(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Growing up in Eagle Lake, Robert Gonzales carried a simple lesson from his grandfather: be consistent with your work and take pride in what you do.
Those values were strengthened during his eight years in the gravel industry, where he gained experience doing multiple jobs. His focus shifted after seeing technicians at work on heavy-duty trucks.
“I asked them what their job involved, what the pay was like and if they enjoyed it,” Gonzales said. “They smiled and said they took pride in their work. That’s something I value as well.”
That turning point, combined with encouragement from his friend Tanner Albercht, a graduate of TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program, led Gonzales to enroll in Texas State Technical College‘s Diesel Equipment program at the Fort Bend County campus.
Gonzales, who is pursuing a certificate of completion, said he appreciated the program’s hands-on training.
“The program’s lead instructor (Jose Reyna) made sure we understood original equipment parts,” he said. “They are made by the manufacturer to ensure an exact fit, high quality and the manufacturer’s warranty.”
For Gonzales, the camaraderie among classmates has been a highlight during his first semester.
“We want to learn something new every class and share that enthusiasm,” he said. “Some of my favorite hands-on assignments include disassembling and reassembling engine blocks, performing brake jobs, removing tires correctly and safely placing a heavy-truck on jackstands.”
Reyna said Gonzales has maintained a positive attitude toward preparing for his future.
“Robert takes ownership of his education and doesn’t shy away from hands-on challenges,” he said.
Gonzales credits TSTC with providing him the support to pursue his growing ambitions.
“My future plans are to earn a commercial driver’s license, possibly pursue an associate degree in the same program, and someday manage my own fleet of heavy trucks,” he said.
According to onetonline.org, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Texas earn a median salary of $57,870 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.
For more information, go to tstc.edu.