(ABILENE, Texas) – Matthew Benoit needed time to reevaluate his priorities.
After leaving the Electrical Power and Controls program at Texas State Technical College before finishing his Associate of Applied Science degree, the Abilene native focused on his career. But he realized that a good future in his chosen career field meant returning to college.
“When I was in the program before, I had a hard time balancing school and work,” he said. “I did not care as much about school at that time.”
Kevin Staton, an Electrical Power and Controls instructor, believed that Benoit would return to TSTC.
“He never gave up on his dream to complete his education,” Staton said. “He fought to get back into the program. When he returned, I was excited for him.”
Benoit said he has not been disappointed about his career decision, in which curiosity played a part.
“I wanted to learn about the electrical grid and how it gets from the supplier to the house,” he said. “I wanted to know how that entire process worked.”
Benoit said being able to train in the TSTC labs has helped him become more confident in his skill-set.
“I really enjoy being able to train on the high-quality equipment provided to students,” he said.
While he does not have plans after completing his degree this summer, he does have one career goal.
“I want to get a good, stable job,” he said. “I will be working with (TSTC) Career Services to make sure I am ready for the interview and job-seeking process.”
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn an average annual salary of $64,220 in Texas, according to onetonline.org. The growth in the number of such positions in the state was projected to be 14% between 2020 and 2030, according to the website.
TSTC offers Electrical Power and Controls in a hybrid format, combining virtual learning with in-person, hands-on lab work. In addition to the Abilene campus, TSTC’s campuses in Fort Bend County, North Texas and Waco offer the program.
Electrical Power and Controls is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. If participating students do not find a job in their career field within six months after graduation, they will receive a refund of their tuition.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
