(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After spending 10 years building a career as a barber, Nicole Rodriguez decided to challenge herself by learning a new trade.
“I realized I could apply the same dedication and attention to detail I use as a barber to restoring vehicles,” she said. “I find problem-solving in auto body repair fascinating. I would like to include a barbershop in my automotive shop for clients who need a haircut while they wait for their vehicle to be serviced.”
When Rodriguez discovered that Texas State Technical College offered an Auto Collision and Management program, she seized the opportunity and is now pursuing a program certificate of completion at the Harlingen campus. Rodriguez, a Weslaco native, said the skills she gained as a barber have translated well into the program.
“Last fall, which was my first semester, all students were ready to learn new skills,” she said. “Each instructor brought a different talent to our labs, and I was excited to learn from them. I joined this program because I want to learn how to do quality repair work.”
Rodriguez’s decision was also influenced not only by her personal drive, but also by her son, who is currently in high school. Her goal is to someday open a family-owned automotive shop with her son that is rooted in craftsmanship and family values.
Cesar Luna, a program instructor in Harlingen, said Rodriguez mastered repair techniques, refinishing methods and tool knowledge during her first semester.
“This was reflected in her growing confidence and skill in all three areas,” he said.
Rodriguez said her experience at TSTC has had a positive impact on her life.
“TSTC opened a door of opportunity so I could put my heart into a new career direction that I will love,” she said.
According to onetonline.org, automotive body and related repairers in Texas earn an average of $50,350 a year. The website projected that there would be a 13% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2022 to 2032.
TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Auto Collision and Management with refinishing and repair specializations at the Fort Bend County, Harlingen and Waco campuses. Several certificate options also are available.
Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.