(SWEETWATER, Texas) – “Construction touches everything.”
That sentiment was shared by Scott Hughes, executive director of the West Texas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, after learning that Texas State Technical College will launch its Building Construction program in Sweetwater this fall.
Hughes said he is excited about the program’s potential to strengthen the regional workforce.
“By 2026, the number of construction job openings across Texas will reach into the seven digits,” he said. “That’s due to a combination of a strong economy and many experienced workers retiring. There are so many different opportunities in this field.”
Stephanie DeLaGarza, vice president of business development at Alvarez Drywall and Acoustics in Abilene, echoed Hughes’ enthusiasm.
“Filling these skilled positions (with trained graduates) is phenomenal,” she said. “This is a skill set that gets people to work quickly. We have projects across West Texas and are always looking to hire.”
Rick Vargas, TSTC’s director of alignment for Building Construction, said the Sweetwater campus will initially offer a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman.
“That’s a stepping stone toward an associate degree,” Vargas said, adding that TSTC plans to launch the associate degree offering in Sweetwater in fall 2026.
The one-year certificate program includes opportunities for students to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, such as aerial lift operator, forklift operator, skid steer operator and OSHA 30 certification.
“During their time in the program, we are preparing students for leadership roles,” Vargas said. “We also focus on helping them build confidence and communication skills.”
When Hughes asked whether students would be able to tour active jobsites, Vargas confirmed that such experiences are planned.
Vargas also said TSTC is exploring dual credit options to allow high school students in West Texas to begin coursework before graduation.
“We aim to offer classes so that by the time students finish high school, they’ll be close to completing their certification,” he said.
According to onetonline.org, first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers earn a median salary of $73,420 in Texas.
Building Construction is also available at TSTC’s Harlingen, Marshall, New Braunfels and Waco campuses.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.