(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Within just 60 days of entering the workforce, Luis Alvarado proved that a technical education in Auto Collision and Management at Texas State Technical College can prepare graduates to become successful in the industry.
“I have a passion for this trade,” the Harlingen native said.
Alvarado was hired last October as a prepper at Tipton Ford Collision Center in Brownsville. Just two months later, he was promoted to a painter role, demonstrating how TSTC’s hands-on training provides the auto body repair industry with skilled talent.
“Everything I learned in the lab from prepping to painting, I am doing in my job and getting better at it,” he said.
Alvarado’s journey at TSTC’s Harlingen campus included earning two certificates of completion in 2025 and a recent associate degree. He chose to pursue the associate degree following the advice of his former Harlingen High School auto collision teacher, who first introduced him to the trade.
“(He) suggested that I pursue an associate degree because it would lead to better opportunities,” he said.
Alvarado credits the college’s training for his ability to return vehicles to their normal color under tight deadlines.
“The techniques I learned from my former instructors at TSTC helped me develop the speed I needed to handle a constant flow of customer vehicles,” he said.
Beyond his technical skills, Alvarado said the work culture at the collision center is motivating.
“The people I work with treat me like a professional,” he said.
Leonardo Torres, manager at Tipton Ford Collision Center, said TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management faculty prepared Alvarado well for the demands of the company.
“Luis has great skills and firm knowledge,” Torres said. “His drive helped him get promoted.”
For Alvarado, the ultimate reward comes when a customer sees their restored vehicle for the first time.
“It makes me proud to see the customer happy about the final outcome of their vehicle after I painted it,” he said.
While he continues honing his craft, Alvarado is already looking toward the future.
“I would like to open my own auto body repair shop someday after I gain more experience,” he said.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.