Advanced Manufacturing at STC recognized for excellence by TACTE

The Texas Association of College Education Educators (TACTE) presented its award of excellence to South Texas College in recognition of its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program in April.

TACTE is a professional organization serving workforce education in Texas community and technical colleges. The organization offers activities and services that promote sound and effective workforce education.

The award, presented to STC at TACTE’s annual conference, recognizes the program as an “exemplary and innovative” career and technical program in Texas.

“The Manufacturing program provides an environment to develop technical skills that are highly marketable to the area’s industries,” said Assistant Professor and Program Chair, Esmeralda Adame. “Most of the courses are set up to stimulate actual working environments.”

At STC, technical coursework begins in the first semester in order to develop a common skill base for the program. During this first semester the students learn how to use computers to read and use industrial prints, and gain technical skills.

The courses then scale up to manual machining operations, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and advanced machining procedures. The program offers an 8-month certificate and a 2-year associates.

“In today’s global economy, industry demands a better educated workforce,” Adame said. “Jobs in this new economy are awarded to people that are more educated, have complex knowledge and skills this is where STC plays a vital role preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”