(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With only two semesters under its belt, Texas State Technical College’s Plumbing and Pipefitting program in Harlingen has produced a state champion.
Jesus Padron Jr., won the gold medal in the Plumbing event at the 2026 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference.
“Once I was told to start, I locked in,” said the first-semester student. “I want to put the program on the map.”
Hector Rosa, TSTC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting program team lead, said Padron’s performance shows the program is providing a good education.
“Jesus’ win demonstrates that we are preparing our students with industry-based technology that will meet our industry partners’ demand,” he said.
Padron said the win serves as validation of the program’s training and mentorship.
As Padron prepares to represent TSTC at the SkillsUSA National Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in early June, the success of the inaugural Harlingen cohort sets a high bar for future students Rosa said.
SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership, and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and join a skilled workforce. The organization hosts more than 100 specific contests at the state and national levels, ranging from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.