Regional employers continue to benefit from hiring graduates of Tarrant County College’s career and technical education (CTE) programs, but more graduates are needed to address the growing demand for skilled workers in Texas.
“Nearly two-thirds of all jobs require some credentials that must be earned after high school,” said TCC Northwest President Zarina Blankenbaker. “Currently, there are about 30 million jobs that fit into that category…and these jobs require specialized skills.”
TCC recently hosted its first virtual NC3 National Signing Day event featuring students declaring their intent to pursue a technical career track at the College. Both TCC South and TCC Northwest hosted virtual ceremonies featuring new students signing letters of intent online.
Sponsored by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), this national event mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. It is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of trade professions.
“NC3 certifications allow students to apply relevant skills and stackable credentials across multiple industries and is a great opportunity for our students to become a part of a large network of business and industry partners both locally and nationally,” said TCC South President Daniel Lufkin. “The credentials and skills that our NC3 students receive will not only prepare them for high demand jobs, but also will offer them pathways for career advancement. We are extremely proud of our signees and wish them much success on their path to success.”
Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, this year’s event was pre-recorded and broadcast online on April 15.
New TCC Northwest students participating in National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day:
Alexander Bell Aviation Maintenance
Gabriel Rivera Professional Pilot Program
LeAnna Olvera Aviation Maintenance
Mario Lomeli Aviation Maintenance
Nicholas Kupferle Aviation Maintenance
Rashard Ray Aviation Maintenance
Terry Foster Aviation Maintenance
New TCC South students:
Adrienne Burgess Building/Civil Technology
Jonathon Duron Construction Management
Daisy Gaucin Construction Management
Vernard Jenkins Welding Program
Gregory Key Electronics Technology · Robotics and Automation
Kedric Lilly Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC)
Karson Lusty Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC)
Joel Machogu Information Technology
Jaylen Shands Electronics & Telecommunications
Ross Singletary Computer Aided Design & Drafting
During the video presentation, TCC Chancellor Eugene Giovannini spoke about the College’s role in helping Texas build a skilled workforce.
Since 1965, TCC has proudly served its region by offering affordable programs designed to prepare students for high demand, high-paying jobs that make our community and our economy stronger and more sustainable,” said Giovannini. “Technical professions constitute the backbone of our society, which is why TCC works closely with industry partners throughout the region to advise about the programs they need.”
At just $64 per credit hour (or $960 for a 15-hour semester), TCC offers more than 70 fields of study, 82 associate degree programs, 132 certificates of completion and more than 200 technical programs. For more information, visit tccd.edu.