Industry Partner Visits with TSC Workforce Pipefitting and Welding Students

TSC ITEC, August 8, 2024– Students in TSC’s welding and pipefitting programs, as part of Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE), were given the unique opportunity to gain greater insight into their future careers during a recent industry partner visit to the International Technology, Education and Commerce (ITEC) Center.

DFG Solutions representatives took time out of their schedule to tour the welding and pipefitting training facilities, as well as give a presentation to students, providing them with valuable information about the kind of work opportunities they will have once they graduate from their respective programs.

As part of the presentation, DFG Solutions Operations Manager Michael Sandoval and Project Manager Mark Mendoza gave students a rundown of what to expect from the application process, the set of skills they are expected to demonstrate, work schedules, typical pay rates, and a plethora of do’s and don’ts that can help ensure that they develop positive reputations that can guarantee consistent employment.

“We want to ensure that there’s open communication, and we want to ensure that the students in these programs know what they’re getting themselves into,” said Mendoza. “We expect a higher turnover rate with domestic workers, but we want to feed that back into TSC, let them know what we’re looking for in the field so they can teach it to their students, and keep that rotation going.”

Partnerships such as this are crucial because they provide a defined pathway and clear direction for students entering workforce programs. Students are given the peace of mind to focus on their studies throughout the duration of their training program periods, secure in the knowledge that once they graduate, there will already be opportunities waiting for them out in the field.

“There’s so much industry and growth in Cameron County right now and going on into the next six or seven years, there is very much a need for these types of jobs. The aspect is that Brownsville can be one of the largest leaders when it comes to a trade that is needed worldwide, which is a great opportunity,” continued Sandoval.

Additionally, the wealth of experience brought to the table by the instructors in these programs also contributes to the post-graduate expectations that students may have. In addition to the technical know-how they receive as part of their training, students benefit from the years of in-field experience that their instructors bring.

“I’ve been in their position before,” began Texas Southmost College pipefitting instructor David Garcia. “In our program, we don’t hold back – we want our students to learn every trick of the trade so they’re prepared when they go out into the field and start looking for serious work.”

After having seen firsthand the rigorous training expectations and the equipment within the training facilities, Michael Sandoval is optimistic that graduates from these programs will have plenty of work opportunities waiting for them.

“I am thoroughly impressed with the facility and everything Texas Southmost College is doing here,” expressed Sandoval. “The dedication TSC puts into their programs to develop trained and skilled individuals is remarkable.”