(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Finding a job postgraduation is as important as the degree or certification. It is why Texas State Technical College prides itself on having a high job placement rate, even going so far as to offer a money-back guarantee for most of its programs.
And it is even better if students can find jobs before graduation.
Such is the case for Maximus Sanchez, a soon-to-be graduating student in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program at the Fort Bend County campus. While Sanchez has been working toward his associate degree, he has also worked as a technician for Roessler Equipment Co., a commercial HVAC equipment supplier in Houston.
“They are neighbors with my dad’s business, which is how I found them,” he said. “I currently work at the component panel shop. Once I graduate, I will be designing panels for commercial backup HVAC systems.”
Sanchez said the electrical side of the work is what TSTC has best trained him for. He also appreciates that he can look at parts and equipment and already have a basic understanding of how they operate.
For those students who are still looking for jobs, TSTC hosts employer spotlights with its industry partners. This week representatives from Coolers Inc., a commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment installation and repair company, visited the HVAC program on campus.
The two representatives described some of what the company expects of its employees.
“We like to start those that are starting on preventative maintenance,” said Matthew Foster, service leader for Coolers Inc. “We are trying to get you guys the confidence to take things apart and put it back together.”
The company has already hired around six graduates from TSTC’s HVAC program in the past year. Though they are not currently hiring, they still encouraged the students to apply, as they try to fill open positions as quickly as possible.
“Getting out into the field is important,” Foster said. “When you are put in the field, everything you’ve worked on here in the labs will be reiterated and come back to you.”
TSTC offers HVAC Technology at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses. An associate degree and certificates of completion are available.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is open. For more information, go to tstc.edu.