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.

Hanson received the Mike Torres Jr. Leadership Award at TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement held Saturday morning at The BASE at the Extraco Events Center in Waco. 

“It’s awesome,” Hanson said. “It makes me feel like I put in the work to get things done.”

Hanson received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Refinishing Specialization and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Repair Specialization.

Hanson complimented the program’s faculty members for being great at explaining the techniques he can use daily in his work. Now that he has graduated, he will go from working part time to full time as a painter at Slaton Paint and Body in Athens, Texas.

“The point of college is to go out and work,” Hanson said.

Kyle Pokraka, an instructor in TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program, nominated Hanson for the award. Pokraka said Hanson led by example in his classes, with other students finding themselves working at his pace to complete lab assignments.

“He (Hanson) never runs away from a challenge,” Pokraka said. “He never stops moving forward. He refuses to back down and quit.”

The Mike Torres Jr. Leadership Award is given to honor the memory of Waco native Mike Torres Jr., who taught in TSTC’s Digital Media and Design program until his death in 2005. According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, Torres graduated from Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic High School and TSTC’s Commercial Art Advertising and Integrated Digital Image program.

The award signifies qualities that Torres was known for: courage, honesty and integrity. The award is given each semester at commencement to a Waco campus candidate for graduation who is nominated by TSTC faculty and staff members. It was first given in fall 2011, according to TSTC archival information.

For more information, go to tstc.edu. 

Joseph Fredericks, Brady Kennemur, David Lopez-Cortez, Patrick Rodriguez and Tanner Tankersley agreed that their time in the lab taught them more than just skills they need to repair vehicles.

“I learned the value of teamwork, which is something I did not always practice before starting the program,” Kennemur said. “Working in the lab showed me that working together would be a good way to solve problems.”

That teamwork led to friendships that will last beyond graduation.

“I know that we will keep our friendship past graduation. We have formed a unique bond,” he said. “We have worked on all of the vehicles in the lab together and hang out after class talking about projects and what we have going on.”

Tankersley said they will continue to talk after school, especially when it comes to helping one another while they are working.

“We will always reach out to each other, especially if we need help on something we are working on,” he said.

Kennemur said they will benefit from one another’s expertise.

“I am more of a Ford guy, and Brady is a Chevy person,” he said. “I know when I am on the job, I can call any of them for their help, and they know they can call me.”

Rodriguez said he was hesitant to ask his classmates for help when he started. He quickly learned it would be the best way to succeed in the program.

“We went to lunch together one day, and it all kind of clicked,” he said. “We wanted to be successful together and made sure we worked to help each other.”

Rodriguez said watching his classmates work motivated him to do better.

“I wanted to work just as hard as them and show people I could finish our projects,” he said. “It was the motivation I needed to complete the program.”

Rodriguez said instructors William Parker and Gerod Strother helped him prepare for the workforce.

“They wanted to make sure everyone is on the same page and able to do the job,” he said.

Lopez-Cortez also has seen the value of teamwork and trusting classmates and instructors.

“We are always willing to help each other with projects,” he said. “Gerod makes you feel confident in your decisions, but he is also there when you have a problem. He wants you to succeed.”

The five students are candidates to receive certificates of completion in Automotive and Light Repair at TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement to be held December 13 at the Abilene Convention Center.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology and an Automotive Technician certificate of completion at the Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Several other certificates, including Chrysler Specialization, Tesla START Technician and Toyota T-TEN Specialization, and a Basic Automotive occupational skills award, are also available, depending on campus location.

The need for qualified automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow in Texas over the next several years. According to onetonline.org, Texas has more than 60,000 technicians employed around the state, and that number is forecast to top 65,000 by 2028. The average annual salary for a technician in the state is $45,520.

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.

Senior Ryan Watassek was among them, on his way to his Automotive Technology class — part of a dual enrollment pathway organized between the district and Texas State Technical College.

“Even in just the half-year we’ve been here, I’ve learned so much about it,” he said of his experience so far. “I can help people with it and talk about it — and it’s something I enjoy doing.”

His mother, Meredith Watassek, herself a graduate of Fort Bend ISD, has been the district’s career and technical education (CTE) director for nearly eight years.

It does not come as a surprise to her that her son chose this course of training.

“My husband and all of my boys have a very high interest in vehicles,” she said.

