Employers connect with TSTC students and alumni at job fair

(WACO, Texas) – More than 1,000 Texas State Technical College students and alumni attended the Spring 2024 Industry Job Fair hosted by the college’s Career Services department on Tuesday, March 19, in Waco.

“The event was a great success and is helping bridge the gap between our skilled students and the top-tier employers, fostering opportunities that propel both our students and industries toward excellence,” said Hannah Luce, Career Services’ director of planning and special events. 

Some 200 employers filled the Col. James T. Connally Aerospace Center, Industrial Technology Center and Murray Watson Jr. Student Recreation Center. Students picked up free stress toys, handed out resumes and asked employers about their need for workers.

“There are a lot of opportunities,” said Moses Gamboa, of College Station, a second-semester Diesel Equipment Technology student. “I’m 23, and I have never been to a job fair before.”

Gamboa said he was impressed with the companies specializing in diesel equipment. He said company representatives were great in telling him what they offer and what they do.

Lukas Garcia, of Abilene, is a third-semester Cybersecurity student in Waco. He has attended the college’s job fair twice and said it has given him confidence in approaching employers about internships and jobs.

“More students need to come,” Garcia said. “They need to come for the experience to job hunt and see what the workforce will be like.”

James Robbins, operations manager at KMP Plumbing, Heating and Air in Mansfield, said his company was seeking to fill estimation, foreman, project manager, and superintendent positions. He said it can be challenging to find people with the required skills who are willing to work irregular hours. 

Robbins said company leaders chose to have a presence at the event because of its ties to Central Texas. The company has worked on TSTC’s Griffith Hall dormitory project and the soon-to-open Buc-ee’s in Hillsboro.

Nate Harshbarger, vice president of operations at Opifex Enterprises in Buda, said the company specializes in construction rental equipment and needs diesel mechanics. He said company staff know that quality students can be found at TSTC.

The company has been represented at the job fair three times. 

“It’s a great way to give back to a college that does a lot for the community,” Harshbarger said.

The Career Services department plans to hold another job fair in the fall.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.