Summary
Nguyen is looking to graduate next week with his certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.
(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Graduation is right around the corner at Texas State Technical College, where it is seen not as a finish line, but as the starting line for a life of great accomplishments and high-paying careers.
Thang Nguyen, a student in his final semester in the Industrial Systems program at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, is excited for his future.
Having come from working a few years in the industry, Nguyen had been on the lookout for additional training so that he could work in positions that he felt better suited him.
“I worked for Frito-Lay already as an operator before coming to TSTC,” he said. “When I wanted to move into a technician job, I figured it was better for me to get some higher level of training and certification before going back and applying.”
While he had attended a different college in the past, Nguyen felt he was missing the hands-on training needed for the jobs he wanted. A native of Stafford, he would drive by TSTC every day on his way to work. It sparked his interest, and, not knowing what “technical college” meant, he looked the school up online.
He ended up applying and enrolling in the Industrial Systems program.
“When I first started, I had been working, so I felt a little weird,” Nguyen said. “Mr. Weakley (the lead instructor) really helped me a lot, especially with situational learning. We learn not only theory, but practical things too. When I first started, I was afraid. But now I have more confidence.”
Nguyen is looking to graduate next week with his certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic. While he initially planned to go back to his old work site, he now feels encouraged to apply to other places as well.
“I feel more confident after gaining training, so I feel like many more doors are open,” he said.
TSTC offers Industrial Systems at its Abilene, East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Marshall, New Braunfels, North Texas and Waco campuses. Two Associate of Applied Science degrees and several certificates of completion in various specializations are available, depending on campus location.
The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
