Grads Bring Skills to Esteemed Engineering Company
In an exciting development for the local job market, two recent graduates from Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Matthew Blanco and Skylar Jensen, have elevated their careers by joining the ranks of Kiewit Corp., a leading player in construction and engineering. This new opportunity is not only a significant milestone for Blanco and Jensen but also highlights the impact education from South Texas institutions can have on Valley residents.
Pathways to Success: Blanco and Jensen’s Journey
Hailing from San Benito and Rio Hondo, respectively, Blanco and Jensen will commence as electrical lineworker apprentices with Kiewit Corp., embarking on their professional journey at the company’s training center in Aurora, Colorado. The duo completed the rigorous TSTC Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program and are set to apply their newly honed skills in a real-world setting.
“It was a sigh of relief to get hired on with Kiewit,” Blanco expressed, underscoring the significance of the opportunity. “I’m ready to start training and apply the skills that I learned at TSTC.” Similarly, Jensen views this role as a valuable launching pad: “I strongly feel that the Kiewit organization is a great first step to begin my career. I’m looking forward to learning more in the field.”
Carlos Gabriel Cambrelen, workforce development manager at Kiewit Corp., highlighted the importance of the apprentices’ willingness to embrace travel as a component of their jobs. “Matthew and Skylar’s character and work history aligned with our company’s work in the construction field,” Cambrelen noted. “We believe they are technically proficient at the pre-apprentice level and will have a great career with the Kiewit organization.”
The Role of TSTC in Workforce Development
The successful placement of Blanco and Jensen speaks volumes about the quality of education and hands-on experience provided by TSTC as well as the broader local impact on the community. The Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program at TSTC not only equips students with an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate of completion but also incorporates a money-back guarantee model. This innovative model ensures graduates who don’t secure employment within six months receive tuition refunds, highlighting TSTC’s commitment to favorable student outcomes.
Angel Toledo, TSTC’s program team lead for the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program, praised the graduates: “Matthew and Skylar’s hire with Kiewit demonstrates the quality of electrical lineworker graduates that our program has been producing for the workforce. We wish both men the best of luck in their careers.”
Impact on the Rio Grande Valley Community
For the residents of Rio Grande Valley and beyond, stories like Blanco’s and Jensen’s serve as powerful testaments to the educational and employment opportunities available within the region. Not only do these stories boost community interest in trades and technical education, but they also dissent the stereotype that significant career advancements necessitate relocation far from home.
Bringing such skills and talent development narratives to the forefront can invigorate local institutions and inspire future graduates to pursue similar paths. Furthermore, as more Valley residents gain employment in influential firms like Kiewit Corp., the trickle-down effect on local economies, community development, and overall job market can be substantial.
Reflecting on Regional Challenges and Promises
The RGV’s challenges, including fluctuating economies and the necessity for better job opportunities, underscore the importance of community partnerships and educational investments. Initiatives like those undertaken by TSTC demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, embracing both immediate and long-term needs.
Looking ahead, the focus on early college preparations, as covered by recent stories from San Benito News, complements ongoing efforts to better equip young individuals for the ever-evolving workforce. Moreover, drawing lessons from past local events, there is potential for expanding similar pathways across other sectors in South Texas.
Continuing the Conversation
As discussions around the employment of Blanco and Jensen circulate, it becomes imperative to maintain inclusive and balanced dialogue surrounding educational investments and workforce requirements. Continued collaboration among educational entities, industry leaders, and community stakeholders will be crucial in driving progress for all Valley residents.
For those interested in pursuing technical education at TSTC, potential students and parents can visit tstc.edu to explore programs and learn more about career opportunities post-graduation.
In summary, Blanco and Jensen’s achievements showcase the significant, positive changes rippling through the RGV job market. Through dedicated educational programs and supportive employer initiatives, the pathway to top-tier employment is attainable without compromising proximity to the beloved community roots characteristic of the Rio Grande Valley.
