(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As manufacturers rely on automation and advanced technologies, students in Texas State Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Industrial Maintenance and Automation and Robotics programs are developing the technical skills needed to keep modern production systems running.
Advanced Manufacturing programs focus on robotics, coding and smart automation, preparing students to work with technologies used throughout the manufacturing industry.
“I am gaining hands-on experience working with industrial robots in the lab,” said Angela Salazar, a Brownsville native who is pursuing an associate degree. “Working with robots has helped me understand how programming and automation are used in manufacturing.”
Michael Plata, a former insurance agent from Harlingen, is also working toward an associate degree. He hopes to apply his training toward a new career in industrial maintenance.
“I am learning about electrical circuits and troubleshooting fundamentals,” he said. “I am excited to learn more about the brains of the machines.”
As manufacturers adopt additional automated equipment, the demand for skilled industrial machinery mechanics is expected to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of such positions are projected to increase by 41,200 jobs between 2024 and 2034.
Seth Ulrich, president of HGG Profiling Equipment, said the company seeks employees who combine mechanical knowledge with electronics and software skills.
“We are looking for people who are mechanically inclined and have a background in electronics and software, which is used to control robotics systems,” Ulrich said. “TSTC provides a great resource to have a combination of these skills.”
Adam Trimble, senior manager of talent acquisition at Patterson-UTI Management Services, said automation is helping the company improve equipment safety and reliability.
“We are relying heavily on advanced manufacturing robotics, automation departments and technical schools to provide us with talented workers,” Trimble said.
Jose Vasquez, TSTC’s Advanced Manufacturing program team lead, said the curriculum continues to evolve alongside industry advancements.
“Our program is maintaining a high level of training for our students and adapting to artificial intelligence because it is playing a big role in our industry,” he said.
For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.