from more than 80 companies from around Texas during the Industry Job Fair held at the Abilene campus’ Industrial Technology Center on Thursday, April 13. Students submitted resumes, networked, and discussed what they have learned while attending TSTC....

(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...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 40 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Spring 2023 Commencement held Tuesday, April 25, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. “This group persevered,” said Lissa Adams, the campus’ provost. “This was a more engaged graduating...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Two Precision Machining Technology students from Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus brought home medals from the recent 2023 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Houston. Second-semester students Juan Cerda and Remington Sipes won gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer competition. The two were among...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – There is a shortage of skilled workers in construction and technical jobs. The Associated General Contractors of America found that around 89 percent of contractors are struggling to find workers to fill roles. Despite this shortage, there may be a brighter future on the horizon as more people look toward technical colleges...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The sounds of families cheering and applauding captured a special moment for more than 250 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus at TSTC’s Summer 2023 Commencement held Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Each proud graduate walked the stage and received either an associate degree or...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Sixteen students celebrated their graduation from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the Waxahachie Civic Center, receiving associate degrees or certificates of completion. James Stewart, a graduate of the Diesel Equipment Technology program, received a certificate of completion and said he was ready to start...

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus received associate degrees and certificates of completion at TSTC’s Summer 2023 Commencement held Friday, Aug. 25, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Round Rock. Jesus Mata, of Hutto, received the Provost’s Outstanding Achievement Award. He graduated with an Associate...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus began the fall semester Monday, Aug. 28, with an increase in enrollment. The campus now has 300 traditional full-time students, 25 workforce training students, and 150 dual enrollment students. “We’re growing, and we’re excited about growing, but we have room for more,” Marcus Balch,...

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – While working on a robot, Cameron Dirickson realized he wanted to change career paths. Dirickson was studying Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College when a different program caught his attention. He is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electromechanical Technology. “I have always been interested in technology and...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Texas State Technical College and Women in Manufacturing will join forces for a Manufacturing Day event on Friday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at TSTC’s North Texas campus. The event will include tours of the Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs and is open to the public....

(ABILENE, Texas) – For one day, Abilene Independent School District seniors had the opportunity to see what it was like being a college student. “We wanted to expose our students to the postsecondary experience, and show them that TSTC (Texas State Technical College) is a fantastic option to get an education and into the workforce,”...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Texas State Technical College welcomed roughly 500 high school students and visitors to the Marshall campus on Thursday, Nov. 2, for Discovery Day — its biannual open house. Every visitor was allowed an extensive self-guided tour of the campus and given program overviews from the campus’s instructors. In the three years since...

(HUTTO, Texas) – Hundreds of high school students from throughout the area attended Texas State Technical College’s Discovery Day held Thursday, Nov. 16, at the East Williamson County campus. “We get to introduce a brand-new group of students to the opportunities in skilled trades,” said Sam Flener, lead instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program. Visitors...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Thirty-eight students from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus took to the stage at the Waxahachie Civic Center on Wednesday, Nov. 29, to receive associate degrees or certificates of completion.  “Pausing to celebrate this accomplishment is very important, and it gives the family and friends, mentors, teachers and support staff...

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus and their families and friends attended TSTC’s Fall 2023 Commencement held Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Stafford Centre in Stafford. Each of the 134 graduates received either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate of completion in their program. Bryan...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – In 2023 a total of 25 different high schools toured Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus — some more than once. Why do so many high schools bring their students to TSTC? Elysian Fields High School in Waskom, Texas, has brought students to the Marshall campus for four years, oftentimes from welding...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – The recruitment team of Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus recently traveled to Quitman High School to present information to a group of 21 students and parents about what the college offers. The high school’s CTE (career and technical education) director, Sherrie Callahan, and engineering teacher, David Cross, have taken students to...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – According to Dallas Innovates, a study conducted by CompTIA found that women make up only 26% of the technical workforce in Texas. Texas State Technical College’s mission is to place more Texans in higher-paying jobs, including women.  Welding Technology student Mallory Sturdivant is the third of four siblings to attend TSTC’s Marshall...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 10 students from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas location are preparing to put their skills to the test. The students will compete at the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference taking place from Thursday, April 18, to Saturday, April 20, in Houston. “Our students and faculty...

(HOUSTON, Texas) – The SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference has kicked off, and Texas State Technical College has students competing in a variety of skills. Along with other students representing roughly 30 different technical and community colleges across the state, they have gathered in Houston looking to win big. For a few of...

(HOUSTON, Texas) – More than 200 students and faculty members from Texas State Technical College have arrived in Houston to participate in the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Leadership and Skills Conference. The conference began Thursday, April 18, and will end with the awards ceremony on Saturday, April 20. The event’s contests are being held at locations...

(NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas) -Texas State Technical College’s New Braunfels location will offer two new technical programs this fall. Certificates of completion will be available there in Industrial Systems Mechanic – Electrical and in Structural Welding. “The main excitement is getting out in the community and promoting the programs,” said Mike Anderson, TSTC’s vice president of...

(RED OAK, Texas) – Students at Texas State Technical College’s North Texas location won medals in five events at the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference held April 18-20 in Houston. “We are extremely proud and excited for our SkillsUSA participants,” said Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas location. “We are...

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – During an evening of celebration on May 10 at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen location, a group of 24 TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education graduates received their certificates of completion. The graduates were from the Advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining, NCCER Maritime Welding, and Patient Care Technician programs. Myra De...

(WACO, Texas) – The work that Joseph Briseno is doing in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus is getting him national recognition. Briseno, of Lingleville, recently was one of three college students nationwide to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Independent Equipment Dealers Association. The other recipients are from...

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 20 graduates from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas campus received associate degrees or certificates of completion at TSTC’s Summer 2024 Commencement held Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Waxahachie Civic Center. “It is a relatively small group, but they have worked hard and persevered,” said Marcus Balch, provost of...

(WACO, Texas) – Carlos Anaya enjoys the small-town life. “I like being home,” the La Grange resident said. “It’s pretty calm. Being from a small town, you grow up with peace and not much traffic.” Anaya made his way to Waco to attend Texas State Technical College. He received a certificate of completion in Electrical...

(MARSHALL, Texas) – More than 500 students have enrolled at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus for the fall semester. The instructors and staff are looking forward to another successful academic year. After an extended period of teaching third-semester students, Welding Technology instructor Asa Goolsbee is eager to teach first-semester students. “The one thing I...

(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) – 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...

(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...

(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...

(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) – 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 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...

(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...

(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...

(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,...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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....

(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...

(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.”...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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...

(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) – 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...

(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%...

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...

(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....

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...

(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) – 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,...

(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...

(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.”...

(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) – 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...

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...