Texas Southmost College unveiled four new training facilities at the TSC International Technology, Education and Commerce Center (ITECC) on Oct. 9 during a ceremony at the ITECC’s Central Plaza.
“This was an exciting day for TSC and the communities we serve,” said TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “These new facilities are part of our efforts to provide the training and skilled workforce that our region and state needs, and will help get people back to work. And because this training is in demand, the lives of those we train, and their families, will be changed for the better.”
Joined by local industry and community leaders, TSC celebrated the $2.6 million buildout with four individual ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremonies.
The multi-million-dollar buildout approved by the TSC’s Board of Trustees includes program training centers for welding, construction trades, criminal justice and industrial mechanics and maintenance technology.
“We are proud to be introducing these state-of-the-art training centers and labs that will help train and educate the future generations of industry,” said TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela G. Garza. “These facilities also serve as a ray of hope for those unemployed by the pandemic because here they can train for new jobs and careers.”
For industry, this unveiling means a new era of training that will provide marketable candidates for a workforce that is in demand.
Mike Willis, South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA) board member and chair of the STMA Education and Workforce Committee called this unveiling a testament to industry partnerships.
“We have worked closely with TSC leadership in identifying industry needs and their commitment to creating programs to meet those needs is invaluable,” said Willis. “It was refreshing to envision and work with them in creating a new industrial mechanics and maintenance program, and seeing them take charge in creating opportunities for new jobs in our region is remarkable.”
Harlingen Police Department Sergeant and Training Coordinator Jesus Sanchez shared the same sentiment and said that TSC’s new criminal justice facility and simulators are the kind of training that will be beneficial to their officers.
“This kind of reality-based training will give our officers and future officers a great advantage when applying for a place in our department,” said Sanchez. “This is possible because TSC understands how we need to move our training forward and this speaks volumes on how TSC wants to take care of the communities it serves.”
Associate Vice President of Instruction and Workforce Development Joseph Fleishman said the 25,056 square-foot buildout and the addition of new programs such as the welding, pipefitting, electrical, scaffolding and industrial insulation programs is the vision of the region’s industry, especially with the liquefied natural gas industry bringing thousands of jobs to the Port of Brownsville.
“The launch of the brand new training center here at TSC has everything you can imagine for training an industry-ready workforce,” said Fleishman. “We have something for everyone. We can offer opportunity for those looking for a new career or a second chance. We have the facility, faculty and industry connections needed to provide immediate job placement. At TSC we’re ready.”