However, COVID-19 has added new hurdles for professionals on both the occupational and the environmental sides of the industry.

“It’s actually pretty chaotic,” said Andrea Skinner-Creeks, a Texas State Technical College Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance instructor.

On the occupational side, workplace regulations are changing.

Skinner-Creeks attended a class last month in Houston that brought together compliance professionals and companies to discuss regulations for COVID in the workplace. An attorney was on hand to answer questions, and frustrations were high on all sides.

“Laws don’t get made overnight,” Skinner-Creeks said. “It takes years. With COVID, we don’t have years. We have to implement stuff.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor has frequently updated its website, osha.gov, to address workplace safety amid the challenges presented by a swiftly changing pandemic.

In the classroom at TSTC, Skinner-Creeks urges her students to be aware of those updates.

“It’s definitely a moving target — everything is fluid,” she said. “I try to get the students to channel their analytical skills. You have to be able to reason your way through things.”

Skinner-Creeks covers everything from instilling a basic understanding of pathogens to the proper disposal of medical waste. She also ensures that her students know how to put on and take off protective gloves — there is a proper method.

On the environmental side of the issue, incinerators are backlogged for disposal of everything from regular manufacturing waste to the increase of medical waste — and personal protective equipment like gloves and masks. The delay has affected logistics on keeping certain items in stock due to storage limitations.

“All that ties into an environmental health and safety specialist,” Skinner-Creeks said. “Their job is really challenging right now.”

There are silver linings, though, she adds. Safety laws that were written and implemented vaguely — and that often require letters of interpretation — are being addressed more specifically. And an increased emphasis on workplace safety and compliance means additional opportunities for careers in the industry.

In Texas, occupational health and safety technicians can earn an average annual salary of $46,840, according to onetonline.org, which projects that the number of technicians in Texas will grow by 16% through 2028. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that Texas employs the most occupational health and safety technicians, with the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area first among other metropolitan areas for the highest employment level of these positions.

The demand for qualified professionals will continue to expand, Skinner-Creeks said, explaining that she can foresee companies hiring multiple technicians to address all facets of occupational and environmental safety.

“I see a lot more positions out there,” she said. “Companies are really gearing up (to hire health and safety professionals) because they want to remain functional. There’s going to be a lot of room for opportunity and growth.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance at its Breckenridge, Fort Bend County and Waco campuses.

To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

With that electrical knowledge, Jimenez decided to pursue the Electrical Lineworker Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. He graduated with a certificate of completion last August.

Jimenez began his lineworker career as an operator with Axis Power in Helotes, where he worked for three months.

He said his duties there entailed establishing poles between energized power lines while ensuring safety protocols.

“You perform many tasks manually as far as setting up the pole, tamping the dirt around the pole and centering the pole straight,” he said.

Jimenez said he enjoyed the responsibility he was given at Axis Power.

“I am thankful for TSTC’s lineworker program because it provided a step up with that job opportunity in Helotes,” he said. “That knowledge greatly benefited me. For example, when my supervisor asked me to perform a particular task, I immediately knew what to do.”

Brandon Barnum, a journeyman/foreman for Axis Power, said he was pleased with Jimenez’s skills as a quick learner.

“What we strive for is to have our new employees gain experience in a contracting world,” he said. “Your skill level will be much more valuable when you work at an energy cooperative.”

Recently Jimenez began new employment as an electrical lineworker with Magic Valley Electric Cooperative in Mercedes. He hopes to excel in the job.

His motivation to excel in his career is a result of treating his profession as a brotherhood.

“The feeling of knowing I am leaving my footprint in this world and helping my community, it makes me proud,” he said. “This is something I can tell my children about when I am older.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical power line installers and repairers can earn an average annual salary of $55,880 in Texas. Onetonline.org projects that there will be an increase of 16% in the number of such jobs in the state by 2028.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and an Electrical Lineworker certificate of completion at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

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

His father has been a lineworker since before Larkins can remember.

“He took me one time when I was young, and I said, ‘Yo, I want to do this’ — and now I’m doing it,” Larkins said. “It’s always been what I wanted to do.”

The Texas State Technical College fall 2021 graduate wrapped up his final semester of training in TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program with a certificate of completion.

He looks forward to getting a job — whether it happens to be at Mesa Line Services, where his father works, or another company where he can apply his skills.

What made you decide to come to TSTC?

I was from Michigan originally. My dad was here, and he saw this opportunity for me that Michigan didn’t have. (He saw TSTC as) a good thing so I’d get knowledge and experience.

How has your experience with the Electrical Lineworker Technology program at TSTC been?

Really good. The past two semesters have been great. It’s definitely hard work, but we’ve been able to manage it. I’m glad I’m here. I love the environment — the teachers really help us. They’re here when we need something.

