TSTC Industrial Systems students learn about local opportunities with Leedo Cabinetry

Area company looking to staff industrial maintenance technicians, among other positions

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The 15 Texas State Technical College Industrial Systems students who attended a recent industry spotlight event with Leedo Cabinetry walked away from the experience with more than just a brand-new Stanley tape measure.

They also came away with valuable insights on finishing their training, getting hired in a field in high demand and setting themselves up for future success — and growth.

“Getting that degree or certificate is super important,” said Kayla Crawford, a recruiter with Leedo Cabinetry. “We hope we would be that second step for you guys. It never hurts to interview — it helps you sharpen your skills. You’re also interviewing us when you come in (and ask), ‘What can Leedo offer me?’”

Leedo Cabinetry has been in business since 1971, staffing two Texas manufacturing plants in East Bernard and El Campo with a production team of about 500 employees. The company ships 2,000 units of cabinets per day and looks to increase production by 20% in 2022, Crawford said.

As it grows, Leedo hopes to hire locally — and promote from within.

“Our engineers are very much into lean processes,” Crawford said. “That means very little waste and less steps to get it done. For that reason, we have been able to stay in business and stay profitable.”

Leedo did not experience a downturn like so many other companies did during the pandemic.

“Our business has picked up,” Crawford said. “People are spending more time in their homes. Whether it’s a new build or a remodel, the need for cabinets is not going away.”

TSTC students learned about the hiring process at Leedo during the hourlong presentation to the students, including information about the company culture, tips for creating successful resumes, and what kinds of skills the company looks for in its maintenance technicians.

Crawford’s advice about incorporating keywords from a job description into a resume is one that TSTC’s Career Services department has also urged students to follow, said Jamie Jimenez, a Career Services associate.

“We need that reiteration,” Jimenez said, emphasizing how important it was for students to hear employers reinforce the steps to take for a successful application process. 

Leedo would benefit from maintenance technicians with electrical and process control panel operations experience, as well as troubleshooting skills, a willingness to learn and attention to detail.

“There’s a shortage of maintenance technicians — that’s why you guys are in a situation where you’re the ones driving the car here,” Crawford said. “We’re trying to train others from within, but it’s a slow process. We really want you guys to remember that we’re there and we’re really interested in you.”

Industrial machinery mechanics can earn an average annual salary of $54,980 in Texas, according to onetonline.org, which forecasts that the number of these positions may increase by 13% through 2028.

TSTC is so confident that its Industrial Systems degrees will lead to high-quality jobs that the program is part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee. If participating graduates do not get hired in their field within six months of earning their degree, TSTC will refund their tuition.

Texas is the biggest employer of industrial machinery mechanics in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the highest employment level of these positions of all other areas in the U.S.

There are opportunities for TSTC’s Industrial Systems students throughout the region.

“I think you guys picked the top field right now,” Crawford said. “It’s great that you’ve invested in yourselves because it’s going to go a long way.”

Learn more about TSTC at tstc.edu.