(HARLINGEN, Texas) – At Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, the Precision Machining program is alive with the hum of equipment and creative energy as 14 students from the South Texas Independent School District (STISD) Science Academy learn the basics of the machinist trade and earn college credit.
Since the start of the dual enrollment partnership this fall, students such as Chelsea Clark and Nathan Pesina have shown great potential.
“This collaboration with STISD has been positive,” said Ricardo Limas, a TSTC Precision Machining instructor. “I’ve introduced the students to the role of a machinist and the process of creating a part from scratch. I’ve also emphasized that the best engineers I’ve worked with understand how materials are processed.”
Chelsea Clark, who is in 12th grade, said her goal was to gain a better understanding of how parts are built.
“Now I realize how much precision goes into making each part,” she said. “We have to measure carefully and pay attention to every detail during each hands-on assignment.”
Nathan Pesina, who is in 11th grade, said the program has given him a new perspective.
“I have potential manufacturing careers that I can consider,” he said. “I think other students at STISD should look into the Precision Machining program. It’s a great experience where they can learn a new trade that could benefit their future.”
Rodrigo Barrera, a manufacturing teacher at the Science Academy, said being introduced to the machinist trade at TSTC has opened his eyes to the opportunities within the manufacturing industry.
“I want to make sure my students are aware of the job opportunities available to them,” he said. “Some students who plan to attend college also need to find employment. The exposure they’re getting at TSTC can lead to high-paying careers. In some cases, manufacturing companies even sponsor employees to earn a college degree in a manufacturing trade program.”
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Precision Machining, 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 the spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.