Those interests in mechanical and electronic engineering led him to enroll at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, where he is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology and where his father is an instructor in the same program.

Reyes said the moments he spent building electronic kits with his father were fun, and the robotics students’ collaboration with each other was inspiring.

“The kits were basically Legos, but with more electrical components,” he said. “At my old high school, I would get a glimpse of the robotics club photos and competitions. I found it really interesting.”

Reyes’ father, Carlos Reyes, is a TSTC alumnus. He earned an Electronic Servicing Technology certificate of completion in 1981 and an Electronics Technology Associate of Applied Science degree in 1986 from the college.

The third-year Mechatronics instructor has been teaching at TSTC for more than 20 years.

Mentoring his son and the new spring cohort motivates him to train them for success.

“I advise them to learn as much as possible while in the program,” he said.

Jose Reyes remarked that his father is definitely another reason why he enrolled.

“Just by the fact that he teaches what I am going to be learning is an advantage,” he said. “By observing his projects, I will be able to comprehend the material and future endeavors.”

He revealed that what excites him is the program’s future.

“The modern world is starting to run solely on technology and different components of mechatronics technology,” he said. “I am excited to learn how the things that I create work the way they do.”

In Texas, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $69,000 a year. The number of these jobs in the state is expected to increase 8% by 2028.

TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or an Electromechanical Automation occupational skills award.

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

It was El Campo resident Joshua Laslie’s first semester at TSTC, though he intends to finish his bachelor’s degree in emergency management from Louisiana State University this semester as well.

He hopes to expand his experience in TSTC’s Welding Technology program with a focus in Structural Welding.

“Honestly, I just want to learn a new skill,” he said. “I grew up farming, so I want to learn ag welding.”

Monday marked the start of TSTC welding student Daniel Alvarado’s second semester at TSTC.

“It’s been really fun,” he said. “I kind of sometimes wish I had more time. Toward the end of last semester, I was able to come in on different days, so I appreciated that.”

After he earns his Associate of Applied Science degree, the Sugar Land resident aims to start getting real-world welding experience. His dream job is to be an underwater welder.

Alvarado and Laslie are two of the 467 students registered for the spring semester at TSTC’s campus in Fort Bend County. As of Friday, Jan. 7, TSTC senior enrollment coach Georgeann Calzada counted 66 new students and 401 returning students for this semester.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to normalcy — whatever that looks like for 2022 — and having students on campus and continuing their education,” she said.

Jonathan Bonkoske, lead instructor for TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program, also looked forward to welcoming students to classes and labs this semester.

“Having that interaction, being able to see their expressions — see their faces, see the learning going on — and working with them through problems, we’re slowly getting back to somewhat normal here,” he said.

Normalcy includes everything from relevant, hands-on training to the reopening of the campus snack bar, which had been closed due to the pandemic, TSTC Fort Bend County provost Randy Wooten said.

“We’re doing great things — and the same things that have made us successful in the past,” Wooten said, explaining that TSTC remains committed to its mission of placing more Texans in good-paying jobs.

TSTC encourages wearing masks, social distancing and staying home if students, faculty or staff feel ill — protocols that prioritize everyone’s health on campus, he added.

“We’re serious about keeping people safe,” Wooten said.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

“Without manufacturing, nothing gets made,” said Matt Sykora, a representative for Haas Automation.

Such a crucial facet of the economy requires highly trained workers, which Texas State Technical College works to provide with its Precision Machining Technology program.

During the fall 2021 semester, the Gene Haas Foundation gave a total of $80,000 through The TSTC Foundation to support six of TSTC’s campuses across the state. Campuses in East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and North Texas each received $12,000. TSTC’s campus in Waco received $20,000.

All six campuses offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology (PMT) and a certificate of completion in Machining. The Fort Bend County, Marshall and Waco campuses also offer an occupational skills award in Basic Machining.

Sykora, a TSTC graduate himself, presented the gift at TSTC’s North Texas campus.

