(ROSENBERG, Texas) – There are many reasons why a person will choose a career, from taking over a family business to making money. But for Kate Salas, a student in Texas State Technical College’s Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program, that reason is safety education.
Salas first learned about the program during a tour of the Fort Bend County campus that her high school took her and her classmates on. After learning about it, the career seemed to fit her perfectly.
“I realized how important safety is when going out in the workplace,” she said. “I like the idea of educating others on staying safe during their jobs.”
One of the ways that the program teaches students like Salas how to do that is through the Emergency Response Guidebook. The book is used throughout North America to help workers and first responders know how to handle hazardous materials and situations.
“It is in a lot of workplaces,” Salas said. “This book is probably the most easily accessible and navigable way to access this information.”
Salas gave a presentation in front of her peers on the book, how to navigate it and its history as part of her semester final. She is nearing the end of her studies and close to earning her associate degree and entering the workforce.
“I’m looking into jobs in the construction industry mostly,” she said. “I’m also open to plant operations.”
Salas said she has enjoyed her time in the program and encourages others who may not know what they want to do to look into it.
“This program gives people awareness of the safety needed in the workplace,” Salas said. “I believe it will also provide me with a stable and great-paying job.”
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now open. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
