To help him prepare for the future, Denson is working on a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems at Texas State Technical College. 

His father owns two businesses in the Abilene area, and Denson wants to be his successor.

“I plan to own those businesses one day, and I do not know everything I need to know about them,” he said. “I have worked for him for the past six years, and I know he cannot teach me everything.”

For that reason, Denson enrolled at TSTC to learn a little of everything in the maintenance field. Industrial Systems students learn skills needed to repair and maintain hydraulic systems, pneumatic equipment, conveyor systems, and electrical and mechanical controls, as well as learning welding.

“I know I will need to work on my troubleshooting skills in order to be successful,” Denson said.

His father’s two businesses include a tree service company, which clears areas for power and transmission lines, and a wind turbine recycling business.

Instructor Terry Steelman said Denson is motivated to take over his father’s businesses.

“I see his drive each time he is in class, and I know he will be successful,” Steelman said. “He has learned a lot from his father, and I know this program will help him grow.”

Denson has been able to show his new skills to co-workers, and they have been impressed.

“We were working on a tractor one day, and someone said we needed to rethread a helix coil,” he said. “That was one of our assignments a few days earlier, and I told everyone I could do it. They were impressed with what I was able to do because of what I learned in class.”

Denson has also used the skills he has learned on the job while in the lab. He has been able to help classmates with different scenarios and has built many friendships.

Those friendships extend to a weekly lunchtime Bible study led by Industrial Systems instructor Daniel Diaz.

“When I saw some of my classmates attend, I knew I wanted to go,” Denson said. “We have become really good friends, and it is important to have that close environment so we can all succeed.”

Denson learned about the Industrial Systems program when his Jim Ned High School class toured the campus.

“I also knew some of the graduates of the program. They told me they loved the program and were already working,” he said.

The one area of his father’s businesses that he does not have to worry about is the business side.

“My father is teaching me everything about the business aspect,” he said. “I know a lot of the stuff in the shop and have already been OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certified.”

Denson said his father did offer him one piece of advice before he started college.

“He told me to do the best I can possibly do,” he said. “I know that I will be using everything I learn in the real world, and I want to learn all of this.”

The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.

At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.

Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

He graduated from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus in May 2001 with a certificate of completion in Computerized Bookkeeping.

“I was excellent at handling money,” he said. “I sold auto parts for vehicles and motorcycles as a side job. However, the economy was not at its best in 2008. I had to seek other ventures to earn an income.”

Davis later served as a plumber at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen. On several occasions he was referred to air conditioning duties based on his expertise as a mechanic.

Then the pandemic became an issue.

Consequently he chose to broaden his knowledge in air conditioning at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. He graduated from TSTC with a certificate of completion in HVAC Technology in August 2021.

Davis is currently an appliance technician with Conn’s HomePlus.

“This job is never boring, and I enjoy that,” he said. “The job duties are different every day. I meet many individuals, and it is never repetitive.”

The scope of Davis’ duties entails maintenance on refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, and freezers.

“I use a scanner on refrigerators and freezers to determine if low refrigerant is detected,” he said. “It could have a locked compressor fault. If it does, I proceed to remove the back panel and use a multimeter to analyze the compressor pongs. I review the ohm and the ground readings. If this turns out to be bad, I have to recover the refrigerant, pull it out and reinstall a new compressor. Then I pull the vacuum. I apply a pressure test, and the final step is to refill it with refrigerant.”

Davis was informed that a technician at his place of employment normally meets company goals around the first year. After completing the first month of training, he has exceeded company goals for three straight months. His secret, he said, is being polite to customers.

Luis Villarreal, service manager for the Rio Grande Valley for Conn’s HomePlus, said he is impressed with how well Davis has done.

“His customer satisfaction rates are more than 98%,” he said. “He has been employed with the company for only four months. We are very pleased with his performance.”

Davis remarked that what he enjoys is helping customers.

“Every client’s home environment is different,” he said. “I enjoy helping to alleviate their stress by offering these services that not everyone can do.”

On its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology and an HVAC Technician certificate of completion.

HVAC Technology is one of TSTC’s Performance-Based Education programs. PBE programs allow students to study both online and in person, at a flexible pace, and with a class schedule that can accommodate their lives outside of TSTC.

