(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At Texas State Technical College, many students discover a sense of pride when they pursue the same career path as their parents.
That is what Diego Tinajero chose to do with the Electrical Lineworker and Management program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, where he is pursuing a certificate of completion.
Tinajero is honing his skills at Axis Power, the Texas-based electrical utility contractor where his father is employed.
“I started working part-time as a contracted groundman at Axis Power in early August,” he said. “My father, who is one of my supervisors, has been a strong influence on me. I help connect and disconnect electrical power cables from transformer terminals to make sure there’s a proper current flow, and I assist with other tasks as needed. My career goal is to someday become a general foreman, which is the job my dad has with the company.”
Jesse Gonzalez, underground foreman at Axis Power, said the company values trainees who show a strong willingness to learn and adapt.
“Diego has proven that he’s willing to learn every part of this job,” he said. “We’re excited to see how much his skills will grow at TSTC.”
Tinajero reflected on what it is like to be part of the company’s team.
“The people I work with are great and treat everyone like a family,” he said.
The Weslaco native said that his field experience motivates him to set an example for his classmates in the program.
“You have to be alert at all times in this job,” he said. “I carry that mindset into the pole yard because I want my classmates and me to finish the program strong.”
Candelario Deanda is one of Tinajero’s instructors.
“Diego is a student who leads by example,” he said. “The hands-on experience he’s gaining at Axis Power, including the training he’s receiving in our program, will help him become a skilled professional.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.
Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.