Students excited to represent TSTC's Sweetwater campus at SkillsUSA
Mar. 6—SWEETWATER — Four students at Texas State Technical College's Sweetwater campus will be among the competitors at the 2025 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference April 2-5 in Corpus Christi.
SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 specific contests at the state and national events in which students can compete, from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture.
Andres Ramirez, an Automotive Technology student, will compete in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair. Ramirez will have to demonstrate his ability to perform tasks or skills from the standards listed in the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence guidelines.
"I decided to compete because I have always been a hands-on learner," Ramirez said in a news release. "This will showcase what I have learned in the program so far."
Ramirez learned about the SkillsUSA competition while studying Diesel Equipment Technology at the Fort Bend County campus.
"I am glad I get the chance to represent TSTC this year," he said.
Three Electromechanical Technology students will be among those representing TSTC. Shawn Couet will compete in Electronics Technology, while Rachelle Arthur and Gerardo Carrillo will team together in Mechatronics.
"I like the hands-on work we do, so it made sense to be in the Electronics Technology event," Couet said in the release. "I have learned a lot from practicing for SkillsUSA."
In Electronics Technology, Couet will have to demonstrate his knowledge of analog and digital circuitry, his ability to troubleshoot electronic circuits, his ability to construct and test experimental circuits, and his ability to design and select circuit components.
Arthur and Carrillo will have to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people who possess different areas of expertise.
"I wanted to compete to see myself advance in the classes," Arthur said. "This will give me an extra skill set and make my resume stronger."
Carrillo said his instructor, Toby Styron, has been helping the students prepare for the event. Styron himself won a SkillsUSA national gold medal in 2024.
"If we hit a wall while preparing, he is there to guide us," Carrillo said. "He does not hold our hand to make sure we get the right result."
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
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