TSTC programs ready to welcome night students this fall

(HUTTO, Texas) – Students interested in learning after the sun goes down can pursue two technical programs at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus.

Offering more opportunities to take classes at TSTC means that students can increase their opportunities in the marketplace and earn higher wages, said Lissa Adams, TSTC’s associate provost.

“We believe it is important to offer flexible schedules to meet the needs of adult learners,” she said. “For many of our nontraditional students, evening classes are attractive because they  allow them to work or take care of their family obligations during the day and attend classes either full or part time.”

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program offers two classes per semester at night.

Curtis Christian, an instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program, said the night cohorts are typically made up of students already working with the desire to expand their knowledge. Most students work toward a certificate, but he said some students have been able to complete an associate degree in the evening hours.

“Because of COVID-19, everyone has to work individually,” he said. “No one can work in groups anymore. They are going to have to work on equipment by themselves.”

The Welding Technology programs will offer all of the first-semester classes and then two classes the rest of the semesters for each cohort. Students are able to work toward an associate degree or certificate.

“It is a good opportunity for working people to upgrade existing skills or gain new skills that will increase their wages or get them on a road to a career, and not just a job,” said Samara Flener, lead instructor in TSTC’s Welding Technology program.

TSTC will use a hybrid format for programs this fall, with some classes being taught online and others using an in-person and online learning combination. Each program will follow campus and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety guidelines.

There is still availability for students to enroll in the two evening programs.

“I expect these programs will fill up soon because there are very few daytime spots,” said Chemese Armstrong, TSTC’s campus enrollment executive.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.