(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When Deven Kalinec transitioned into the tooling department at HDH Instruments in Pattison, he realized that a technical education was the bridge he needed between his experience as a high-level deep hole drilling machine operator and his long-term career goals.
Kalinec began searching online after he attempted to interpret complex blueprints on-the-job.
“I discovered the Precision Machining program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus,” he said. “I wanted to pursue the associate degree to help me advance within the company and help expand our machining capabilities.”
Among the most impactful lessons Kalinec gained at TSTC was a deep dive into the technical specifications of carbide inserts.
“I was able to comprehend the alphanumeric codes on the insert packaging to choose the right tool for specific lathe applications,” he said. “The instructors do a great job of offering suggestions on how we can improve our work.”
Now in his final semester, the Brookshire native is preparing for the next phase of his career.
“The program quickly helps you realize if the machinist trade is your calling or not,” he said. “I have been listening to podcasts from machinist shop owners and other resources.”
Kalinec’s mechanical abilities first began in his father’s automotive shop.
“I noticed the precision that’s required in machining felt like an extension of the machines that create the parts that make a car run,” he said.
Greg Hovas, owner of HDH Instruments, noted that Kalinec is a standout employee.
“Deven has learned many new concepts and skills at TSTC that will help him perform well in his job and our organization,” Hovas said.
Deogratias Nizigiyimana is one of Kalinec’s instructors.
“Deven’s willingness to learn has made him a strong performer in our program,” he said. “His growth reflects his commitment to the trade.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Precision Machining, as well as a certificate of completion in CNC Machine Operator, at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.