(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 basis.
“I am really impressed with the technology that is available at TSTC and the Breckenridge campus,” Rogers said. “From Welding to Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance to Nursing, the level of technology is great.”
During the tour, Rogers took part in some Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance lab activities. He “extinguished” a virtual fire, then donned a hazmat suit and worked with chemical tank simulators.
Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance instructor Teresa Purcell also showed Rogers some water samples that students have tested during lab sessions.
“I am grateful he took the time to come here, put on our suit and see how our students train,” Purcell said.
Throughout the tour, Rogers asked instructors questions related to job needs in the state. During his visit with Welding Technology instructor Stephen Hope, Rogers asked about the need for welders in different fields.
Hope said he wants his students to find jobs that are best suited for them.
“We have students who work on pipelines and others who work construction,” Hope said. “I want my students to be the best at the profession that they want to pursue.”
While touring the Nursing lab, Rogers asked about job prospects for licensed vocational nurses compared to registered nurses. Instructor Marchelle Taylor said there is always demand for all nurses.
“We are seeing more of a need in our area for LVNs, and we want to make sure we fill the needs of our health care systems,” she said.
After the tour, Rogers said he was pleased to see TSTC training the future workforce.
“I am definitely a supporter of TSTC and the programs it offers,” he said. “The people who lead these programs are very dedicated to what they do, and that was evident during the tour. Having passionate teachers will help our future workforce.”
TSTC’s spring semester registration is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
