(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After watching his father’s plumbing business thrive for three decades, Jesus Padron Jr. plans to someday take over the family business.
“Seeing my dad’s dedication and work ethic motivated me to follow in his footsteps,” said the Texas State Technical College Plumbing and Pipefitting student. “(He) emphasized that when you truly understand the trade, a passion for the job naturally follows.”
Jesus Padron Sr., owner of Padron Plumbing Inc. in Mission, said his son made a wise decision by pursuing the trade at TSTC.
“I’m proud of him for taking the initiative to learn about plumbing theory and strengthening his skills,” he said. “I graduated from the Plumbing and Pipefitting program that was at Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) in Waco in 1989.”
The Edinburg native, who is working toward a certificate of completion, was introduced to new concepts when he first started the program earlier this month.
“The instructors discussed tools, like a basin wrench, and reviewed plumbing codes,” he said. “A basin wrench has a long handle with a pivoting jaw that is used to tighten or loosen the nuts that secure a faucet beneath a sink. Plumbing codes help protect people by ensuring they have clean drinking water, proper drainage and correct installation.”
Padron Jr. held an apprenticeship license when he began working with his father at the age of 16 and has since renewed it. Since then, he has accumulated 6,000 hours of field experience toward his journeyman license — the equivalent of three years. Once he reaches 8,000 hours, he will be eligible to test for that license. His goal is to pursue a master plumber’s license.
Alan Raith, a program instructor, said the training Padron Jr. receives will help him understand something important.
“What Jesus and the other new students will learn reflects the college’s core values of excellence, accountability, service and integrity that they will use in their careers,” he said.
According to onetonline.net, the need for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters was forecast to increase 13% between 2022 and 2032 in Texas, where the median annual salary is $58,560.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.