(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will launch its Electrical Construction program this fall at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen and Marshall campuses.
TSTC’s Electrical Construction certificate of completion program will help students develop the skills needed for immediate employment in the industry.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) projects a 20.3% increase in demand for electricians, making the occupation one of the fastest-growing in Texas’ construction industry.
“Fort Bend County and the Houston area are continuing to grow rapidly, and with that growth comes a strong demand for skilled electricians,” said Shawn McNeil, TSTC’s Electrical Construction program team lead at the Fort Bend County campus.
McNeil said employers are looking for entry-level technicians who understand safety, possess strong hands-on skills and are prepared to work.
“These companies want students who can read blueprints, use tools properly, troubleshoot basic electrical issues, and communicate effectively on a job site,” he said.
Jorge Cabrera, program team lead at the Harlingen campus, said the launch of the program will help meet growing workforce demands in the Rio Grande Valley by providing industry-aligned training for residential, commercial and industrial electrical careers.
“Our curriculum will align with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 30-hour training safety standards and industry certifications while emphasizing workforce readiness, safety and employability skills,” he said.
Daniel Godfrey, an Electrical Construction instructor at the Waco campus with 20 years of field experience, will relocate to the Marshall campus to support the program’s development and teach courses.
“Students will gain the skills needed to work safely and efficiently,” he said.
Cabrera said TSTC’s Career Services team is also developing partnerships with industry leaders in the region.
“These partnerships include Metro Electric, Independent Electrical Contractors, Quality Electric and IES Residential for potential internships, apprenticeships, industry input, job placement, and workforce development aligned with local employer needs,” he said.
Through a partnership with the TDLR, students who complete the Electrical Construction program may have the 4,000-hour work requirement waived for the residential wireman license, providing a faster pathway to licensure and career entry.
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.