(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With nothing but a harness and grit holding them steady, Texas State Technical College Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology students learn that climbing is the foundation of building skills for the job at 40 feet above the ground.
Benigno Galvan, Alex Mireles and Diego Viera are in their third semesters of the program and working toward Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology certificates of completion. Their hands-on training is about skill building, courage, focus and self-confidence.
Galvan, a Rio Hondo native, recalled how climbing the practice utility pole for the first time was an intimidating experience.
“The more I practiced climbing, it became second nature,” Galvan said. “The physical aspect is similar to exercising. Your heart is pounding and your body may be shaky at first. But you’re preparing yourself mentally. The reward is the beautiful aerial view.”
Alex Mireles said reaching the top of the pole was a mix of emotions.
“It was a sense of accomplishment,” the Los Fresnos native said. “Since then, we’ve experienced multiple weather patterns that prepare us for our future jobs.”
Diego Viera, also from Rio Hondo, said training at the top of the pole is about maintaining focus.
“I like to visualize how I’m going to approach a new assignment when we’re in the pole yard,” Viera said. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced was changing a crossarm in windy conditions.”
Angel Toledo, TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program team lead in Harlingen, said the program emphasizes the importance of safety to all students.
“It’s crucial that our students follow all safety measures to avoid injury,” he said. “Each instructor understands the fears and struggles that come with the job. They educate our students to gain confidence as they navigate through their courses.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses. The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if he or she has not had a job offer in their field within six months after graduation.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.