Western Technical College Newsletter

Letter From an Alumni

If you are a student or even an individual considering Western Technical College (WTC) as an education choice, you are heading in the right direction! All you need is for one person to care about you, and at WTC the whole team cares.  I graduated from WTC in 1996 from the Microcomputer Electronics Program and have never regretted it.

In 1992, I was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving my country for 15 years. My wife and I purchased our first home in El Paso, Texas. I applied for numerous jobs and to no avail was making money through odd jobs.   I wasn’t content with my situation and was able to go to VA and apply for Vocational Rehab. I was encouraged to attend school for Electronics and started attending WTC.

The choice I made opened up possibilities I never even imagined. WTC Career Services were the most influential part of the school because they helped me, even when I did not want their assistance. In May 1996, Intel Corporation was recruiting at WTC and after Career Services encouragement and preparation assistance, I interviewed with Intel. I was hired one week later and have now been with Intel for 11 years as a Manufacturing Tech in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

I am also a college recruiter for Intel and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Did you know that there are jobs, not only in El Paso, but nationwide in the fields of computer and electronics? By the year 2008 around 10,000 jobs will be available nationwide in the electronics or tech field for people with at least a two year tech degree. Can you imagine the opportunities you will have as a trained professional? Especially with the hands on training and experience you will receive through the Programs that WTC offers before you even get out of college.

With the expansion of Ft.Bliss, several new companies in New Mexico, million dollar projects starting and the new plant at Intel in Chandler Arizona, you’ll have plenty of opportunity if you put your mind to it. Now, you can make an informed decision, just like I did!

Sincerely,

Jose Coffie– Western Technical College Alumni

Performance Tuner. A HOT Field!

Performance Tuning. What is it and why is it a hot career field? Program Director, Rich Walker answers the question. “Well, Performance Tuning an automobile is now about using custom computers and software combined with knowledge of using the right parts for the right reasons.  Walker continues, “If you’re interested in true tuning, this program will cover base performance, turbo charge, supercharging and nitrous. “

Trained individuals have opportunities at performance tuner specialized shops, automotive dealerships, accessory parts companies, high performance manufacturing companies, independent repair shops, dyno shops and specialty companies. With many outlets searching for fresh, talented ideas, the door is wide open for ambitious individuals looking for a career in this booming multi million dollar industry. “The chances for self employment for specialty performance technicians are high, too.” adds Walker.

Like all programs that WTC offers, Career Services will assist graduates in finding employment, and before they even graduate, will prep them to be ready for the employment process, teaching them everything from resume writing, interview skills and dress attire.  Sheila Covey, Career Services Representative for the Program, says, “WTC encourages employers in the field or even with an interest in Performance Tuning, to contact us. Any involvement that employers have with WTC  to include Advisory Boards, employment of graduates,  mock interviews, and  presentations , will give them an advantage in that they will have  knowledge of the skills and training that graduates come out of this program with. As experienced specialists in hiring, it will also give them an opportunity to provide feedback about our curriculum to better serve their needs as employers in the field.”

Students in this field will receive hands on training in the shop and on the dynamometer on today's hottest tuner cars! For More Information, call (915) 532-3737 or visit www.wtc-ep.edu.

Biomedical Build Out

Western Technical College is expanding again! Not even one year after the Main Campus opened in the Lower Valley, WTC is already working on the newest addition to the WTC Branch Campus located in the Northeast at 9451 Diana. The build out will house one of WTC’s newest Programs, Biomedical Equipment Technology, and a few others in the near future. Preparations for new equipment additions have already been made and the final stages of building are in progress.

In a recent interview, Mary Cano, Executive VP and School Director says, “There is a great demand for qualified technicians that specialize in installing/servicing medical equipment.  This is a result, in part, due to the sophistication of modern-day medical diagnostic equipment.  There exists a relationship between medical health care professionals and engineers that create the equipment to meet their needs, and the technicians who maintain them.  It’s very exciting to be a part of that loop.”

The Biomedical Equipment Technology program is a vital part of healthcare today. Maintaining and troubleshooting sometimes life saving equipment is in high demand and requires knowledge in various levels of electronics, anatomy and physiology terminology, repairing of diagnostics equipment and networking essentials.  

For More Information about the Biomedical Equipment Technology Program call (915) 566-9621 or visit www.wtc-ep.edu today!

