(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing program is often described as a jack-of-all-trades pathway, and the students enrolled in the Abilene campus program reflect that diversity.
Second-semester students range from recent high school graduates to military veterans and individuals pursuing a second career. What draws them to the program is the opportunity to learn how to maintain and service industrial equipment and gain hands-on experience in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electrical systems, hydraulics and welding.
“I always wanted to learn a trade,” said Jakyre Orville of Beaumont. “My grandfather was a welder for 45 years, and that set a good foundation for me.”
Orville, one of the older students in the class, said his younger classmates are being set up for long-term success.
“They are learning a little bit of everything,” he said. “That is a good foundation to start a career.”
Being one of the older students has not slowed Orville’s determination.
“I think sometimes the younger guys have a harder time keeping up with me,” he said. “I know how to pace myself, which is a good thing.”
Zachary Inboden, a U.S. Army veteran from California, found his path to the Advanced Manufacturing program by following his son’s journey at TSTC. His son completed the Electrical Power and Controls program, which prompted Inboden to explore the Advanced Manufacturing lab.
“I started talking to the instructors, and things got rolling,” he said.
Medically retired from the Army, Inboden says returning to a structured, hands-on environment has been rewarding.
“It has been great to get back into doing something,” he said.
Cameron Hayes, a 2025 graduate of Wylie High School in Abilene, first learned about the program while touring the campus as a high school student.
“I have always been a hands-on type of person,” Hayes said. “After touring the school, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”
Students agreed that age is not a factor in success within the program, crediting instructors for their accessibility and support.
“The instructors are thorough throughout the class,” Orville said. “We are going to know exactly what needs to be completed.”
Hayes said the program opens doors regardless of a student’s age.
“This program allows you, no matter your age, to build a career,” he said. “It is good to have the ability to learn a trade that will last forever.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.