Fall semester officially kicks off at TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) - The rain could not dampen the high energy on Texas State Technical College's Fort Bend County campus during the first week of the fall semester. Students walked the halls between classes, instructors shared their knowledge and expertise, and the sounds of tools and equipment in use could be heard.

A defining trait of TSTC is the drive that each student brings for their chosen program and career path. Such was true for Brielle Hunt, a new student in the HVAC Technology program.

"I started in the career and technical education program during my freshman year of high school," Hunt said. "I've known I wanted to go into HVAC for a while, and TSTC was recommended to me by my high school counselor."

A draw for many students is the prospect of a high-paying career that a technical education can provide. With just an associate degree, the average annual salary for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Texas is $50,190, according to onetonline.org.

Each of the instructors could be seen leading the new students, getting to know them, and sharing their years of professional knowledge. While the first week may not have as much hands-on lab time as the future will, students were still shown and had a chance to interact with the equipment native to their program and chosen profession.

"My goal is to have you not only follow the instructions you are given, but understand why we do them," Larry Jenkins, an instructor in the Industrial Systems program, told students in his class. "Once you start understanding the instructions, you are on your way to where you need to be for graduation."

The average annual salary for industrial machinery mechanics in Texas is $60,480, according to onetonline.org. The website showed that the need for these specialists in the state was forecast to grow 35% between 2020 and 2030.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.