(MARSHALL, Texas) – Representatives from more than 20 companies attended the Industry Job Fair at Texas State Technical College’s Marshall campus on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Several of these companies consistently attend the biannual event having witnessed the value of a TSTC education firsthand.
Komatsu’s Longview location, which manufactures mining equipment, often collaborates with TSTC, hiring graduates from several programs at the Marshall campus. Charles Galloway, a learning and development specialist, said TSTC gives graduates a good foundation that the company will continue to develop in those they hire.
“We’re starting to see some of the older folks leave due to retirement and we’re trying to make sure we keep bringing in solid talent to continue with our business,” he said. “I think (TSTC) is a great school.”
Printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer is also witnessing the effects of an aging workforce, according to Ericka Luneau, the company’s director of human resources for the United States and Canada. She said they have been seeking TSTC apprentices for at least six years, several of which have gone on to full-time employment.
“This is not a job where you can easily go out and hire someone — there’s a long training curve — so TSTC graduates are really building our future field service tech workforce,” Luneau said. “I can’t say enough good about TSTC.”
Construction equipment supplier Sunstate Equipment frequently hires TSTC’s Diesel Equipment graduates. Ben O’Connor, the company’s regional service manager for Texas and Oklahoma, said businesses across America could benefit from the education TSTC provides its students and graduates.
“Having an organization such as TSTC that takes young men and women in and helps them grow into something they can use as a career — it’s invaluable,” O’Connor said. “We’ve been coming here for at least the past decade.”
TSTC will host its next industry job fair for students and alumni next spring.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.