(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus will launch Advanced Manufacturing and Electrical Construction programs this fall.
The Advanced Manufacturing program will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance, along with certificates of completion in Industrial Maintenance and Advanced Manufacturing. The Electrical Construction program will offer an Electrical Construction certificate of completion.
“In the Advanced Manufacturing program, students move beyond mastering a single trade to become ‘plant-ready’ industrial technicians while developing a deep understanding of how modern systems integrate and operate,” said Carlos Reyes, TSTC’s Advanced Manufacturing program team lead. “The program’s dual-specialization model allows students to align their training with their strengths, whether in Industrial Maintenance or Automation and Robotics. Students will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs led by a faculty who bring nearly 200 years of combined industry experience.”
Jorge Cabrera, TSTC’s Electrical Construction program team lead, said the curriculum will prepare students in areas ranging from interpreting complex blueprints to mastering industrial control motors.
“Students will graduate with a comprehensive skill set,” he said. “The program is designed to bridge the gap between electrical theory and real-word application. After enrolling in the program, students can take the residential wireman’s license exam after one year instead of two. Graduates will be prepared not only as expert installers, but also as professionals capable of estimating, layout design and team leadership.”
The intent of the program is to introduce students to multiple areas of the electrical construction field, providing broad exposure to the knowledge and technical proficiencies required by the industry. Safety practices and National Electrical Code guidelines are embedded throughout the curriculum.
Gina Cano-Monreal, provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, said the Rio Grande Valley is at the forefront of industrial-focused growth.
“Significant investment in the area will require a steady pipeline of skilled technicians for new construction projects, infrastructure expansion and advanced manufacturing, including industrial maintenance and robotics,” she said. “The launch of these programs reflects a strong commitment to meeting regional industry needs while providing educational opportunities that prepare students for high-wage jobs.”
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.