(ABILENE, Texas) – Fred Hawkins was searching for a second career when he enrolled at Texas State Technical College.
Unsure of what to expect, Hawkins toured TSTC’s Power and Mechanical Center in Abilene and discovered an interest in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) program.
“I didn’t have a burning desire to work on HVAC systems,” Hawkins said. “I’ve always been working, and this was a good trade I could learn.”
A former police officer, Hawkins moved to Abilene with his wife for her job. While exploring the area, he noticed students climbing utility poles and became curious about the programs offered at TSTC.
When the couple later moved to Clyde, Hawkins decided it was time for a fresh start. He began the HVAC program earlier this month, joining many students who enter with little or no prior experience.
“When students come into the lab and see what we’re training on, the program sells itself,” said Ryan Guerrero, one of the program’s instructors. “We show them a few demonstrations, and most people gravitate to the walk-in cooler because it’s fully operable.”
Guerrero and fellow instructor Shane White encourage prospective students to participate in hands-on demonstrations during campus tours.
“This program is much more than heating and gas,” Guerrero said. “We also work with electrical and plumbing.”
Hawkins said one part of the program surprised him.
“I didn’t realize how much math would be involved,” he said.
He said the first few days of class required adjustment, balancing online lectures with hands-on lab work. At times, the transition felt overwhelming. However, Hawkins said the support from faculty and staff has made a difference.
“The staff has been great,” he said. “I haven’t been to college in some time, and they’ve been helpful in every aspect.”
Hawkins said the instructors’ experience adds value to the program.
“To have two guys with more than 50 years of experience in the field is huge,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hawkins hopes to eventually own his own business.
“My wife and I have seen a lot of businesses for sale,” he said. “When I finish this program, I’ll have the skill set to one day own my own business. I plan to save my money so we can make that happen.”
In Texas, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn an average annual salary of $54,050, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such workers to grow 17% in the state from 2022 to 2032.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates of completion in HVAC at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.