Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, reported in December of 2008 that the number of jobs requiring technical training, certifications or associate degrees is outpacing the number of people available to fill them — even though many pay above-average salaries.

As baby boomers continue to retire, and with society’s continued emphasis on four-year programs, industry is ever increasingly scrambling to find workers now that can keep up with a rapidly changing work environment.

“In this environment, ensuring that Texas students have the range of technical skills they need to pursue a successful career is a critical goal, both for the individual and the state as a whole. Many Texas businesses simply cannot prosper without a growing labor pool of skilled technical employees,” said Combs.

There is a solution: Texas State Technical College.

For nearly 45 years now, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) has recognized the value of a technical education. Indeed. The college’s curriculum, its array of industry-standard laboratory equipment and 700-plus strong advisory committee representing Texas employers, even its industry-experienced staff have long since understood the need for technical training.

Combs reported that in 2007, more than 80 percent of all Texas jobs did not require a bachelor’s degree. More importantly, neither did nearly 44 percent of jobs paying an above-average income for the state. Texas — and the nation as a whole — needs skilled technical workers prepared to evolve and grow with the changing needs of the workforce.

At TSTC, we are educating the workforce of the future. With nearly 100 technical associate degrees and certificates representing virtually every kind of industry, workforce training programs on-site or at industry locations and close collaboration with business, industry, community and governmental agencies, TSTC can fill this growing gap.

Find out how you or your business can prosper with a professionally trained, skilled workforce. Call today, toll-free, at (800) 792-8784 or locally, 799-3611. Or, visit www.waco.tstc.edu. It’s one of the best investments you can make.