(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For Texas manufacturers, finding machinists who can step onto a shop floor with foundational skills is important. Industry partners say Texas State Technical College’s Precision Machining program is helping build that talent pipeline.
TSTC industry partners provide students with insight into the skills needed beyond the lab, including hydraulics, electrical systems, troubleshooting and welding, said Isaac Rivas, TSTC’s Precision Machining program team lead
“Our focus is making sure students get hands-on experience while continuing to work with industry to keep our training aligned with what employers actually need,” he said.
Industry leaders know the importance of interviewing TSTC graduates.
“Technical schools provide a vital pool of candidates for local manufacturing,” said Carlos Naranjo, maintenance manager at Creative Liquid Coatings, Inc. “It has been difficult finding local talent with the right skills. Our company currently employs two TSTC graduates.”
At Delta Centrifugal, where manufacturing includes casting, heat treating, machining and quality assurance, machinists need to have the ability to do more than operate the equipment. Six TSTC graduates are currently employed by the company.
Kris Jones, vice president of manufacturing at Dental Centrifugal, said TSTC graduates arrive with the skills that may shorten the training process.
“The biggest benefit Delta Centrifugal has seen from a TSTC Precision Machining graduate is their familiarity with reading prints, using micrometers and understanding machines,” he said. “Having this knowledge starting out reduces the time spent training someone and gets that machinist producing our products much quicker.”
At Galvotec, manufacturing engineer Lorenzo Derbez said employers look for entry-level workers who understand computer numerical control (CNC) machine setup, machine maintenance, measuring tools, and demonstrate a willingness to continue training. The company plans to interview TSTC graduates for future employment opportunities.
“It is crucial for students to be familiar with the tools and machinery used in any shop such as Galvotec,” he said. “We cannot expect the perfect worker coming out of any training program because the skills continue to develop while working. The most important thing is that the student has a great attitude toward learning more and takes pride in their work.”
Derbez said access to an area program that develops knowledgeable machinists benefits companies in the Rio Grande Valley.
“It is particularly valuable when students bring a positive attitude toward continuous improvement,” he said.
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 about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.