TSTC students get set for upcoming SkillsUSA Texas conference in Houston

(RED OAK, Texas) – More than 10 students from Texas State Technical College’s North Texas location are preparing to put their skills to the test.

The students will compete at the 2024 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference taking place from Thursday, April 18, to Saturday, April 20, in Houston.

“Our students and faculty have been working hard to prepare for the opportunity to participate in this showcase event,” said Marcus Balch, provost of TSTC’s North Texas location. “North Texas students have set a high bar in years past with several medalists, including a few golds.”

SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that can help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 categories in which students can compete, from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture.

“We would definitely love them to medal, but the experience itself is very valuable for students,” said Jacob Usery, campus SkillsUSA coordinator and director of alignment for the state Computer Networking and Systems Administration program.

Jacob Maxam, of Waxahachie, will take part for the first time in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration contest. He is in his third semester in TSTC’s HVAC Technology program.

Maxam said his favorite part about the HVAC field is troubleshooting. He compared it to detective work.

“I want to show what I have been taught here,” he said. “I feel confident in what I have learned.”

Andres Guerrero, of Dallas, will compete in the CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer contest for the first time. He is in his second semester in the Precision Machining Technology program.

Guerrero has been preparing for the contest by learning how to use Mastercam software for computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing.

“I need to put in the effort to learn the most I can before the event,” he said. “That’s all I can do is give it my best.”

North Texas students will also compete in the Telecommunications Cabling and Welding contests.

Gold medalists are eligible to compete at the 60th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference being held from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28, in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information on SkillsUSA Texas, go to skillsusatx.org.

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