TSTC Diesel Equipment students learn about jobs with United Rentals

(RED OAK, Texas) – Representatives from United Rentals presented information about their company to about 30 second-semester Diesel Equipment Technology students at Texas State Technical College on Monday, March 6.

The representatives discussed internship and job opportunities and the need for people with the skills that the students are learning at TSTC.

“We are looking for talent,”  Kym Philhart, a representative for United Rentals, said. “We want the individuals who want to grow your career and grow with us.”

Philhart said what the students are learning and working toward is important.

“It’s valued, what you’re learning and what you’ve dedicated yourself to,” she said.

The representatives talked through the starting position in which new employees would begin and the possibilities for growth within the company.

United Rentals is the largest equipment rental company in the world. It has locations in 49 states, 1,186 rental locations in the United States, 18,500 employees, and 3,800 different classes of equipment that it services. 

Due to the company’s many locations, Philhart said it tries to place workers wherever they need to be, and employees can often transfer from one location to another should they need to move. 

Internships with United Rentals are paid and begin at $20 an hour. The representatives directed students to www.unitedrentals.com/careers if they were interested in applying.

At the end of the presentation, Philhart played a video from United Rentals’ careers page where Matt Flannery, president and CEO, discussed what they seek in new employees.

“We’re looking for men and women who have a great work ethic and a can-do attitude,” he said. “We want team players that are honest and supportive and who can see the world through our customers’ eyes.” 

According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in the state can earn an annual average salary of $47,850, the website stated.

Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Depending on campus location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations, as well as several certificates of completion and a Basic Diesel occupational skills achievement award.

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee program. If a participating graduate does not find a job in their field within six months after graduating, TSTC will refund their tuition. 

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