“I’ve actually out-learned my dad — now I tell him what to do with the cars,” Ryan Watassek said. “He likes that we know it now, but he’s a little sour that I know more than him.”

“No competition between the two of them,” Meredith Watassek joked.

What has surprised her is the initiative and motivation the automotive training has unlocked: Ryan Watassek completed engineering studies in the district prior to shifting his focus to his passion.

While academics come easy to him, he prioritizes TSTC automotive modules over former focuses — such as off-season baseball practice. He also has clear goals about what he wants for the future, such as bypassing a civil engineering or architectural desk job for something he enjoys more.

“He won’t accept less than the best for himself,” Meredith Watassek said.

Of Fort Bend ISD’s almost 80,000 students, more than 21,000 are enrolled in CTE courses at the middle- and high-school level. The James Reese Career and Technical Center hosts 620 advanced-level students, with specially designed spaces and equipment.

The automotive space — an Enterprise Learning Lab called The Shop at The Reese Center — bustled with students and teachers peering into and under the hoods of multiple vehicles. A white minivan aloft on a lift awaited service, which could include an oil change, tire rotation, balance, state inspection, alignment and more, by appointment.

When students turn 18, they can become certified as a licensed state vehicle inspector.

Students have many benefits and opportunities in the Automotive Technology program and others at Fort Bend ISD.

For Meredith Watassek, however, challenges remain in shifting mindsets about CTE.

“Reinvigorating the common understanding and the value of all types of work experiences is really why I do this job — and why I think this is so critical,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do.”

Some may undervalue CTE and technical careers because they often do not require a four-year college degree. But chefs, allied health professionals and automotive technicians still complete in-depth training to fulfill essential, highly skilled roles.

Meredith Watassek focuses her efforts on ensuring that Fort Bend ISD students understand that CTE pathways are just as necessary as other courses of study — and can be viable options for successful, in-demand careers.

“In America in the 1990s, we downplayed opportunities to learn skilled trade, and skilled trade is in every area,” she said. “We are suffering as a nation at the current moment because our skilled trades are aging out, and we don’t have people to take over.”

While TSTC and Fort Bend ISD have closely partnered on dual enrollment pathways over the last five years, Meredith Watassek looks forward to expanding those opportunities in the future.

On Dec. 14, she will be the commencement speaker for TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus ceremony.

In her speech, she hopes to convey to TSTC graduates and the community just how much the idea of education and training has changed — and the doors that technical training can open.

“You have elected to put your time and effort into a skilled trade,” she said. “When you go out into that work world, it is your responsibility to exude confidence and value in what you are doing so others can see it and understand it.”

With the skills he is learning, Ryan Watassek plans to purchase and completely rebuild a 1997 Ford F-250 — he likes older trucks, and the one he has his eyes on is within his budget.

He looks forward to continuing to apply the knowledge he has gained in Automotive Technology.

“Any problem with cars, anything that’s going wrong with vehicles, I could take care of it and maybe open my own shop one day,” he said.

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

However, it took him breaking it — and, according to him, “somewhat fixing it” — to discover his passion for diesel engines.

“After that, I said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” he said. “I love it.”

Otradovsky is finishing his first semester on his way to a certificate of completion in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Texas State Technical College.

“All of this stuff we’re messing with now, it fascinates my brain,” he said. “I like it a lot.”

The hands-on experience in the diesel lab — and encouragement from instructors to tinker and troubleshoot on relevant equipment and components — has fueled Otradovsky’s and other students’ curiosity.

“He plays a huge part in active discussion, his comments are insightful, and he is not afraid to express his opinion to his peers based on his personal experiences,” TSTC diesel instructor Jose Reyna said of Otradovsky. “He also is not afraid to challenge me on my knowledge of certain questions he asks.”

Many of Otradovsky’s questions stem from his truck.

“He will start off by saying, ‘Mr. Reyna, let me pick your brain on something I’m experiencing right now with my truck,’” Reyna said.

Learning at TSTC has opened the doors to additional experiences for Otradovsky.

“I’ve made quite a few new friends here,” he said. “Friends turn into family.”

Otradovsky looks forward to a point in his career when he will be able to set his own hours, work for himself and earn a living — that is his dream job.

His instructor expects great things from Otradovsky in the future.

“I look forward to seeing this young man bloom into a professional diesel technician once he completes our program,” Reyna said. “I tell him all the time, ‘Continue being Cale.’”

