TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department partners with Bechtel to employ NCCER Basic Rigger program graduates

HARLINGEN — Texas State Technical College’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department recently partnered with engineering, construction and project management company Bechtel, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corp. and Workforce Solutions Cameron to allow graduates from TSTC’s four-week, 140-hour NCCER Basic Rigger program the opportunity to apply for rigger positions on the Rio Grande LNG projects being constructed by Bechtel at the Port of Brownsville.

“We are thrilled to announce an expanded partnership with TSTC, which includes a $15,000 donation of tools to support the development and launch of the NCCER Basic Rigger program in their Workforce Training department,” said Scott Osborne, senior project manager for Bechtel. “Investing in workforce development is crucial for enhancing the skills of individuals in our Rio Grande Valley community. We are dedicated to providing expert knowledge and guidance for the program’s curriculum and instructors. We look forward to witnessing the students thrive and advance in their careers.”

Myra De Leon, TSTC’s executive director for Workforce Training and Continuing Education, said the partnership is an opportunity for students who are ready to work.

“The tools that Bechtel donated and the job opportunities they are offering is amazing,” she said.

The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corp. is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic growth in the southernmost region of Texas.

“This aligns with our commitment to build a resilient local workforce, where certified, skilled talent is available to support our community’s growing industries,” Jovanna Rangel, the corporation’s director of business retention and expansion as well as workforce development, said.

Rafael Vela is executive director for Workforce Solutions Cameron.

“Specialized training creates pathways for individuals to secure stable, well-paying jobs, which increases overall purchasing power in our community,” he said.

During the first two weeks of the program, students are introduced to basic construction skills that prepares them for entry-level positions on project sites. In the final two weeks, students learn how to perform rigging operations safely at construction sites.

1 of 4

Gabriel Saucedo (right), a TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education NCCER Basic Rigger student, listens to an explanation from classmate Enrique Lozoya about how to use a gantry lift during a recent training session at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education NCCER Basic Rigger students listen to an explanation on how to use a gantry lift during a recent training session at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

Gabriel Saucedo, a TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education NCCER Basic Rigger student, listens to an explanation from classmate Enrique Lozoya about how to use a gantry lift during a recent training session at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

TSTC Workforce Training and Continuing Education NCCER Basic Rigger students listen to an explanation on how to use a gantry lift during a recent training session at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

The next cohort is scheduled for Jan. 6.

For more information about the NCCER Basic Rigger program, contact Myra De Leon at 956-364-4603 or myra.deleon@tstc.edu.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

The post TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department partners with Bechtel to employ NCCER Basic Rigger program graduates appeared first on MyRGV.com.