(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College officials broke ground for a new Industrial Technology Center at its Abilene east campus on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
The facility will enhance the campus experience, provide additional training space for new and innovative programs, and help the college adapt to the ever-changing technical training landscape. The building is scheduled to be completed in January 2025.
Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said the $24 million facility will help TSTC continue its mission of placing Texans in high-paying jobs.
“The beauty of our college is that we can put Texans through short-term programs and when they finish they will have extraordinary salaries,” he said. “We work for the employers of Texas, and this expansion is an example of that dedication.”
Rep. Stan Lambert, R-Abilene, said the expansion shows the state’s commitment to TSTC and Taylor County.
“This shows the commitment that our community partners are engaged with TSTC for the next several decades,” he said. “This also shows the state’s commitment to Abilene and the Big Country to get people trained and hired.”
Parkhill, a Lubbock-based multidisciplinary architectural and engineering firm, was selected in 2022 to complete the pre-design, programming and conceptual design of the new center. The 48,139-square-foot facility will provide training in Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology, HVAC Technology, and Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology.
Brandon Young, a senior associate and architect at Parkhill, said the design of the facility far exceeded the firm’s goals.
“Our mission is building community by creating inventive, relevant-built environments together,” Young said. “The buildings we create with TSTC are poised to be learning environments equipped with the necessary tools that put integrated systems and equipment on display for students to see in action. Everyone trained in this facility can be able to establish long-lasting careers in their respective fields.”
Here is a look at each program’s space in the new facility:
- Diesel Equipment Technology will have 15,095 square feet of space, including 14,045 square feet for technical training. It will also include 10 bays, as well as 1,000 square feet dedicated to an engine and transmission lab.
- Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology will have 3,755 square feet of space, including 2,568 square feet of technical training space, 1,069 square feet of exterior space, and 1,998 square feet for an exterior short-pole yard. One large main pole yard will be part of the design and will be adjacent to a covered area/covered truck parking space.
- HVAC Technology will have 6,976 square feet dedicated to the program, including 5,740 square feet of technical training space.
- Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology will have 10,808 square feet of space, with 9,082 square feet for technical training. There will be two dedicated tractor simulator stations and 30 dedicated brazing stations, which will be shared with HVAC Technology.
A common area of the building will include computer labs, office spaces and support spaces.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
