Engineering students gain hands-on experience at Quanta Advanced Training Center

In January, 18 students from Lamar University’s mechanical and industrial engineering departments visited the Quanta Advanced Training Center, located at the state-of-the-art Lazy Q Ranch in La Grange, Texas. During this trip, the students were able to receive their OSHA 10-Hour Certification and explore the Quanta training facility.  

The students participated in an OSHA-Authorized Training Course, Hands-On Engineering Experiences, Career Preparation Workshops, and a Six Sigma Introductory Course.

“The trip was very insightful into the world of electricity and internet that we use every day,” Connor Hayes, senior mechanical engineering student said. “The most impactful aspect of the visit was experiencing how much time is spent on teaching safety and maintaining a safe culture throughout their company and their interactions.”

The partnership between Quanta and Lamar University was established through the Texas State University System (TSUS) to provide career and internship opportunities to students and partner with our research and sponsored programs. Through months of collaboration with TSUS, Quanta Services, Lamar University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the program was offered completely free of charge to students.

“This partnership is invaluable as it provides students with knowledge of career and internship opportunities with Quanta and its family of over 200 companies as well as networking opportunities, such as the Dashiell Career Day,” Amy Dillow, marketing coordinator for the department of career and professional development said.  “Students also have the opportunity to take part in programs sponsored by Quanta such as the Career Readiness Microcredential Program, Senior Etiquette Dinner, and borrow items from the Career Closet. Additionally, students have the opportunity to utilize Indeed's Job Search Academy which offers additional assistance with career development through resume writing, job search, and career planning.”

The students were also able to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing and a bonfire party during their downtime at the ranch, making this visit both educational and memorable.

“Besides earning our OSHA safety certifications, the best part of our trip was truly the bonding experience,” Angel Powell, senior mechanical engineering student said. “I've taken classes with most of these people the past  three semesters, and I don't think we talked as much or shared as many memories as we did on this trip. It was a great experience with some special moments that we shared.”

We commend the students for their dedication and for choosing to spend their winter break participating in this enriching opportunity. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Ashley Spicer-Runnels, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic & Health Affairs; Ms. Amber Stickney, Talent Acquisition Partner at Quanta Services; Dr. Jerry Lin, Associate Provost (retired from Lamar University); Dr. Selen H. Karasulu, Professor at Texas State University; Mr. Shafiuddin Shatu, Director of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC); Jenny Zhou, Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. James Curry, Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. Their hard work and commitment were instrumental in making this initiative a success.

This event marks the beginning of a promising collaboration, with hope for more opportunities for our students in the future.

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit lamar.edu/engineering.

To learn more about Career and Professional Development, visit https://www.lamar.edu/career-and-testing-services/career-services/index.html.