(HARLINGEN, Texas) – In Texas, drafting and design is an occupation that is constantly growing. In fact, Texas employs the second-most drafters in the nation, and Texas State Technical College is equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in this career.
TSTC’s Drafting and Design program offers a chance to put creativity to work and make ideas become reality. Students are taught by industry-experienced instructors who understand what employers are looking for in potential employees.
“The Drafting and Design program revolves around the transformation of someone’s ideas and translating them to paper for actual creation and use,” said instructor Mark Rosas. “Our graduates have gone on to find careers as architectural, mechanical or civil draftsmen.”
The program prides itself on being hands-on so that students are learning all they can prior to graduation.
“Students in our degree will learn how to design residential and commercial structures, mechanical parts, subdivisions and topographical maps,” Rosas said. “They do this all while learning how to design these items and so much more. We get into the codes and common mishaps to give the student a better understanding of design intent.”
Drafting and Design lab assistant Stacey Perales said that the experience that TSTC instructors bring to the classroom adds to the benefits of a student’s education.
“The courses are being taught by instructors that have industry experience and who have brought that experience back into the classroom,” she said. “The assignments are constantly changing to give students exposure to real-life scenarios based on those industry experiences.”
She added that Texas employers know the potential that TSTC students bring to the table.
“We take pride in the students we produce in our program,” she said. “Because of the knowledge they are exposed to during the courses, TSTC students are often specifically requested by industry partners.”
Rosas said that connecting with students is one of the best perks of his job.
“I like finding how best to connect the material to the individual so everyone can understand and progress,” he said. “Problem-solving is the best skill to have, and teaching someone how to mentally break down an object and attack it in pieces is a lot of fun.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
