(HARLINGEN, Texas) – From troubleshooting commercial truck fleets, responding to mobile roadside service calls to repairing heavy marine vessels at the Port of Brownsville, three Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment students are demonstrating how lab training translates directly to real-world experiences.
Rogelio Cerda works part-time as a mobile technician at Mobile Transportation Group in Harlingen while Aaron Hernandez works as a diesel technician at Penske Truck Leasing in Harlingen. Jesus Rodriguez is a part-time diesel equipment mechanic at Zimco Marine in Brownsville.
Cerda, who is working toward an associate degree, said the hands-on training he practices in TSTC’s lab helps him perform independently on customers’ vehicles.
“It is advanced troubleshooting that I do at work,” the Harlingen native said. “Some clients I help service include the Harlingen Fire Department and SpaceX.”
Hernandez, of Port Isabel, is also pursuing an associate degree. He said studying at TSTC has helped him succeed in the workplace.
“I have developed a firm grasp of preventative maintenance, such as changing tires, replacing lights and performing oil changes,” he said.
Rodriguez, who is studying for a certificate, said working alongside a team on marine vessels has taught him the importance of taking precautions and paying attention to detail.
“The work I have assisted with on shrimp boats has taught me to anticipate potential problems such as detecting an engine leak while the boat is running,” the San Benito native said. “I have also helped torque components down and remove sleeves and pistons.”
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.