“My degree has afforded me a life that really was beyond what I dreamed of,” he said. “Over the years, Haas has entrusted TSTC with millions of dollars that’s allowed students to be taught on state-of-the-art equipment. It’s actually something I find a lot of joy in doing.”

Rusty Hicks, The TSTC Foundation’s corporate development officer for North Texas, looks forward to the scholarships the gift will create for students on his campus.

“This has a huge impact, as many of these students are still experiencing tough times due to COVID-related issues,” he said. “A special thank-you to the Gene Haas Foundation for truly making a difference with their very kind and generous donation.”

Pete Rowe, The TSTC Foundation’s vice president of External Relations and the field development officer for the Waco campus, celebrated the partnership between the college and the Gene Haas Foundation.

“They provide equipment to train our students on, they provide scholarships, they hire our graduates,” he said. “They’re just very generous to us. It’s just a first-class organization from top to bottom, and TSTC is very fortunate.”

The Fort Bend County campus is TSTC’s newest location in the state, and this gift is the first to the campus from the Gene Haas Foundation.

“We’re very fortunate to have industry partners like this,” said John Kennedy, a senior field development officer with The TSTC Foundation at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. “Haas is a product that is tried and true in the education we deliver to students, and we look forward to exploring further relationships down the road.”

Dennis Engelbert, a Champions Machine Tool Sales representative who presented the gift in Fort Bend County, has witnessed the potential for success in this field.

“I love visiting customers — these are small, family-owned businesses in many cases,” he said. “These all started in the industry, working in some other shop for a couple years, and then they all go out on their own. It’s really a great path to being a business owner. The machining world is easy to do that in, and they can make a great living doing that. It’s a great transition without going into many years of college.”

Machining technicians are in high demand in East Texas, said Blake Cox, an associate field development officer for The TSTC Foundation at TSTC’s Marshall campus.

“These technicians need top-notch training,” he said. “With that in mind, we’re very honored to have the support of the Gene Haas Foundation. They’ve enhanced our PMT program with equipment donations, and their annual scholarship donation has helped many of our PMT students overcome financial barriers.”

Chris Rooney, a sales manager at Haas Factory Outlet Dallas, recognized the importance of industry support in education — especially when those students are likely to become future manufacturing employees.

“There’s a reason why Haas sells so many machines — because that’s what these young people in the trade field are learning on,” he said. “We make sure they’re able to continue to do these programs because it’s what’s creating the next generation of machinists. It’s very important to us working in that field.”

Often that level of support is integral to students completing their studies at TSTC.

“We deeply appreciate this support from the Gene Haas Foundation,” said Richard Mesquias, senior field development officer for The TSTC Foundation on TSTC’s Harlingen campus. “Donations like these really make a difference and go a long way in helping TSTC students achieve their educational dreams.”

Educational grants like the gift from the Gene Haas Foundation aim to close the skills gap between the growing number of jobs that require skilled technicians and not enough workers to fill them — a mission the college shares.

“Manufacturing is key to our survival as it supports so many industries,” said Aaron Hayes, a representative of Haas Factory Outlet in Buda. “The reason we have always led the nation in innovation is our support of engineering and manufacturing programs with continued education to further this field. We hope that the money will be put to good use for students to advance the machining industry.”

With that level of support and involvement from industry partners, TSTC will continue to fulfill its mission: training Texans for good-paying careers.

“We hear over and over again how impressed our industry partners are with the quality of students that come from our program,” said Michael Smith, The TSTC Foundation’s vice president of development. “We constantly praise Haas because of the equipment we have. We’re able to provide world-class, industry-standard training because of them.”

TSTC recognizes that manufacturing is an essential facet of the economy and is certain that its Precision Machining Technology graduates have a bright career ahead of them. The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. If graduates do not get hired in their field within six months of obtaining their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999 to support the needs of the local community. Its founder, Gene Haas, is the CEO of Haas Automation Inc., a maker of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Learn more about TSTC at tstc.edu.

