(ABILENE, Texas) – Walking through Texas State Technical College’s Power and Mechanical Center in Abilene, it is hard to miss the steady hum of students hard at work.
Inside the Diesel Equipment lab, second-semester students spend their days working on engines. Many say they are proud to be part of the program’s early days in Abilene — especially those who now get to study closer to home.
“I am glad TSTC began offering the program in Abilene,” said William Perry, of Santa Anna. “For me, it is less gas traveling to and from school.”
With the facility less than six months old, Perry said students have made a commitment to future cohorts.
“We try to keep it clean so that for every other class, it is new to them,” he said. “We want them to be just as proud as we are.”
For Roberta Gann, of Abilene, the first semester of the new program brought challenges and opportunities.
“It was a learning experience for us and our instructors,” she said. “We all started this journey together.”
Gann said choosing a career in diesel equipment maintenance was an easy decision.
“I drive a truck and wanted to learn the mechanical side of it,” she said.
Mercedes Soto, of Abilene, said her motivation was rooted in family.
“My grandfather has a small farm, and I wanted to learn more so I could help him repair things,” she said. “I have already been able to do a little of that on the farm.”
Students agreed that having the program available locally helps them balance work, school and home responsibilities.
“There are a lot of industries around here,” Gann said. “It helps that we can stay local to go to school and work.”
Perry said instructors understand that students often juggle multiple commitments.
“The instructors are great to work with,” he said. “If I cannot make it to class on time, they make sure I am able to catch up.”
The Diesel Equipment program uses a performance-based education model, allowing students to progress at their own pace with support from online lectures, videos and other learning materials.
“Students work to make sure they understand the module before requesting the mastery test,” said Cody Durham, one of the program’s instructors. “We have a great first cohort of students who are willing to learn.”
According to onetonline.org, employment for diesel engine specialists is expected to grow by 13% from 2022 to 2032. Many West Texas salaries exceed the state’s median annual wage of $57,870.
The Diesel Equipment Technology program is available at TSTC campuses in Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco, offering associate degrees and certificates of completion.
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.