(MARSHALL, Texas) – According to Dallas Innovates, a study conducted by CompTIA found that women make up only 26% of the technical workforce in Texas. Texas State Technical College’s mission is to place more Texans in higher-paying jobs, including women.
Welding Technology student Mallory Sturdivant is the third of four siblings to attend TSTC’s Marshall location. Though she was unsure how her skills would measure up to that of her male classmates, she was left pleasantly surprised.
“I was really scared of being the only girl, but all of the people are really amazing, and the teachers are great and really helpful,” Sturdivant said.
She plans to stay in her hometown of Waskom for the first few years of her career, keeping a local railroad maintenance company in mind as a potential employer.
Also following in her family’s footsteps is Process Operations student Jennifer Beabers. Inspired by two female cousins, who also attended TSTC and have successful careers with chemical and polymer producer Eastman Chemical Co., led her to enroll in the Marshall exclusive program to better provide for her family.
“When I found out that (Process Operations) was available and the opportunities that would come from that, I couldn’t pass it up,” Beabers said. “Being a single mother, I know I need a good job to support my boys, so I went for it.”
Beabers plans to earn her Associate of Applied Science at the spring commencement ceremony in May.
Computer Networking and Systems Administration student Elysse Mitchell was often underestimated for being a woman during her service with the U.S. Navy, but she refuses to let the experience hold her back.
“I’m trying to push myself to be in male-dominated fields to show men that I am a person too,” Mitchell said. “There’s no reason to treat me any differently than you would a guy. I can do the same job, if not better.”
Mitchell’s work as a cryptologic technician for the Navy gave her a natural advantage at TSTC. She finds her field satisfying and encourages more women to attend TSTC, especially the Marshall location.
Diesel Equipment Technology student Taylor Grimes grew up watching her grandfather and uncles work in technical industries.
She has already earned a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology through TSTC’s dual credit program and hopes to get her commercial driver’s license after earning another to pursue a career in hauling heavy machinery.
“It’s good money, and if you’re a woman, you can do whatever you want,” Grimes said.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