Diesel specialists in Texas can earn an average annual salary of $49,810, according to onetonline.org, which forecasts those positions to grow by 14% in the state through 2028.

In Diesel Equipment Technology at its Fort Bend County campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and two certificates of completion, all with heavy truck specializations.

Because of the opportunities available for diesel specialists, TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program is part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee. If a program graduate does not get hired in their field within six months of earning their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

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

Cameron Bourgeois, of Bourne, and Cameron Wheeler, of China Spring, are scheduled to receive certificates of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck at TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement on Saturday in Waco.

Bourgeois wanted to stay close to home to work after graduation so he could continue helping out at his family’s ranch. He said growing up working with hay, animals and farm equipment inspired him to pursue his field of study. He will begin work in January at Stehling & Walker Garage in Comfort.

“I feel I have a lot more accomplished,” Bourgeois said. “I’m excited.”

Bourgeois said he enjoyed learning about engines in his classes. But he learned quickly that college is a lot different than high school work.

“I had to get down and focus on what’s going on,” he said. “At TSTC, you are learning how to be successful, and the instructors are teaching you what to do to be successful when you get in the real world.”

Wheeler began work in August at Lonestar Truck Group Freightliner in Temple doing body work and preventive maintenance. Upon graduation he will convert to full-time work.

“It’s a big relief to have work already,” Wheeler said. “I feel like I am ahead of the folks who are looking.”

Wheeler grew up working with his father on diesel trucks, which factored into his decision to attend TSTC. He also likes the pay.

“I have met a lot of people,” he said. “There are a lot of smart instructors here. I grew up some. It’s been good.”

The students said their advice to high school students is to seriously consider two-year colleges to have lower debt.

“TSTC means an opportunity for growth and development,” Wheeler said.

Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Texas are making a yearly median salary of more than $49,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website. Texas is projected to need more than 34,000 workers by 2028.

David Folz, lead instructor in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, said industry representatives continue to tell him that businesses need qualified diesel workers.

“They are really looking into our program to see what we are covering more now than ever,” he said. “Most do not realize that we do more than just diesel engines. We cover the whole machine. With the different levels of the program, industry is finding students at the level they need, whether it is basic work, like maintenance, or more in-depth, like engine overhauls.”

For more information, go to tstc.edu.

The storied military and industrial contractor has over 125 years in the business, building engines for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard — among numerous other marine, railroad and nuclear power applications.

“To give you an idea about our technology, we design everything around the Navy,” Tomaskovic said. “The technical things we do are unmatched. These are going on the ships that are going to protect this country. It’s a very great opportunity, and there’s a lot of design and engineering involved with this.”

Tomaskovic visited TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus recently to speak with students in the diesel program about what his company does — and the kinds of opportunities there are for growth within it.

The average length of employee service at Fairbanks Morse Defense is 20 years, he said — with some employees logging as many as 40 years at the company.

“Our track record for success is zero failures,” Tomaskovic said. “That’s why everybody is chasing us — our technology, our engineering, our people.”

The company is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the parts it uses.

“We own the design, we own the intellectual property, and that’s what’s cool about us — we own everything we do,” Tomaskovic said. “Everything we do is made by us.”

Fairbanks Morse Defense sends mechanics to ships around the world for preventive maintenance, which is recommended after a specific number of hours running. The company covers all travel expenses for their mechanics, who could be away for weeks at a time on a job.

“There are five phases of maintenance: cleaning, lubrication, inspection, repair, overhaul,” Tomaskovic said. “We do not want to get to overhaul. We spend a lot of time with the Navy, cleaning, inspecting and repairing.”

Fairbanks Morse Defense and TSTC have had about a yearlong relationship, Tomaskovic said.

“I’m on the advisory board for all your curriculum,” he said. “I was very impressed by this group, and I wanted to be part of it. I wanted to be recruiting out of here for our two plants in the Houston area.”

Judy Cox, a TSTC Career Services coordinator, encouraged students to ask Tomaskovic questions during the presentation, adding that Fairbanks Morse Defense hopes to visit TSTC’s campus at least once every semester.

“In just the year that they have been visiting, their company has grown,” she said. “Military isn’t going anywhere.”

With headquarters in Beloit, Wisconsin, Fairbanks Morse Defense is often looking to add team members with the foundation of knowledge and experience that TSTC provides.

