(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Much like skilled tradespeople preparing for a project deadline, 16 Building Construction students from Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus are preparing for the ultimate test of their technical mastery.
The students will compete at the 2026 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi April 8-11. The group is slated to participate in categories ranging from Cabinetmaking and Facilithon – Leadership in Facility Management, to Carpentry and TeamWorks.
SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 specific contests at the state and national events in which students can compete, from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture.
Instructor Aflredo Martinez, who also serves as a SkillsUSA advisor, began recruiting new students for the state competition in the fall.
“I explained that I participated in SkillsUSA when I was a student,” he said. “It helped me understand what they are experiencing. I try to make our preparation as realistic as possible while focusing on improving their weaknesses.”
Martinez noted that the number of students participating in SkillsUSA has grown significantly.
“Our objective is to qualify for nationals,” he said. “Three years ago, the program had seven students participate and four earned third-place medals. Last year, 14 students participated and six earned seven medals. This year, 16 students have volunteered. It reflects the growth and positive impact our instructors have on motivating our students to become successful.”
Among the competitors is Dante Lozano, a McAllen native pursuing an associate degree. He is scheduled to compete in the Masonry competition.
“We have been preparing on select days every week,” he said. “We have worked on getting a flow in brick-laying and block-laying, and the consistency of our approach.”
Kimberly Mireles, who is working toward an associate degree, is planning to compete in TeamWorks.
“SkillsUSA and other parts of the program have taught me about determination, integrity and how to communicate effectively with a team,” the Brownsville native said.
Also representing the Building Construction program will be:
– Cabinetmaking — Humberto Martinez, of Brownsville.
– Carpentry — Adrian de la Garza, of San Benito; Angel Rodriguez, of Donna; and Isaias Martinez, of Harlingen.
– Facilithon — Eber Leija, of San Benito.
– Masonry — Victoria Garcia, of Harlingen; Leonardo de la Paz, of Mercedes; and Dante Lozano, of McAllen.
– TeamWorks — Michelle Martinez, of San Benito; Sanjuanita Medrano, of Santa Rosa; Kimberly Mireles, of Brownsville; and Sylvia Quintanilla, of Harlingen.
– TeamWorks — Angelina Guerrero, of San Benito; Isao Palencia, of Harlingen; Nathan Gonzalez, of Harlingen; Benjamin Reyes, of Weslaco.
For more information on SkillsUSA Texas, go to skillsusatx.org.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters at TSTC starts Monday, March 30. For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.