WTC Announces Employers of the Month for September, October & November 2006

Combination Welding
Riverbend Crane-Billy Black & Martin Martinez
Texas Longhorn Trailer-Sam James
Area Iron & Steel-Karen Edmonston

Automotive Technology
Crawford Imports-Manny Montez
Jack Key Motors-Michael Schmickle
Hoy Fox Toyota-Paul Dillon

Performance Tuner
Speed Factory-Richard Walker
MSD Ignitions-Eric Brock
Texas Hot Rods-Bob Harding

Refrigeration Technology
King’s Aire-Joe Balderrama
Vista Corrugated-April Granados
Berg Enterprise-Tanny Berg

Diesel Technology
United Diesel-Alpha Kagel
Sun Metro-Damien Torres
EPISD-Oscar Anchondo

Microcomputer Technology
Huntleigh Telecommunications – Keith Amspaugh
DM Dickason/Desert Communications
ADP – Rachel Duran and Mike Wunderlich

Medical Assisting
Javier Elizondo- Talecris
Mike Enciso- Planned Parenthood
Ocarranza- St. Anthony Pediatric

Health Information Technology
Julie Nunez - Medical Billing Unlimited
Elizabeth Soto- Access Administrators
Jesus Diaz- El Paso Integrated Physicians Group

Massages Now Available to Public at WTC

Students from the Massage Therapy Program will begin their hands on Intern Clinic very soon! Don’t miss out on your chance to get a massage from January 16-30 and experience the wonderful training that WTC provides students through this program. A one hour massage will be available for only $10.00. Walk- ins are accepted Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00-3:00 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling (915) 566-9621 Ext. 116 . Hurry! Make your appointment now!

Tenet Corp Welcomes WTC Programs

Tenet Corp. Staff and Volunteers recently hosted several tours of its facilities for students and staff of both the Medical Assisting (MA) and Health Information Technology (HIT) Programs.

Sylvia Aguilar, Externship Coordinator for the MA Program arranged the opportunity to view and learn about different areas of the Sierra Medical Hospital facilities. Areas of exploration were the blood bank, specimen studies, CBC, CAT scan, MRI, ultrasound and more! Students were excited to see hands on the environments in which they are trained in the classroom for.

Students of HIT were led by Instructors Elsa Abad and Hortencia Fielden and Program Director Yolanda Glasser on their tour of Providence Hospitals’ medical records and coding departments. A WTC HIT Graduate, now employee and lead coder of Tenet, Miguel Martinez, spoke to the students. Tanya Aguirre, also a 1999 WTC HIT grad and employee of Tenet said, “It is great that WTC offers the students the opportunity to come here and get an idea of the environment they will be working in. It’s hard when you’re in class all the time to visualize what you will be doing. To see it is very different.”

Not New, But Improved WTC Website

WTC Web visitors can now conveniently access the Photo Gallery and our News & Events Blog from the homepage. Check it out now at www.wtc-ep.edu

Nissan Holds Industry Training at WTC & Donates Vehicle to Automotive Program

During the month of December, a three day training was held by Nissan for their Automotive Technicians of El Paso, New Mexico, and even Colorado at the WTC Plaza Campus. Emmett Barnes, field training specialist with Nissan out of Dallas, Texas provided the training to about nineteen technicians to include several WTC graduates of the Automotive Program. Samuel Vivar , a WTC graduate that became employed with Casa Nissan while in the program and before he even graduated said, “This training  has been very beneficial. It’s all new technology. Just yesterday we diagnosed this car I am sitting in from across the room, not even touching the vehicle.” Barnes explains, “This is blue tooth wireless technology that communicates with the car through a laptop that Nissan Service Department technicians have to be knowledgeable about as we introduce the new 2007 Altima .”

Not only did Nissan hold their training at the WTC facilities, but they also announced their donation of both a 2002 Infinity Q45 training vehicle and a portable Ammco brake lathe to the WTC Automotive Program. “It’s a great partnership that we have with WTC. The new facilities are fantastic and we want to help young students.” says Barnes.

Nissan donates used training vehicles to colleges such as WTC that provide hands on training for educational purposes. Barnes adds, “This is important because we also have an interest in hiring graduates of this program.” This is not the first vehicle that Nissan has donated.

Both graduates that were in the Nissan training agreed that WTC prepared them to be where they are at today. Paul Cisneros , another WTC graduate said, “My life is good. I have my house and my family. WTC helped me to gain my certifications which gave me the opportunity to work for Nissan dealership.”

WTC would like Thank Nissan for their donations and their support of the WTC Automotive Program in El Paso. To view more photos of this event, visit www.wtc-ep.edu

Graduates Working In Field

Combination Welding
Jose L. Chavez-Westside Trucks
Omar Kato-Riverbend Crane
Jose Ornelas-Riverbend Crane
David Rivera-Lofton Staffing
Fabian Primera-Loudon Electric
Jesus Reyes-Alliance Rigging
Melvin Riley-Conrad Shipyards
James Gatewood-Sun City Rooter
Joshua Valenzuela-Texas Longhorn Trailer
Jacqlyn Medina-Ballistic Racing
Brian Howard-Structural Steel Services
Juan Tapia-Area Iron & Steel
Orlando Avalos-Air Plus
Jose Gonzalez-Beltran Masonry
Alfredo Montoya-The Shredder Company
Gustavo Davila-E.P.I.S.D.

