(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Rogelio Cerda, a Diesel Equipment student at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, is among the program’s inaugural cohort.
In fact, Cerda was the first student to sign up when he enrolled in the associate degree program.
“I felt honored when my enrollment coach told me (I was the first to register),” he said. “It means a lot to be part of something that will make a difference in the Rio Grande Valley.”
For the Harlingen native, this marks the start of a career path he was eager to explore. His experience as a lube technician made him consider enhancing his mechanical skills.
“That job gave me practical automotive knowledge, but learning about diesel engines presented a new challenge,” he said. “The instructors told me that someone who understands diesel can also work on gas vehicles, but not the other way around.”
Before the program began, Cerda contacted the diesel instructors to learn as much as possible.
“The instructors were happy to give me a preview of the courses and equipment we would be using,” he said.
After his first semester, Cerda said he excelled in the courses that taught him how to diagnose circuits and understand how diesel engines worked. Now in his second semester, he is taking advantage of the college’s Cummins training partnership, which provides access to specialized service information that could help him find employment in the industry.
“I’ve been communicating with an industry professional who has been suggesting training I can complete,” he said.
Juan Pena is one of Cerda’s instructors.
“Rogelio’s work ethic and reliability are exactly what we hope to see from every student in this program,” he said.
Cerda said his instructors are guiding him as he works toward his goals.
“The labs are hands-on and help me the most,” he said. “Now, when I look at a diesel engine, I can distinguish the different sounds it makes.”
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.