(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Mario Torres has always chased an adrenaline rush.
Now, the Rosenberg native is channeling that into a career through the Electrical Lineworker and Management program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus.
He first realized his need to look into a career as a lineworker came during a commute home from Victoria. Torres observed a crew of electrical lineworkers working atop the poles, and that visual stayed with him.
“The thought of the work they do with high-voltage electricity 40 feet in the air intrigued me,” Torres said.
Following an encouraging conversation with his brother-in-law, Brian Allen, head electrician at CenterPoint Energy, Torres realized the industry was right for him.
“It is great to see that Mario has found fulfillment at TSTC because this career provides a purpose for helping others,” Allen said.
Now in his third semester, Torres is learning the technical skills required to fill Texas’ growing demand for qualified electrical lineworkers.
“It tests my limits because it is preparing me for a career goal that I have of becoming a helicopter lineman,” he said.”
Torres’ transition to linework was supported by his mechanical experience, which includes working in an automotive shop for three years, and spending more than one year as a contract welder in Houston. His time spent in shops acclimated him to the heat and physical stamina required in the TSTC pole yard.
“The physical conditioning has improved my climbing speed, endurance and skills,” he said.
Chris Olguin, an instructor in the program, said Torres has developed the attributes employers look for.
“Mario’s willingness to accept constructive criticism and build off of it is a major asset for today’s workforce,” he said.
Torres said his technical preparation will help protect and serve his community during severe weather and emergency outages.
“The training I am receiving at TSTC will help keep our state’s power grid operating safely,” he said.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.