What has been a favorite memory from your training?

My favorite moment was when I was doing the double crossarms. For me being a short guy, we have to do a lot more work than a taller person. It’s the same job, but it’s more difficult. Doing double crossarms took a minute — that was probably the hardest. I’m glad I overcame it, because now I’m doing it.

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in the Electrical Lineworker program?

It wouldn’t hurt to at least come and try. You may look at it and see somebody on the pole and be like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ But if you don’t try, you don’t know. Once you learn it, you’ll get the understanding of it — and you can do it.

What do you wish everyone knew about being a lineworker?

I’ll tell you right now — the instructors say this, and even people at the job when you get recruited — it’s a brotherhood. We all have respect for each other. We all do the same thing. We all have a good time, we all share laughs, we all share the same work. We put our blood, sweat and tears in this trade. It’s definitely a good trade to get into. I don’t regret doing this. I’d do it five times over.

In addition to the Fort Bend County campus, TSTC’s Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses provide lineworker training. TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker.

In Texas, lineworkers can earn an average annual salary of $55,880, according to onetonline.org, which forecasts lineworker positions in the state to grow by 16% through 2028.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that Texas employs the most lineworkers in the U.S. — and that the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the highest employment level of lineworkers.

TSTC is confident that its Electrical Lineworker Technology program graduates will get hired in this in-demand field. That is why the program comes with a Money-Back Guarantee. If lineworker graduates do not get hired in the industry within six months of earning their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

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

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.

As he pursues an Associate of Applied Science degree — he expects to complete it by next summer — Mendoza looks forward to a future career where he can find fulfillment.

“I’ve had jobs where I’ve worked at a computer, and I just didn’t enjoy it,” he said. “I like to be outside. I like to work with my hands. I feel more accomplished that way.”

What brought you to TSTC?

I was originally going to get into a different program — something I was more familiar with. I did HVAC as a teenager. I was coming off of an active-duty assignment with the National Guard, and I figured it was time to go to school.

Actually, I called and inquired about the HVAC program at the school, and they said they had Welding (Technology) and Electrical Lineworker (Technology) open. I told them I’d look into them and take some time to chew it over.

Why did you choose the Electrical Lineworker Technology program?

The more and more I looked at electrical lineworking, it seemed like it filled a need that was always going to be present. You can’t do anything without electricity nowadays, so I settled on that one.

How has your experience with the program been?

It’s been good. It’s definitely been more challenging to some than others, but it kind of comes with what your background is — how you’re used to working. If you’re used to working long hours in the elements, then it really isn’t a big deal. I felt like I kind of fell right in, and I like to work like this.

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in lineworking?

Definitely be in shape. It exercises muscles that you’re not used to using. It will wind you. Also, if you’re afraid of heights, you better make peace with that. You can trust your equipment.

What do you hope to do once you have earned your degree?

I’m single. I don’t have any kids. I’m not necessarily tied to the Houston area. I could basically go work anywhere.

Ultimately, what I’d like to do probably later on, when I’ve achieved a journeyman’s license and things of that nature, I’d like to go work high-voltage from helicopters. There are a couple companies that do it, but they’re kind of far and in between — especially here in Texas. They do exist, but I’d probably have to do some moving around. I think that would be a good time, and I feel like that would be something to do once I have quite a bit of experience under my belt doing distribution-level stuff. I feel like it would be something I’d like to do.

In Texas, lineworkers can earn an average annual salary of $55,880, according to onetonline.org, which adds that the number of lineworker positions in the state will likely grow by 16% through 2028.

Texas is the state that employs the most lineworkers in the nation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds, and the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area hosts the second-highest number of lineworkers among all other U.S. metropolitan areas.

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

This program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. If participating TSTC graduates do not find a job in their degree field within six months of earning their degree, the college will refund their tuition.

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

Some of the students began the program not knowing much about what being a lineworker actually entails, so Garcia started out teaching pole climbing and rigging lessons — at ground level. Since safety is always paramount, he worked to boost the students’ self-confidence and trust in their equipment.

“It is imperative that they know the correct method because performing the task at a higher altitude is completely different,” he said.

Now the students are practicing pole climbing and rigging at the Harlingen campus pole yard, and their progress makes Garcia proud.

“It is highly satisfying witnessing their caliber of work and camaraderie,” he said. “The transition of where I came from to what this class is doing is incredible, and I am blown away.”

Javier Morales, of Brownsville, is a former airman who is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in the program. His goal is to improve as a lineworker and assist his team.

“If I can improve compared to what I did yesterday, I am satisfied,” he said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical power line installers and repairers can earn an average annual salary of $55,880 in Texas. Onetonline.org projects that there will be an increase of 16% in the number of such jobs in the state by 2028.

