HARLINGEN — For Texas State Technical College (TSTC) alumni, life after graduation can often mean finding a fulfilling career with a company that matches their skills and ambitions. For recent Building Construction Technology graduate Simon Alcala, joining Vaughn Construction has provided him with significant hands-on experience in the company’s work on TSTC’s Harlingen campus expansion.

“I have worked with the company for six months as a general construction worker,” Alcala explained. “I help the team in any way I can with the various projects we’re doing.”

Vaughn Construction, a well-established Texas-based commercial general contractor and construction manager with over 1,000 employees, is overseeing the expansion of TSTC's Harlingen campus. The ongoing projects are expected to be completed in the spring.

Despite no longer being a college student, Alcala says his work with Vaughn Construction is still an excellent learning opportunity. He’s getting hands-on training and has been expanding his skill set in areas like field engineering.

“I’m learning more about field engineering and getting acquainted with AutoCAD by shadowing a team member who’s skilled with that program,” Alcala said.

A Hands-On Approach to Career Development

Andrew Cavazos, assistant superintendent at Vaughn Construction, praised Alcala for his diverse contributions to the company’s projects, stating that Alcala has taken on several roles, including supervisory tasks, field engineering, and hands-on labor.

“He’s done a fantastic job by helping to carry the load,” Cavazos said.

Hector Rosa, the team lead for TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program in Harlingen, also spoke highly of Alcala’s work ethic. According to Rosa, Alcala displayed a strong sense of initiative during his work-study job at TSTC, which greatly benefited his career development.

“Simon was proactive with the tasks that we assigned to him,” Rosa said. “(He) effectively used his soft skills when networking, which greatly benefited his career.”

Alcala is now working toward his goal of becoming a field engineer assistant with Vaughn Construction. However, his long-term aspiration is to rise to the position of project manager.

“I’m absorbing as much knowledge as I can while growing with the company,” Alcala said.

Growing Career Opportunities in Texas

According to onetonline.org, first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers in Texas earn an average annual salary of $67,650. The number of these positions is expected to grow by 23% in the state through 2030, making it a promising career field.

Currently, the Building Construction Technology program is offered in Harlingen and Waco. Starting this fall, the program will also be available in Marshall, New Braunfels, and Sweetwater, providing more opportunities for students to gain the skills needed for successful careers in the construction industry.

For more information on TSTC and their programs, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC continues to play an essential role in providing skilled professionals for the rapidly growing construction industry in Texas. With the expanding scope of construction projects like the TSTC Harlingen campus expansion, graduates like Alcala are gaining valuable experience while contributing to the success of significant developments. As the demand for skilled construction workers continues to grow, TSTC alumni like Alcala represent a new generation of construction leaders ready to make their mark in the field.

Originally reported by my RGV.