HARLINGEN — Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus opened the doors to its annual Industry Job Fair, where more than 250 students and alumni presented their resumes and credentials to business and industry representatives, on Thursday, March 30.
Representatives of around 75 companies from across Texas and the United States provided information on job opportunities and described their company culture, job benefits, and the qualifications they are looking for in potential candidates for employment.
The TSTC Career Services team was delighted to see students utilizing their networking skills.
“The event continues to be a success because TSTC is excellent in growing a network with our industry partners,” said Kelly Guajardo, the event’s project manager. “Sixteen new employers signed up for the Harlingen campus’ Industry Job Fair. It shows that our college’s hospitality and culture has made its mark across the state. Then our students take it to the next level by networking, discussing their qualifications and demonstrating their professionalism.”
Abigail Martinez, talent acquisition specialist for Harlingen Medical Center, said the event’s sense of community was impressive.
“Our representatives have seen many students and instructors visit with us to ask about available job opportunities,” she said. “Our company does a great job to partner with new talent.
Students are able to apply for a per diem job that allows them to get experience while they are still in a program. Our hospital has around 600 to 700 employees. Our employees enjoy the family-oriented culture and the company benefits.”
Angel Arrazola, senior air operations recruiter for Envoy Air, said the company is the largest regional carrier for American Airlines.
“Our airline is looking to hire airframe and powerplant technicians,” he said. “The company provides training for graduates after they earn an airframe and a powerplant certificate. Thereafter, they will go through a six-week training period, which will transition them into being an expert with our aircraft. Envoy Air’s experience with TSTC students continues to be excellent because they are prepared, polite, dressed to impress, and care about aircraft maintenance.”
Jeremy Donahue, area recruiter for Penske, said the company is looking to fill entry-level diesel technician jobs, as well as positions in sales and operations.
“Penske does a great job at training an individual for success and promoting from within,” he said. “An example of how our company flourishes is what happened during the pandemic. Many businesses struggled, but we were busy nonstop with services such as our vehicle rentals. We know that TSTC has great candidates, and we want to hire those who are interested.”
Arlet Lara, of Santa Rosa, is studying for a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing. She expressed interest in working at a local hospital.
“I spoke with a representative of that medical company to learn more about jobs because I’m doing my clinicals in the facility’s nursery and it has been a great experience,” she said. “Overall, it’s admirable that all of these representatives go out of their way to recruit at our college.”
Jessica Shelden, of Harlingen, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology.
“I enjoyed how the event was set up, and that made it easy to converse with each company,” she said. “Envoy Air, Performance and Altec caught my interest because they offer excellent pay, relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, and each company offers flexibility while a student is in the process of obtaining an A&P (airframe and powerplant) license.”
TSTC plans to have another Industry Job Fair for students and alumni next fall.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
