(WACO, Texas) – Danny Vega, of Waco, worked in various jobs across the manufacturing spectrum before enrolling at Texas State Technical College. He was working at a glass manufacturer where he hoped to advance in his training, but the company closed and laid him off.
“I decided to get skilled and not leave my career future in any company’s hands,” Vega said. “So, I didn’t and now I’m set to walk the stage.”
Vega is a candidate for graduation for a certificate of completion in the Industrial Systems (now the Advanced Manufacturing – Industrial Maintenance) program at Texas State Technical College’s Fall 2025 Commencement scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the BASE at Extraco Events Center.
“Industrial maintenance is one of the best fields to pursue because it offers strong job security, high demand across industries, and the chance to work with advanced technology while solving real-world problems,” Vega said.
Sean Shannon, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance program, said Vega is intentional in trying to understand what he is working on.
“He also displays great leadership to his classmates by sharing lessons learned,” Shannon said. “I am sure he will move on from here and be exceedingly successful.”
Tolar resident Abel Chacon, a program classmate of Vega’s, said he admired his ability to be like a father figure in classes.
“He wants you to succeed,” Chacon said. “He always comes to school with a smile on his face. His work ethic makes me strive to work harder.”
Vega was born and grew up in Waco and is a graduate of University High School.
Vega said he was drawn to industrial maintenance because of how equipment is made, functions and can be fixed. He said he has enjoyed learning about ladder logic and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical equipment.
“My biggest challenge in the program was that I had to keep up with school while not having financial income and bills were piling up,” Vega said. “On top of that, my spouse was with child and was the head of household while I was a full-time student, but in the end, I persevered and I’m proud that I never quit.”
Vega said he looks forward to seeing his wife, son and daughter cheer him on as he walks across the graduation stage. He calls them his motivation.
Vega already knows what he is doing after graduation. He will soon become a maintenance technician at SeAH Superalloy Technologies in Temple.
“We will be manufacturing super alloy metals that can withstand extreme heat and cold temperatures and pressures,” he said. “Metals that are used in aviation and space exploration, to name a few examples.”
Vega said his advice for high school students is to realize there is no better time to pursue a career in a technical career.
“Do not take your opportunity to get a certificate or degree for granted; you have to be willing to put in the work to benefit the fruits of your labor,” he said.
Registration continues for the spring semester. For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.