Tomaskovic offered some parting advice for students eager to find a good-paying career after they graduate from TSTC.

“Don’t let anybody tell you it’s not about the money,” Tomaskovic said. “If you’re going to school, you should be paid for it. There’s nothing wrong with making a buck.”

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck Specialization and two certificates of completion in Diesel Equipment Technology – Heavy Truck.

Diesel Equipment Technology is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee. The college is so confident that diesel graduates will find a job in their field within six months of earning their degree that TSTC will refund their tuition if they do not.

In Texas, diesel engine specialists can earn an average annual salary of $49,810, according to onetonline.org. The projected growth of these positions in the state is 14% through 2028.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs the highest number of diesel engine specialists. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the fourth-highest number of diesel specialists in the nation.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

That mechanical knowledge intrigued him and became a deciding factor that led him to enroll at Texas State Technical College’s campus in Harlingen.

He is now pursuing a certificate of completion in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair in TSTC’s Automotive Technology program.

How did you become interested in automotive technology?

My grandfather used to fix transmissions, motors, brakes, and (do) other tasks until 2 a.m. when I was young. When I was 14, he asked if I wanted to try, and I agreed. I changed brakes and worked oil changes. In recent years, I did not have luck finding a job due to not having automotive background experience. Now (my interest in automotive technology) is a driving force, and I try to make the experience enjoyable so I will have a career to look forward to.

How has the program enhanced your automotive knowledge?

My favorite lesson in this first semester has been learning how to do an alignment. I did not have prior experience in this area. Our instructor, (Miguel) Zoleta, explained the process and what the components do using a chart. Then we proceeded with the hands-on part. We moved a vehicle to the lift, raised it, and inputted the VIN (vehicle identification number) into a computer. The system provides a detailed specification of what needs to be fixed to complete the process. I enjoyed learning it.

What do you enjoy about the program?

Based on what I have learned in the program, I remember what I did wrong in past jobs, and now I understand how to correct it. It is better to make the mistakes here instead of on the job.

What are your plans after graduation?

My top priority is to gain on-the-job experience after I earn my certificate. I want to move up the ladder to become a better technician, and possibly a master technician. As long as a company notices my potential, I am ready to work.

According to onetonline.org, Texas has more than 60,000 automotive service technicians and mechanics employed around the state, and that number is expected to reach 65,000 by 2028. The average annual salary for a technician in the state is $45,520.

In addition to the certificate of completion in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology and an Automotive Technician certificate of completion. The program has other certificates that are available, including Chrysler Specialization, Tesla START Technician and Toyota T-TEN Specialization, and a Basic Automotive occupational skills award, depending on the campus location.

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

“If you really want to do it, just do it and have patience,” he said.

Hanson is a fall candidate for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Refinishing Specialization and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Repair Specialization at TSTC.

Hanson said doing collision work is interesting because every vehicle has its share of different problems. He also said collision work means making good money.

“I like working on cars, but (I do) not like being a mechanic,” Hanson said.

Hanson began working part time as a painter more than a month ago at Slaton Paint and Body in Athens, Texas. He will begin working full time after graduation. He said his goal is to stay in the Mabank area to work and it feels good already having a job before he graduates.

Maxie Fowler, lead instructor in TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program, said paint and body shops continue to call seeking graduates to fill jobs. He said the job market is great for graduates.

“If they get their foot in the door, they can work into what they want to do,” Fowler said.

Angel Escamilla, of Mexia, has worked part time in the last year in the body shop at Mike Terry Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mexia. He balances his job as he works toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology – Repair Specialization and a certificate of completion in Auto Collision Refinishing at TSTC. Escamilla is a candidate for graduation in December.

Escamilla will move up to full-time work after graduating this semester. He said he is glad he did not have to relocate to work.

“I’ve always been interested in cars and working on them,” he said.

Escamilla said students entering the program should have an interest in vehicles, be confident and not be afraid. He said students can be successful in the profession when they follow instructions and use the right techniques to make repairs.

Automotive body and related repairers in Texas can make a yearly median salary of more than $43,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website. More than 13,000 workers will be needed by 2028, according to the website.

TSTC’s Fall 2021 Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at The BASE at the Extraco Events Center in Waco.

Registration continues for the spring semester. For more information, go to tstc.edu.