Nearly 150 Students Graduate from TSTC Fort Bend Campus as Demand for Skilled Trades Surges
As the U.S. faces persistent labor shortages in the trades, over 140 skilled graduates from Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus crossed the stage this August—ready to meet the demand.
On Wednesday, August 20, the Stafford Centre was filled with cheers, applause, and a sense of achievement as 148 students from the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Fort Bend County campus walked the stage at the college’s Summer 2025 Commencement ceremony.
Each graduate earned either an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate of completion in a trade-based field. Many will now head straight into industries that are urgently hiring—such as HVAC, electrical linework, welding, and cybersecurity—equipped with hands-on training and employer-recognized credentials.
“It was a very comprehensive course, and I feel super prepared for the field,” said Marcus Downie, who completed the HVAC program and earned a Residential Service Technician certificate. “TSTC is an amazing school and experience.”
For fellow graduate Bryce Givens, the journey through TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management program was about more than just a job—it was about doing what he loves. “I really like climbing, which is what drew me to the program,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good about graduating and feel like I have the knowledge I need for a job.”
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A Graduation that Reflects a National Trend
The timing of TSTC’s latest graduating class couldn’t be more relevant. Across the country, employers continue to report unfilled job openings in skilled trades, even as college enrollment at traditional four-year universities declines. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in trade programs such as construction, HVAC, and mechanic repair has grown steadily over the past three years, with technical colleges like TSTC stepping in to fill a crucial gap. Between 2022 and 2023, enrollment in vocational and trade programs grew 16%. That follows even stronger gains the previous year, with construction and mechanic programs growing more than 19% and 11%, respectively.
As trade school enrollment rises, so does the urgency. The Associated Builders and Contractors recently estimated that the U.S. construction industry will require approximately 439,000 additional workers in 2025 to meet labor demand. That number could grow to nearly 499,000 by 2026, depending on the pace of new projects.
“Young adults are starting to realize that you don’t need a four-year degree to have a stable, high-paying career,” said Bryan Bowling, provost of TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus. “What you do need is relevant training, hands-on experience, and the kind of employer-ready skills that our programs focus on every day.”
Bowling addressed the graduates directly at the ceremony, celebrating the importance of their achievement. “Tonight represents a pivotal turning point in the lives of our soon-to-be alumni,” he said. “Our graduates should be bursting with pride for their accomplishments, and I know our faculty and staff, friends and family — everyone who has supported them — will be joining in the celebratory chorus.”
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Local Roots, Statewide Reach
Texas State Technical College has long been known for aligning its programs directly with industry needs. From its Fort Bend County campus in Rosenberg, students have access to modern labs, specialized equipment, and industry partnerships that often lead directly to job offers. Some of those employer partners attended the commencement ceremony, showing their support for a new class of job-ready professionals.
For communities like Fort Bend County—where population growth and commercial development remain steady—the pipeline of trade-trained graduates plays a vital role in local economic sustainability. As new housing developments, utility projects, and infrastructure upgrades continue across the Greater Houston area, skilled labor is no longer just a national issue; it’s a local priority.
Enrollment for TSTC’s Fall 2025 semester is now underway. Those interested in programs ranging from diesel mechanics and industrial systems to cybersecurity and nursing can learn more or apply online at www.tstc.edu.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