HVAC mechanics and installers can earn an average of $48,030 per year in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of positions are expected to grow by 16% in the state through 2028, according to onetonline.org.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Davis, who has autism, completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology last spring but chose to walk across the stage at the ceremony.

“I don’t like big crowds, but my mother and everyone would like to see me do it,” he said.  

Kimberly Davis, Kenneth’s wife, said she was happy to see him take part in Commencement.

“I’m proud of how hard he worked to go to school at TSTC,” she said. “Despite his struggles, he didn’t give up.”

Davis beat the odds in getting his education at TSTC. 

According to Autism Speaks, a worldwide nonprofit organization, more than half of young adults with autism remain unemployed and not in college up to two years after graduating from high school. Also, almost half of 25-year-old adults with autism have never held a paid job, according to the organization.

In Davis’ case, he received a GED in the late 1990s and entered TSTC as a nontraditional student. 

Davis said one of the most important things to remember about autism is that the people who live with it daily are trying their best to connect with people.

“These people want to work and have jobs and have lives, but they have struggles,” he said.

Davis is a service technician at Capstone Mechanical in Waco. He drives a company van for service calls, diagnoses problems and makes repairs on-site.

“I pay more attention than most people,” he said. “I have been told that my attention to detail is really good.”

Davis began working four years ago at Capstone Mechanical but eventually wanted more challenges there. He learned that if he wanted to switch departments, he needed to go to college.

“I’m a lot better at using my brain than my hands sometimes,” he said. “I don’t like doing the same thing over and over every day.” 

Davis said he enjoyed learning new skills in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program labs and then applying them at work.

“I love figuring out what the problems are,” he said.

Tim Snyder, lead instructor in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program, said Davis was a dedicated student.

“His work ethic was staying busy,” Snyder said. “He was very studious.”

As Davis took classes, he also found a talent that he never knew he had: painting. He was inspired by looking at artwork at his doctor’s office and watching a video on TikTok. He began painting on March 8, 2020, and selling his works shortly thereafter.

“My art is my communication with the world,” he said.

Davis said customers pick the colors, and he designs the abstract works. He said he does not want to be famous for his art, but he dreams of his art being displayed in public places for all to see.

Davis said he could not have finished at TSTC without the help of the on-campus Access and Learning Accommodations and Counseling offices.

Shelley Hall, an ALA representative at TSTC, met Davis in fall 2018.

“I’ve watched him struggle and push through different problems with instructors and persevere,” she said.

TSTC students who have a disability of any kind can visit the Access and Learning Accommodations office for free guidance on handling their classes. The office is guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Hall said documentation from a medical professional is helpful. She said the curriculum is not changed for students, but assistance such as extra time to take tests can be worked out with instructors.

For more information, go to tstc.edu. 

When Bangs High School students toured TSTC’s Welding Technology lab in Brownwood earlier this month, Ruiz talked to them about his military career and what he is doing today. 

“I wanted to let those students know that it is never too late to do something new,” he said. “I said, ‘Look at me – I am 50.’ Then I said to the students that you can learn new tricks no matter your age.”

Ruiz also had another message for the high school students and his TSTC classmates.

“I have told people to get their certification in welding done first because you will always have time to work on your advanced education,” he said. “It is good to learn a skill and have that to fall back on if you need it.”

Ruiz is studying for a certificate of completion at TSTC to help his father-in-law on the family ranch. Welding is not one of the skills he picked up during his time in the U.S. Army. He was an air defense officer and worked on the military’s Patriot and Stinger missiles.

“I initially joined the National Guard when I was 17, and a couple of years later I went to college and joined the ROTC,” he said. “I received my commission and was immediately in the Army.”

When Ruiz gets the chance, he talks about his military service, and TSTC welding instructor Daniel Aguirre is always willing to listen.

“Rodger has so many great stories and is an inspiration to others,” Aguirre said. “I enjoy it when he comes to class because he always has a positive attitude and is willing to learn.”

Ruiz said he wishes he would have learned different welding skills earlier in life but is grateful for the chance now.

“This is a tremendous skill to have,” he said. “I am learning different things that will help me around the ranch and look forward to trying different techniques.”