But once she earns her Associate of Applied Science degree in Texas State Technical College’s Electrical Power and Controls program, she hopes she can help change that — particularly since the industry resonates with her and comes with an added bonus of job security.

“A lot of things are getting replaced with machinery — especially in automation in factories,” Orr said. “You actually need a person to do all this maintenance. That can’t be done by robots — yet. Hopefully by the time they get a robot to do it, I’m retired.”

Orr, of Katy, has found her niche at TSTC. With hobbies like sewing, crocheting, knitting and participating in her high school’s robotics team, she knew her interests were more hands-on.

Orr’s older brother attended a big university, experiencing large classes packed with students.

“I already knew I wanted to go to a smaller school,” Orr said. “I couldn’t deal with all those people.”

A high school counselor and a couple of campus tours convinced Orr that TSTC was the college for her — especially with her desire to explore training in engineering- and math-based fields.

“It’s been really nice,” Orr said of her TSTC experience. “It’s a lot easier for me to learn hands-on and with a smaller class size. I can actually talk to instructors and get specific help.”

That help can be basic clarification on a current project or a look at the big picture, delving into the curriculum.

“Lani is an amazing soul,” said Jonathan Bonkoske, TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls lead instructor. “She is really tuned in.”

TSTC instructors’ willingness to devote extra time to ensure that students understand — and the affordable cost compared to other colleges — made TSTC Orr’s best choice, she said.

She sees the Electrical Power and Controls program making a big impact on her future.

“One of the things I like about this degree is I can go for several different jobs using the same degree,” Orr said. “It’s very versatile in what it can be applied to.”

Orr encourages other women to think about their hobbies and look at their options when deciding on the direction for their education and training. If they like hands-on activities like crafts or intricate projects like building computers, then they might find a home at TSTC – just like Orr did.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Power and Controls at four of its campuses, including in Fort Bend County.

In Texas, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn an average salary of $69,310 per year, according to onetonline.org, which forecasts an 8% growth in positions statewide through 2028.

Texas employs the second-highest number of these technicians in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area hosts the seventh-highest number of them among all other metropolitan areas in the U.S.

TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program is part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee. If a graduate of this program does not get hired within six months of earning their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

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

The Sugar Land resident hopes to apply his welding skills at power plants or on pipelines in the future — with travel as a main goal.

But there was a time when Ulin was not as certain about what he should be doing.

He was actually studying psychology at another college when someone at his job mentioned TSTC’s Welding Technology program to him.

“I’d always found it interesting, but I’d never researched it,” Ulin said of welding, adding that he appreciated the art of the craft. “I’ve also always been a hands-on person. I wasn’t sure about the other school because I didn’t like sitting down much.”

The proximity of TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus to his home helped motivate Ulin to apply. Some of his existing credits transferred to TSTC, and he completed his degree ahead of schedule.

His experience has already led him to recommend TSTC to others.

“I say, ‘You should come to this school – it’s close, you’ll have a fun time, it feels like home, you can be yourself, and you’re still learning a lot,’” Ulin said.

He added that TSTC’s instructors go above and beyond in teaching their courses, including teaching students about measuring and fitting pipes.

“I feel very blessed for the instructors I’ve had for the past year,” Ulin said. “I learned not only welding, but specific stuff I can do out in the real world.”

The essential work that welders complete — and the potential for quality pay — also drew Ulin to the industry.

“It will be a stable job, and it will always be in demand,” he said.

In Texas, welders can earn an average annual salary of $45,250, and the number of welding positions in the state is expected to grow by 13% through 2028, according to onetonline.org.

Texas employs the highest number of welders in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Out of all the metropolitan areas in the United States, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the highest number of welders, positioning welding graduates at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus for success.

TSTC’s Welding Technology program is part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee. If a graduate of this program does not get hired within six months of earning their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

If a prospective student might be feeling unsure about the choices they are making for their future, Ulin suggests that they reach out to TSTC.

