(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recruiters have been busy working the phones and online resources this summer.
With the different TSTC campuses closed for student tours, the college’s recruiters in West Texas have been getting creative in informing prospective students of the programs available.
“It has presented us with some new challenges,” said Chris Johnson, lead recruiter, in discussing how the team is working to recruit students. “We have spent some time figuring things out.”
One of the most-asked questions from prospective students is the security of a job, especially with the economy in recession.
“People want to know if they get a job, would they be laid off six months later,” Johnson said. “We have great programs available, and they are considered to be recession-proof. People are still going to need to have their cars worked on during this time. Companies are still going to need workers.”
With campus tours currently not possible, recruiters have spent their time working on virtual visits. Johnson said many school counselors are interested in the online visits.
Johnson said the virtual visits allow instructors to showcase the equipment available on campus. But they do have one downside.
“One thing we pride ourselves on is showing the equipment during a tour. We are still able to show off the equipment, but it is virtual,” he said. “I do miss seeing the reaction in person of students watching how it is used.”
With fall semester classes scheduled to begin Aug. 31, Johnson said recruiters will continue to work with local high schools to provide information.
“We want to be available to the students. We want them to be excited about what they can see, even though they cannot get out and see it in person,” he said.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