He will put that skill to use on his father-in-law’s ranch. When his wife wanted to be closer to her family in Brownwood, Ruiz agreed to move.

“I asked my father-in-law if we could get a couple of acres on his ranch to build a house, and he agreed,” he said. “I found out some welding needed to be done around the ranch, and it was nearly impossible to get someone.”

That is when Ruiz decided to look into learning a new skill. After doing some research and knowing he had some GI Bill funds available, he enrolled in TSTC’s Welding Technology program.

Ruiz said Aguirre has accommodated him during his first semester in the program. Juggling work and school led to some extra time in the lab.

“He is dedicated to getting his work done and will do anything it takes to make sure he is successful,” Aguirre said.

After his first semester, Ruiz says welding could become a second job for him.

“I could consider a second job in welding along with the work I do on the ranch,” he said. “I know there will be enough to keep me busy. It will be nice to know another skill and not have to rely on other people to get the work done.”

According to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median salary of more than $45,000 in Texas. These jobs are expected to increase 13% by 2028 in the state, according to the website.

TSTC offers Welding Technology at each of its 10 campuses located throughout Texas.

Welding Technology is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to welding students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the Money-Back Guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Hugh Whitted, an instructor in Texas State Technical College’s Solar Energy Technology and Energy Efficiency Specialist programs in Waco, said consumers should think about the kind of holiday tree being used. Real trees can dry out if not watered, which is another concern when using electric lights. Also, wrapped presents under the tree can be a fire source when lights malfunction.

“Putting any type of incandescent bulb (on a holiday tree), especially on an aluminum tree, is a recipe for disaster, and if there is a short anywhere in those lights, you will start a house fire,” he said. “Certainly, be conscious of the types of materials you are combining and using.”

Whitted said LED lights are less of a concern because they are safer to use.

“They are certainly more cost-efficient than they used to be,” he said. “They are definitely more effective as far as the amount of energy they burn.”

LED lights use 90% less electricity than incandescent lights, are cool to the touch and are shatterproof, according to information from Houston-based Reliant Energy.

Whitted advised against stringing a lot of lights together.

“If you can break them up, you are not worried as much about the current you are pulling through the lights,” he said.

Whitted said to save money, consumers should put outdoor lights on a timer with a photocell, an electric eye that senses sunlight, which will turn lights on at night. He also said a timer can be used to control indoor lights.

Reliant Energy recommends keeping indoor and outdoor holiday lights on for six hours or less a day.

Whitted said people living in older homes may experience tripped breakers and blown fuses when too many appliances and holiday lights are being used at the same time.

Whitted said when in doubt, consult with an electrician to ensure that the holiday season stays bright and merry.

According to the nonprofit, bipartisan Alliance to Save Energy, consumers should lower the temperature on their hot water heater by 10 degrees Fahrenheit before they leave home for holiday travels. Doing this can create up to 5% savings in water heating, according to the organization.

Consumers can also utilize smart light bulbs, smart plugs, smart thermostats and robotic vacuums to save energy throughout the year, according to information from Oncor.

TSTC offers a two-semester certificate of completion in Energy Efficiency Specialist, which is under the Solar Energy Technology program. Classes focus on energy rating systems, green construction, renewable energy and safety regulations.

For more information, go to tstc.edu. 

More than 100 fall 2021 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas during the first in-person TSTC commencement ceremony since fall 2019.

“Tonight means the completion of two years of hard work paying off,” said Chase Carey, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology with honors. “Earning the honors means that all of my late nights of studying were worth the time and effort.”

Edward Deanda, who earned a certificate of completion in Aircraft Powerplant Technology, also graduated with honors.

“These honors accomplishments mean so much to me,” Deanda said. “But I am not through because I am coming back to work on a backup career in Digital Media Design. I want to have something to fall back on, and TSTC is the place to do that.”

For Omar Alvarez, it was the completion of a second degree program. After earning a degree in Automotive Technology, he returned to TSTC and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Airframe Technology. He graduated as a TSTC Board of Regents Honor Roll member.

“It was a lot of work for me, and it was worth it because I maintained a 4.0 grade-point average during each semester,” he said. “The best part is I now have a job lined up and am ready to start my career.”

Alfred Rodriguez also added to his TSTC collection of TSTC degrees. After earning a certificate of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology, he added an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems.