Automotive Technology
Cesar Acosta-Crawford Subaru
Samuel Alvarado-Dick Poe Dodge
Daniel Badillo-Firestone
Adrian Chairez-Clint Transportation
Joel Favila-Expressway Ford
Rogelio Gallegos- LFG Trucks
Adrian Garcia-Sisbarro Dealer
Jon-Erick Hardin-Tune Up Masters
Rodolfo Leon-Dick Poe Dodge
Edison Munoz-Auto Zone
Linda Provencio- Hill’s Automotive
Manny Solis-Mission Chevrolet
William Stevens-Dick Poe Dodge
Enrique Castro-Hoy Fox Toyota-Lexus
Thomas Colvin-Windmill Solutions
Danny Talavera- Shamaley Pontiac Buick GMC
Marc Campbell-Casa Nissan
Eloy Flores-Maintenance Mechanic
Martin Barragan-Airport Auto
Jaime Gates- Martin Transmissions
Cesar Jara-Mack Massey West

Refrigeration Technology
Federico Camerena-Chase Suites
Jose Castrejon-Pronto Plumbers
Brandon Savington-Lake Powell Resorts
Chris Benevides-El Paso State Center
Sergio Gasca-SEARS
Eddy Rangel-SW Air Conditioning
Eric Cano-FJM Sheet Metal
Luis Gomez-Gateway Air Conditioning
Dirceu Rodriguez-King’s Aire\
Octavio Sanchez-Harvest Manor Foods
Roberto Saenz-King’s Aire
Jorge Guevara-Y & M Air Conditioning
Eric Perez-Canutillo ISD
Arturo Flores-Year Out Mechnical
Todd Scheiderer-Border Mechanical
Eduardo Ortiz-Gray Refrigeration
Patrick Singer-AM Refrigeration
Victor Saenz-El Paso Water Utilities
Carlos Torres-G & C Mechanical
Elio Medina-Y & M Air Conditioning
Rene Gardea –Property Maintenance

Health Information Technology
Araceli Gomez – Franklin Optical
Iris Martinez – Franklin Optical
Maribel Wood – Bryan Calderon
Grisedlda Contreras – St. Anthony Pediatrics
Ricky Gonzales – Billing Unlimited
Rut Gonzalez – Mesilla Valley Hospital
Isabel Gutierrez – El Paso Psychiatric Center
Judith LaFerriere – WellCare Inc.
Nancy Ojeda – El Paso Foot Care
Michelle Perez – Imaging El Paso
Juan Reyes – Red Cross
Griselda Contreras - St. Anthony Pediatrics
Veronica Cangas – Texas Tech
April Rivero – Old Pueblo Practice
Patricia Corral – WellCare Inc.
Alice McGehee – Monte Vista Coronado
Helen Babino – SRP
Melissa Brake – Pointe Residential Treatment Center
Zamis Brooks – Terra Health
Yvonne Carrasco – Dr. Kaim

Medical Assisting
Griselda Bazan – Dr. Canales
Angelica Bueno – Genesis
Miguel Enciso – Planned Parenthood
Miriam Garcia – Centro De Salud La Fe
Raymundo Rodriguez – Davita
Wendy Velez – Franklin Medical Center
Giovanna Guzman – Dr. P.B. Dandade
Erika Magalde – Dr. Ruffier
Teresa Mendoza – Planned Parenthood
Jessica Rodarte – El Paso Pulmonary
Rebecca Alvidrez – Dr. Barahona
Joshua Alvarado- El Paso Psychiatric Center
Samantha Cobos – El Paso Foot Care
Misty Hernandez – Thomason Hospital
Elena Moncada – Mountain Shadow Premier Home Health
Maria Olvera – RM Personnel
Yara Perez – Bio Tech Pharmacy
Nancy Aguilar – Centro San Vicente
Felicia Carnero – OB-GYN Consultants
Martha Garcia – Dr. Gluck

Microcomputer/Electronics
Alan Galarza – Southeast Electronics
Andres Telles – Newtimes Staffing
Martin Valenzuela – Time Warner Cable
Daniel Torres – Dm Dickason
Anthony Becerra – Channel 26
Marco Manriquez – CompuMedics
William Sullivan – Honeywell
Victor Hernandez – Dm Dickason
Adrian Patena – New Mexico Tech
Javier Lujan – Dm Dickason
Aaron Jones – ADP
Robert Hinojos – Huntleigh Telecommunications
Daniel Barlow – Huntleigh Telecommunications
Gerardo Morales – TMS
Lorenzo Frausto – C & E Industrial
Casey Parr – Western Technical College
Jose Bustamante – Intel
Sylvia Enriquez - ADP
Juan Martinez - ADP
Jose Pineda – Dell Computers