On February 29, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Abilene opened its doors wide, inviting high school students and local residents to its TechXperience open house. This event highlighted the diverse educational opportunities available, focusing on programs like Welding Technology, Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology, and Diesel Equipment Technology. Josh Pedroza, TSTC’s admissions team lead, emphasized the importance of showcasing the campus’s offerings, from hands-on activities to discussions with faculty and current students.
Exploring New Horizons
Participants were treated to an immersive experience, allowing them to envision their future careers. High school senior Aden Burns, soon to embark on his journey in Diesel Equipment Technology at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus, discovered a wealth of possibilities beyond his chosen field. The event’s layout and interaction with the welding program’s instructor particularly impressed him, broadening his career aspirations. Jeremy Burns, Aden’s father, expressed confidence in his son’s chosen path, highlighting the value of hands-on experience in building self-assurance and career readiness.
A Gateway to Success
Monty Moeller, coordinator and welding instructor at the Rolling Plains Technical School, brought his students to the TechXperience with a clear objective: to expose them to the array of programs TSTC offers. His goal was to help his seniors, many of whom are undecided about their future careers, to see the promising paths available in trades and technology. This aligns with TSTC’s mission to foster success through practical, career-focused education.
Building for the Future
The recent groundbreaking of a $72 million facility in Waco stands as a testament to TSTC’s commitment to expansion and improvement. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this new building will accommodate growing student numbers and facilitate a 30 to 40 percent growth in popular programs like building construction technology and solar energy technology. This development not only enhances TSTC’s capacity to offer a wider range of certifications but also significantly boosts its visibility and appeal to prospective students.
The TechXperience event at TSTC’s Abilene campus, along with the ongoing expansion in Waco, underscores the college’s dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the trades. As TSTC continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of opportunity, guiding students towards fulfilling and lucrative professions.