“This is a great day for me, and I am so excited because it has already paid off for me at work,” he said.

Kiana Abarintos said she can now pursue her passion in aviation with her Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

“My father was in aviation for 20 years, and it was always something I wanted to do,” she said. “When my husband was transferred to Dyess Air Force Base, I did my research and found TSTC had an aviation program. I am so proud of myself for achieving this goal in my life.”

Misty Burton, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing, also realized a dream.

“This was 16 years in the making,” she said. “I graduated in licensed vocational nursing when my baby was a baby. That was 16 years ago, and I have completed my goal of completing the program. This has been an amazing experience.”

Ken Becker, interim executive director of the Sweetwater Enterprise for Economic Development, said students were given a key during the ceremony.

“The key is your hard work. The key is the completion of your studies,” he said. “The key is the certificate or associate degree that you will walk across the stage tonight to receive. It’s the key that can take you places you want to go.”

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

It was TSTC’s first in-person commencement event since fall 2019. Provost Barton Day said it was good to see students honored during the ceremony.

“It’s truly a thrill to have both students and families join us to celebrate our students’ success in a far more personal setting,” he said. “The class of fall 2021 is also the largest graduating class from the Marshall campus in recent years, with 84 graduates eligible to walk the stage.”

Some graduates of Process Operations have made plans to celebrate their accomplishments together.

“We are going on a cruise together next week,” said Hallsville resident Allison Weaver, who was president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter at the Marshall campus.

Weaver, along with Colin McGregor and Levan Stapleton, who each earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, will begin the new year together working for Eastman Chemical Corp. But first they will enjoy a celebratory cruise.

“This has been such a good year for me, and this has been the best school for me,” Weaver said. “I am so excited to be part of this group, and they will always be my friends.”

McGregor said walking across the stage was a surreal moment and he is grateful for the new friendships.

“I have made some lifelong friends, and I am looking forward to working with them at Eastland when we return,” he said.

Stapleton said he surprised himself during his time at TSTC.

“I did not know what to expect when I started the program, but now I have a career,” he said. “Having my family and friends watch me walk the stage is important because they helped me get to where I am now.”

Shane Nunley, who also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations, said he made the decision at age 50 to begin a new career.

“I had my own business and decided I wanted to do something else,” he said. “It paid off for me because I kept up my grades, worked hard and graduated.”

Nunley said the only thing he wishes could have happened during graduation was for his late parents to have watched him earn his degree.

“But my kids are able to see me do something special tonight,” he said.

Jada Reaves, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Operations, decorated her mortarboard with her accomplishments. It depicted a chemical plant with a woman holding both a wrench and a diploma.

“I want to show everyone that women can do anything they put their mind to, and that is what I did,” she said. “This has been a long journey for me, and it means a lot to be walking with my friends.”

Drew Cooper, who earned a certificate of completion in Welding Technology, said his hard work paid off after walking across the stage.

“I will have more of an advantage at work since I have this certification,” he said of his job as a custodian at Hallsville ISD. “It is great to earn this certificate and have the skills to do something to help others.”

Preston Emerson, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology, arrived from his job with Mesa Line Services in time to graduate.

“I am going to walk the stage and have to get right back to work,” he said.

Rush Harris, executive director of the Marshall Economic Development Corp., congratulated the graduates during his commencement address.

“You are now a leader,” he said. “I want to challenge you to be part of whatever community you live in.”

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s Career Services department hosted a virtual industry spotlight event Wednesday, Dec. 1, alongside Texas Instruments, which hopes to hire for a number of careers.

“We hope that you find something that interests you,” said Katie Peebles, an engineer and supervisor who has been with the company for 21 years. “It’s a great opportunity. I hope that we’re your choice.”

Students and instructors from TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration, Computer Programming Technology, Cybersecurity, Diesel Equipment Technology, Drafting and Design, Electrical Power and Controls, HVAC Technology and Industrial Systems programs attended the virtual event.

During the career spotlight, Peebles and her colleague, Jimmy Carter, another engineer, detailed everything from shift schedules, benefits and growth potential within the company to the overall vision of Texas Instruments.