“TSTC will help you make that decision become clearer,” he said. “I enjoyed my entire time here. It’s a really good experience and an important industry.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, certificates of completion in Structural Welding and Structural and Pipe Welding, and an occupational skills award in Basic Welding – Multiple Processes.

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

What factored into you choosing Precision Machining Technology to study at TSTC?

I chose the Precision Machining Technology program because my uncle is a machinist in Mississippi who has been running his own business for more than 20 years. When I was taking welding classes, I talked multiple times to Tim Hemesath, an instructor in TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program. I knew just by his positive attitude and how much he cared for his students that he could make the classes fun and I would still graduate with another trade under my belt.

What did you enjoy about the Precision Machining Technology program?

I have enjoyed all the people I have met throughout the program and the machines I have had the opportunity to use. I have really enjoyed how patient and dedicated my instructors were to make sure we all had the right information and tools for class. I cannot thank Mr. Hemesath enough for what he has done. He has been a huge help from day one. From when I started in the program never having touched a machine to where I am today, including the job I have now, I truly could not have done it without him. Anyone who is unsure about Precision Machining Technology or really does not know much about it should definitely check it out and research it.

What advice would you give to high school students interested in pursuing the machining field?

High school students looking into machining should listen, take notes and ask the instructor for help. Machining seems scary at first because it is a lot to take in, but with time, you will feel confident and do it with ease. You will scrap parts and mess up because everyone does. I messed up a lot my first semester, but it’s all a learning lesson and will make you a better machinist in the end. Don’t be afraid to take that leap.

What motivates you in life?

The thing that motivates me the most are the goals I have for myself and my family. I could not be where I am without their help.

Machinists in Texas make a yearly median salary of more than $46,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website, which adds that Texas will need more than 29,000 machinists by 2028.

TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program is part of the Money-Back Guarantee. Students in their first semester are eligible to sign up for free with campus Career Services representatives. Over the course of their training at TSTC, students attend workshops to learn about resume writing, interview techniques and other employment skills. Students who are not hired in their field within six months after graduation may be eligible to get a tuition refund for their time at TSTC.

For more information, go to tstc.edu. 

M&S Engineering is a Texas-based engineering firm whose scope of services includes electrical engineering; civil engineering; mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP); and survey projects through its sister company, Sherwood Surveying & S.U.E.

Some students and faculty members from TSTC’s Automation and Controls Technology, Drafting and Design, Electrical Lineworker Technology, and Electrical Power and Controls programs attended the event.

It was one of many that TSTC’s Career Services department organizes and hosts — both in person and online — to show TSTC students some career options.

Kendall Simpson, an HR representative for M&S Engineering, and Josh Darden, the distribution manager for the company’s Georgetown and Midland offices, attended the event to describe the company’s mission and goals and answer questions.

Currently, M&S Engineering has about 300 employees. The company’s services extend throughout Texas — with some additional projects and initiatives outside the state.

“We cover almost all of Texas, with about 300 employees and growing,” Darden said.

The company staffs offices in Aledo, Georgetown, Midland, New Braunfels, Spring Branch and The Woodlands, with plans for expansion.

“We’re constantly hiring,” Simpson said. “We are definitely in the growth stage.”

Some of the current open positions include electric design trainees and technicians, electric distribution designers and trainees, and survey crew members.

Nearly all the positions are full time, Simpson said, adding that the company accepted some current students for summer internships.

During the virtual event, students asked questions about where they might relocate to, the types of benefits available to employees, and what kinds of qualifications the firm is looking for in its workers.

Darden said M&S Engineering would consider individuals with associate degrees and certificates of completion.

“Either one works mainly because you’re a good hard worker — and you’re ready to come to work and grow and expand your career path from on-the-job training,” he said.

Simpson looks forward to the opportunity to hire more TSTC graduates in the future.

