(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Jose Loera, a recent graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology program, is now building on his technical expertise in the Precision Machining Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
His continued education is part of a long-term dream of someday opening his own automotive shop.
“Before I graduated last year, I wanted to expand on my automotive skills by learning something that would complement them before entering the workforce,” he said. “My father, who was enrolled in a different program at TSTC at the time, suggested I join the Precision Machining Technology program.”
Loera, who is pursuing a CNC Machine Operator certificate of completion in the program, was first drawn to automobiles after seeing them featured in many movies.
“What drew me was the way the vehicles looked, the way they sounded and the power to the engine’s performance,” he said. “It captivated me and I wanted to learn more.”
The Harlingen native said the Automotive Technology program helped him define his goals for the next phase of his education.
“It showed me a clear path and helped me realize that I want to work in the automotive industry,” he said “After I graduate from the Precision Machining program, I plan to work at a dealership to gain hands-on experience. That will give me the insight to eventually start my own automotive business.”
Francisco Garcia is one of Loera’s instructors.
“Jose is a focused student who takes the time to evaluate his work, that attention to detail will benefit him,” he said. “With his growing confidence, he’s producing high quality parts through his hands-on projects.”
Loera said his education in both programs has broadened his perspective of what is possible.
“Being at the college has improved my hands-on skills and helped me get ready for the next chapter of my life,” he said.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Precision Machining Technology, as well as a certificate of completion in CNC Machine Operator, at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.