TSTC Abilene Campus to launch new facility with trade programs
The Big Country is seeing an ever-expanding growth of new industries and infrastructure, and with that growth comes a need for workers. Texas State Technical College in Abilene is using that need as a new opportunity for expansion with its campus. The project began for an additional building for TSTC classes in April of 2024 and has seen lightning movement with its construction.
This 52,800 square foot building came with a total project cost of $30.3 million and is looking to open its doors very soon. To help pay for this project, TSTC was allocated funding through the Capital Construction Assistance Projects, under Senate Bill 52, during the 87th Texas Legislative Session in 2021, for expansion projects at 7 of the 10 campuses across the state. With the new facility also comes new programs of study, and Provost for TSTC West Texas, Andy Weaver, outlined what those new programs will be.
'In this building, we're going to be adding diesel technology, electrical line worker, plumbing, and HVAC. It's going to be an exciting offer, and it's serving a lot of our industry partners across the region,' Weaver said.
Weaver went on to outline how TSTC prides itself on having the tools to bring real-world scenarios into the classroom for more in-depth student learning. One example of this is the state-of-the-art ambulance simulator, which is only found in a few select locations across the globe, and which TSTC students in medical studies have already been using.
This new campus will be no different. The plumbing program will have a pit inside the facility filled with dirt and a variety of pipe layouts to simulate plumbers having to locate and repair pipes in the field. Weaver spoke about another addition to their Electrical Lineworker program that will be used as a teaching aid while prioritizing the safety of the students.
'We've already built the pole yard for that program. And then behind the building, there will be a short pole yard where students will be able to learn how to do the work at the top of the pole without having to climb to the top of the pole,' Weaver said
The construction is expected to be completed by July of this year, allowing students to attend the new facility starting in the fall semester of 2025. Weaver stated that they are preparing for the new students and are actively working to ensure everything is ready for their arrival.
'We've already began accepting applications. We're already working those applications. We already have some students enrolled in those programs. We are absolutely pushing to get more applicants. Right now, we need more applicants, want more applicants. But we're headed in the right direction,' Weaver said.
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