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

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

During a recent industry spotlight at the college, Sullivan, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology at TSTC in 2019, discussed her educational journey and how it led to a career. She plans to return to TSTC each time Koenig & Bauer is invited to discuss its internship opportunities.

“This was sort of a deja vu moment for me, coming back to campus,” she said. “I was sitting (in the classroom) two years ago when Koenig & Bauer first discussed the internship program, and now I am talking about it to current students. My life has changed so much in two years.”

Sullivan is the first person to complete the international apprenticeship program, an 18-month program focusing on training technicians for the presses. The mechanical and electrical training that she received while earning her Wind Energy Technology degree transitioned well into her internship and current job.

“I was so proud and grateful for this life-changing opportunity,” Sullivan said.

During the recent spotlight, Sullivan discussed how the program works and how she had to adapt to life in Germany, where part of the program is conducted at the company’s Radebeul facility.

“The first phase of the program you will spend with a mentor learning the lifestyle of Germany,” she said. “You will also be introduced to the machines. They can be intimidating, but you will learn to work with them.”

When asked if apprentices would be required to learn German, Sullivan quickly said it would help with communication.

“You do not have to learn the language, but it will certainly help you everywhere you go in Germany,” she said. “You are going to have to ask for help at restaurants and grocery stores, so being able to talk to people is important.”

Throughout the 18 months that Sullivan was in the program, she learned more than just maintenance.

“A lot of your time will be networking with fellow technicians,” she said. “You will build a lot of rapport with a lot of different people.”

Chris Talbert, Koenig & Bauer’s senior vice president of service and operations, said TSTC provides the company with good apprentice applicants.

“It is good to be partnering with TSTC because the school is a good source of students with the skills needed to work on our presses,” he said. “Not many technical schools offer the type of training available at TSTC.”

Talbert said he hopes students look into the program after hearing Sullivan’s testimony.

“She did a great job of telling the story of our program,” he said. “We need younger people to come in and work for us, and this is where we will find them.”

Brittany Wilson, a TSTC Career Services associate who worked with Sullivan while she was a student, was pleased to see Sullivan share her success with current students.

“This was a great feeling for me because she was one of the first students I worked with when I came to TSTC,” she said. “We built a relationship, and we still keep up with each other. It is amazing to see how successful she became thanks to TSTC and our instructors.”

TSTC Automotive Technology, Electromechanical Technology and Wind Energy Technology students attended the spotlight and stayed after the program to learn more about the internship. One prerequisite for the internship is having at least a two-year degree in electrical or mechanical engineering.

“You will spend part of your time the first few months reviewing what you have learned here,” Sullivan said. “Having the degree will help you during those first few months.”

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

Those are the top three violations most frequently cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following worksite inspections for the 2020 fiscal year.

While accidents can happen in the workplace, many are preventable with safety standards already in place.

Texas State Technical College student Lucas Chapa finds that aspect of TSTC’s Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program most interesting.

“I’ve always wanted everything to be the way it should be,” he said. “When people get lazy and don’t do it the right way, it can ruin a lot of things.”

Injuries, illnesses and even death can occur at a workplace that doesn’t heed prevention protocols. Occupational health and safety technicians can help keep job sites, companies and their workers healthy and safe.

One of Chapa’s uncles works in this field, which inspired Chapa to attend TSTC.

“I felt like it would be a good opportunity for me if I came here and got an associate (degree) and then try to go work for him,” Chapa said, adding that he expects to graduate in 2022.

Occupational health and safety technicians can make an average annual salary of $46,840 in Texas, according to onetonline.org, which predicts that the number of such positions will grow by 16% statewide through 2028.

Texas is the state that employs the highest number of occupational health and safety technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the highest employment level of these positions of all other metropolitan areas in the nation.

Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance students at TSTC’s campus in Fort Bend County are ideally positioned for these career opportunities.

“Students can hit the ground running,” TSTC instructor Andrea Skinner-Creeks said. “Here, they can learn from my experiences and I can guide them. The things that stick out are the real-life scenarios: the things I encountered in the field, and what I did in those situations.”

Skinner-Creeks adds that her students gain more than relevant training in their studies. They also learn soft skills like managing intrapersonal relationships, giving presentations and being confident in their communication skills.

“It’s been really fun,” Chapa said of his experience with the program. “The teachers have been very, very nice. I’ve learned a lot from them just from the couple semesters I’ve been here already. Just being here at TSTC, it’s a fun environment.”

Would he recommend this program to prospective students?

“Yes, I would,” Chapa said. “Definitely.”

In addition to its Fort Bend County campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance at its Breckenridge and Waco campuses.

Learn more about TSTC at tstc.edu.