TSTC welcomes Abilene campus’s newest program

(ABILENE, Texas) - A September rainstorm did not stop Texas State Technical College from beginning its newest program at the Abilene campus.

The Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program has more than 20 students enrolled, and many of them are eager to train for their new career. The students were scheduled to make their first climbs on the outdoor practice utility poles later in the week.

"I have a good feeling about this class," Kyle Casey, one of the program's instructors, said. "We saw some standouts just by talking to them. They cannot wait to get into the yard and begin climbing."

The students, including Anthony McKee of Abilene, come from different backgrounds.

"I have been around the electrical industry my entire life," McKee said. "I was excited knowing that the program was going to be offered in my hometown."

McKee said he did not have issues with working in inclement weather and was disappointed that he could not visit the pole yard on the first day. He said once he completes the certificate program, he will be able to help people on a daily basis.

"This is a good career choice for me because I want to help people make sure they have electricity when the storms hit," he said.

Justin Townsend, of Rule, said he enrolled to escape an office environment. Having recently left a career as a bank teller, Townsend said being an electrical lineworker will offer him something different.

"I will have more substance in my life knowing I will be able to help people," he said. "I want the challenge of working on the poles, and I know that the job pays well."

According to onetonline.org, electrical power-line installers and repairers in Texas can earn a median salary of $72,510 a year. The website projected that there would be a 24% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.

Townsend said his goal in studying for a certificate of completion is simple.

"I want to go home feeling good that I am helping people in their time of need and building infrastructure to keep the lights on," he said.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at the Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses. The program is one of TSTC's Money-Back Guarantee programs in which tuition is refunded if a participating graduate has not found employment in their field of study within six months of graduation.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

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