Texas land commissioner emphasizes value of TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush toured the Texas State Technical College campus in Fort Bend County on Wednesday, June 26, to learn not only about technical education, but also how TSTC and its students contribute to the Texas economy and meet industry demand for skilled technicians.

Bush visited with students and faculty and toured some of the college’s most in-demand programs, including Electrical Lineworker, Electrical Power and Controls, Environmental Technology – Compliance, and Industrial Maintenance.

The four technologies are among 10 taught at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus.

The commissioner joined an Electrical Lineworker class in the college’s pole yard, where he suited up in lineworker gear, was coached on proper climbing technique, and even ascended several feet on an electrical pole.

Once back on the ground, he stressed the importance of technical education to the Texas workforce.

“We’re training the future leaders of tomorrow right here on campus, and so I’m excited to spend some time and learn more about what they’re up to at TSTC,” Bush said. “We all need to check out what we’re doing to connect to the jobs of tomorrow and take care of the workforce challenges that we see out there in the greater state of Texas. In order to keep business coming here, we need to continue to train the workforce of tomorrow, and it’s all happening right here at TSTC.”

Earlier this year, Bush dedicated 2019 to “A Conversation With Our Future,” engaging with students, parents and teachers across the state. As part of this initiative, he has toured all types of educational institutions.

A former schoolteacher himself, Bush is the third elected official in recent months to tour the Fort Bend County campus. Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Pete Olson each visited the new campus to promote technical education in Texas.

With 80 acres to grow on and its proximity to Houston, TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus someday could comprise from six to eight buildings with the capacity to support 5,000 students.

Besides Fort Bend County, TSTC trains technicians in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, East Williamson County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco, as well as online and through dual-credit courses for high school students.

TSTC offers associate degrees and certificate options in many in-demand technologies. Whether upgrading their abilities or just starting out on new career paths, TSTC graduates are highly valued by business and industry for their work ethic, knowledge and workplace skills.

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, log on to tstc.edu.