TSTC Announces New Generation of Short-term Classes for New Generation of Students

November 18, 2020 - Texas State Technical College, the statewide leader in technical education, is excited to announce new, innovative and short-term courses online that will allow new students to pivot from old careers into new career fields in a matter of weeks.

With an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs expected in the United States by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, Texas State Technical College has scheduled two different fast-paced boot camps to fill those positions.

Starting in the spring of 2021, these new programs in software engineering and cybersecurity will allow students to transition into some of the fastest-growing parts of the critically important technology industry.

TSTC officials said the goal is to prepare people to secure a high-demand, high-wage job in the IT field. According to Edgar Padilla, TSTC's senior vice president in the Office of Strategic Partnerships and provost at the East Williamson County campus, these fast-paced offerings will be rigorous.

"The boot camps are set up with an accelerated, rigorous process for the students to complete. I am very confident of the results for our students," Padilla said.

Online information sessions will allow prospective students to learn more about this exciting opportunity. The first session is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 18, and the second session is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on December 17.

Padilla said, "TSTC's mission is to help fill Texas' workforce with qualified employees, and the boot camps fit that model."

"Our job is to ensure we provide Texans with instructional support if they want to change careers. We know these (cybersecurity and software engineering) careers are out there," he said. "This is going to provide a unique value to our students. They will be leaving the boot camp and getting a job. We believe this will result in a lot of good jobs for Texans."

The Software Engineering Boot Camp starts on February 16, 2021, and the Cybersecurity Boot Camp cohort will begin on March 1, 2021. There are a limited number of spaces available. Interested parties should seek information as soon as possible.

The courses will provide people with opportunities to transition to a new career. In addition to teaching the courses, the TSTC model also provides career counseling and guidance for each graduate. Once the program is completed, graduates will work with a career coach one-on-one to work on best practices in job-seeking skills that will help them to land their first job in their new career field.

To sign up to attend an info session, learn about the cost and courses offered, or apply, interested persons should visit https://www.tstc.edu/itcareers.