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UTB-CBIRD Report: “At The Crossroads” Education & Training 57
If economic development is really important to Texas, then state taxes
should be dedicated to help TSTC develop new programs. As these
programs will help attract new companies, they will help grow existing
companies. They will provide high value jobs for TSTC graduates so that
they earn higher wages and have more disposable income and pay more
taxes. The first question asked by firms that the Chamber is trying to recruit
to Harlingen is “Do you have a trained workforce?” – if you don’t have the
education and training programs needed for their workers they will not
locate in your area.
Pat Hobbs, Dean
TSTC Instruction
August 14, 2002
TSTC Courses are Demand Driven
Before offering new programs, TSTC holds focus group meetings to determine
the sustainability of the proposed course and to see if it meets student career
needs and industry requirements. TSTC also conducts industry surveys and
forms ad hoc committees including industry representatives to help organize the
program. Once formed, an industry advisory committee provides continued input
to each program area. TSTC Program Chairmen have the responsibility of
satisfying state and national certification requirements, industry and student
needs, and student placement.
TSTC’s Chemical-Environmental Technology Advisory Committee meets in June
2002 to discuss curriculum and budget issues. Awards were presented to
representatives from Solvay Polymers, Shell Oil, and Texas General Land Office.
Shell Oil has contributed about $250,000 scholarship funds allowing TSTC
students to concentrate more fully on their curriculum and be less dependent on
outside work to pay day-to-day bills.
It is important that the Valley sees itself as one large market for education
and training – we need to cooperate on the design and offering of
programs – there should not be duplication in special niche areas. We
need to ask what is the market for these programs and is that market
sustainable.
Pat Hobbs, Dean
TSTC Instruction
August 14, 2002
One Region -- One Future
“We know when we
hire them [TSTC
graduates], they will be
well prepared and will
know the equipment
that they will be
using…they have an
excellent work ethic
and are well prepared
for team-work in the
labs.”
John Buckfelde
Solvay Polymers
TSTC Mustang