“We’ll definitely be at the career fair next spring,” she said.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Automation and Controls Technology and Electrical Power and Controls.

Within its Drafting and Design program, TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Architectural/Civil Drafting Technology, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology, and Engineering Graphics and Design Technology, as well as occupational skills awards in Basic Architectural-Mechanical Drafting and Basic Computer Aided Drafting.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker Technology.

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

One such alumnus is AJ Tijerina. He has been employed as a meter lab electrician with American Electric Power in Corpus Christi for five years and resides in Brownsville.

He credits his success at AEP to the training he received at TSTC.

“I learned the importance of alternating current and direct current,” he said. “It gave me the insight of how to be safe and how to measure the voltage and current in our meters.”

A few years ago, Tijerina earned a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems at TSTC. A year later, he returned and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology. In spring 2021, he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology at the college.

Now he is pursuing an online Bachelor of Science degree in Energy Management from Franklin University.

In Tijerina’s role with AEP, one of several job duties he performs is testing the meters that return from a factory. He analyzes the results to ensure compliance per company standards.

Six months into his job, one of his colleagues was on the verge of retirement after 47 years. Tijerina recalled thinking he would have to step up his performance.

“I began training with my colleague immediately,” he said. “It was fast-paced training. He offered great insight on how to do certain procedures and how to work hard.”

Tijerina added that one of his favorite job duties is assisting AEP employees that work out in the field.

“I am very good at resolving their issues and doing follow-ups,” he said.

Karyn Phillips, meter laboratory supervisor for American Electric Power, is thrilled with Tijerina’s job performance.

“AJ’s customer service to our front-line employees is an example to all other employees in this department,” she said. “He is also very knowledgeable in using the latest electric meter programs for distribution generation, such as solar, wind and other residential generation.”

In Texas, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $69,000 a year. The number of these jobs in the state is expected to increase 8% by 2028.

TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or an Electromechanical Automation occupational skills award.

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

In the crowd, families cheered on their graduates, shouting out encouragement and terms of endearment — and even waving oversized cutouts of faces.

Laughter filled the auditorium as one graduate pirouetted her way onto the stage.

It was the first in-person commencement for TSTC since the onset of COVID-19.

“We’re glad to be able to reopen,” said Randy Wooten, provost of TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. “This is a first big step, and we’re doing it safely — just like the rest of Texas.”

Wooten looked forward to the sense of achievement that TSTC’s newest graduates would have as their families watched them walk and accept their Associate of Applied Science degrees, certificates of completion and occupational skills awards.

“It’s a celebration,” he said.

TSTC associate provost Bryan Bowling encouraged this semester’s graduates to find their silver lining — like so many companies and other individuals did during the pandemic.

“Even though things have changed, there are plenty of opportunities,” he said. “Even some new ones.”

TSTC graduate Colman Von Krippner, of Katy, was excited about the experience of celebrating his accomplishments in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program.

“It’s the conclusion of everything I’ve been working toward,” he said, adding that he hopes to get a job as a maintenance technician that allows him room to grow professionally.

Jose Perez Jr., a Welding Technology graduate, looked forward to the opportunity to walk across the stage.

And as for how he planned on celebrating?

“Driving two hours home,” the Bloomington resident said with a laugh. With that trek completed, he would likely do something with his family.

Adrian Paniagua, an Electrical Lineworker Technology honors graduate from El Campo, earned a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average along with his certificate of completion.

“It was smooth,” he said of his experience with the program. “It really worked out for me. I would definitely recommend it to others.”

Meredith Watassek, the CTE director of Fort Bend ISD and the commencement speaker, lauded the graduates for their hard work. In her speech, she urged them to show others the value of their technical training and career paths.

“You have a responsibility to train up those around you,” Watassek said. “You have a responsibility to do your very best and, most importantly, a responsibility to make yourself proud. Congratulations on your enormous accomplishments. We all look forward to watching you succeed and following in your footsteps.”

Enrollment for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. Learn more at 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.