(HARLINGEN, Texas) – A strong connection between Texas State Technical College’s Drafting and Design program at the Harlingen campus and Garver, an engineering, planning and environmental services firm, has helped shape the next generation of drafting professionals.
Twenty TSTC students and alumni are currently employed or interning with the company. .
“When graduates thrive in organizations such as Garver, they serve as powerful examples of what is possible through dedication, quality instruction and strong industry partnerships,” Yolanda Ramirez, TSTC’s Drafting and Design program team lead, said. “Students develop proficiency using industry-standard software, produce technical drawings that align with professional specifications and learn the importance of precision, accuracy and attention to detail.”
Ulises Perez, computer-aided drafting production operations leader at Garver, said the engineering and design industry continues to see increasing demand for skilled professionals.
“TSTC graduates and current students help us meet these demands by entering the workforce with relevant technical training, practical experience and a strong desire to learn,” he said. “Their contributions have been valuable in helping Garver continue to deliver high-quality projects while supporting our long-term growth.”
The connection provides students with opportunities to develop professionally while reinforcing the skills they learn in the lab.
William Justice Almeida, who is in his first semester pursuing an associate degree, began his internship at Garver two months ago.
“I was informed about an internship at Garver by my instructors,” he said. “I enjoy the work they do in civil engineering. I have been reviewing markups from my mentor, communicating with the engineers on structural tasks and other duties.”
Graduates of the Drafting and Design program have experienced career success at Garver. Alumna Elizabeth Garza was promoted to a leadership role this year through real-world learning opportunities.
Garza, of Raymondville, was hired as a computer-aided drafting technician in 2022, and was promoted to a CAD production services manager this year.
“TSTC helped me learn to become versatile through working on different types of drafting projects,” she said. “I have been able to adapt to many scenarios through the skill of muscle memory in my job.”
The partnership comes at a lucrative time for graduates. According to onetonline.org, architectural and civil drafters earn an average salary of $61,530 in Texas, where the number of jobs is projected to increase 13% between 2022 and 2032.
TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in several specialized tracks, including architectural, civil, and engineering graphics technology.
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.