Celebrating Back-to-school Season With Commercial Roofing Scholarships

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

TSC's Commercial Roofing Pre-Apprentice Program paves the way for bright futures for Emanual Rendon and Mercedes Ramirez. 

TSC’s Commercial Roofing Pre-Apprentice program was designed and implemented in collaboration with Schwickert’s Tecta America, a leading Midwest roofing and mechanical systems contractor with locations in Minnesota and Kansas, that hires 100% of the programs graduates. The Commercial Roofing Pre-Apprentice Program is an 80-hour, two-week, non-credit training program designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary to gain employment as an entry-level commercial roofer. 

Among the students joining the program this back-to-school season is Emanuel Rendon. Emanuel came across the program when it was posted on the Texas Southmost College on Facebook. After working at different construction sites across the state, Emanuel realized this opportunity is what he was looking for.  

“This was my chance to train for a specific trade,” Emanuel told Texas Border Business. “I’m now working toward a secure, long-term career. This is exactly what I needed.” 

The TSC foundation awarded Emanuel a full scholarship for the program. “I could not believe the kind of investment TSC is making in giving students like me full scholarships,” Emanuel shared. “This has saved me hundreds of dollars and allowed me to come in strong to do what I have to do to succeed.” 

Graduates from TSC programs are also benefiting from increased training offered in the  program. Mercedes Ramirez, another scholarship recipient, is among the many continuing her training through TSC. Mercedes spent time at TSC’s Industrial Scaffolding program, graduating in 2020 and going into work as a scaffolder before deciding to further her training with TSC’s Commercial Roofing Pre-Apprentice program. 

“I want to learn as much as I can and have skills that make me marketable out in the industry,” Mercedes shared. “TSC’s training can get you to the next level because they don’t only provide programs that lead to jobs, but they lead to careers.” 

Once hired, Emanuel and Mercedes can expect a pay range between $18-20 an hour, full benefits package and relocation assistance. Both of these students will grow with the roofing company, completing the three-year apprentice program and working toward leadership positions. The future for these two students is bright, thanks to the road to success paved by this program.  

For more information about TSC’s Commercial Roofing Pre-Apprentice program or to register for the next class in April 2022, visit TSC’s Workforce and Continuing Education or call (956) 295-3724.

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Photo Credit: Texas Border Business