“Here at Texas Instruments, we want to change the world,” Carter said. “We’re a technology-driven company. We’re shaping the future of electronics.”

Texas Instruments, which is headquartered in Dallas, employs about 30,000 workers around the globe. The company makes analog and embedded processing chips for industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communication equipment and enterprise systems.

Founded in 1930, Texas Instruments earned $14.46 billion in revenue last year.

“As we look at the industry today, we know there’s a big demand,” Carter said. “There’s a shortage of computer chips. We’re doing our part — 80% of TI’s wafers are produced internally.”

A majority of the work at Texas Instruments takes place inside clean rooms, where technicians and engineers don “bunny suits” — or coveralls — gloves and other gear to protect the sensitive products they are making, the tools they are using, and themselves.

Texas Instruments looks to hire entry-level technicians in a variety of focus areas, including product, process, equipment, facilities and engineering technicians, from TSTC’s pool of highly trained talent.

“You’re going to come in with your foundational knowledge, and we’re going to build on that,” Peebles said, describing on-the-job and peer-to-peer training — as well as a tuition reimbursement program for continuing education.

There is a range of tiers for growth within the technician careers, she added. The higher the tier, the higher the pay — and the responsibilities. The highest level of technician will be expected to balance core daily duties with special projects, including maintenance, installation and other requirements.

“It’s whatever career path someone wants to go down,” Peebles said. “Really, the sky’s the limit.”

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. Learn more at tstc.edu.

That sparked her interest in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, so she logged on to the Texas State Technical College HVAC Technology program’s webpage to find out more.

Now the Brownsville resident is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology at TSTC’s campus in Harlingen.

Gonzalez said there is more to HVAC than mastering the ability to solder copper refrigerant lines.

“Math is involved in this program,” she said. “The way the instructors were able to explain it, I really enjoyed it.”

The first-semester student has learned about the formulas used to determine the relationships between pressure, volume and temperature.

“This was my favorite lesson because after my instructors explained it, it clicked, and I passed my assessment,” she said.

Jose Flores, a TSTC HVAC teaching lab assistant, noted that Gonzalez is very focused.

“Lucero will eventually do great things in this industry with her resiliency,” he said.

Gonzalez’s objective is to complete the two-year program, gain two years of employment, and obtain a contractor’s license to start her own business.

As the sole female in her HVAC cohort, Gonzalez had advice for other women who may research the program.

“Do not be scared because you are a female,” she said. “The HVAC instructors are very supportive, and there are definitely great career opportunities.”

On its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology and an HVAC Technician certificate of completion.

HVAC Technology is one of TSTC’s Performance-Based Education programs. PBE programs allow students to study both online and in person, at a flexible pace and with a class schedule that can accommodate their lives outside of TSTC.

HVAC mechanics and installers can earn an average of $48,030 per year in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of positions are expected to grow by 16% in the state through 2028, according to onetonline.org.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

For that reason he chose Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program and is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“I thought about going into welding, but a friend told me to look at Industrial Systems,” he said. “After looking at the program, I knew that I would learn welding and so much more.”

Nino, of Laredo, toured the Industrial Systems lab and was immediately confident that he had picked the right career.

“I have not seen anything like this before,” he said. “I know I would be learning a lot of different things that would help me find a career.”

Nino said he has been surprised to learn more about electricity and how it works during his first semester.

“It really surprised me of all the things that involve electricity,” he said. “This is something we all take for granted, and now I appreciate it even more.”

Nino said he is enjoying each lesson and working with instructors Daniel Diaz and Terry Steelman.

“They have been pushing me and my classmates through the lessons. They want us to succeed,” he said.

Steelman said Nino is very observant when he instructs students during an assignment.

“He always watches what we do and takes the information and goes with it,” he said. “He has exceptional skills and will be a great technician when he completes the program.”

Some of Nino’s skills come from working with his father, who is an engineer. He said the one thing his father told him was always to be careful in the lab and on the job.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself and want to make sure to get my work done correctly and safely,” Nino said.

Nino and his classmates have worked together to make sure projects are complete and to help anyone who is falling behind.

“It is nice to have a small class because we have become friends,” he said. “Having someone there to help you when you are having a problem is good for me. I know I can count on my classmates and instructors.”

The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.

Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition.

At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.

Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.