Bright future awaits TSTC Wind Energy Technology student

(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Jose Ortiz sees a bright future when he completes his Associate of Applied Science degree this fall at Texas State Technical College.

The Wind Energy Technology student said he will have plenty of options for a career. He credits TSTC’s instructors and staff for helping him realize his potential.

“Everyone at TSTC is so helpful. They want every student to succeed,” he said. “They are good about working with you to figure out what will be the best career.”

Ortiz, of Medina in Bandera County, said he does not have a job offer yet but knows he may see opportunities arise prior to graduation.

“I cannot wait to get out there and start working,” he said. “While I do not have anything lined up yet, I figure by the time I graduate in December, many options will be available.”

Entering his final semester at TSTC, Ortiz will balance studying with helping students in the dorms as a resident assistant. He enjoys having the responsibility of a student leader.

“It is good to see the new faces around campus,” he said. “I like to tell the students new to campus life to have fun but to remember the rules. They know that if they need someone to talk to, my door will always be open.”

Lupe Navarrette, TSTC’s housing director, said Ortiz has shown signs of success.

“He is a good worker and very responsible,” Navarrette said. “He is a people person who will succeed in anything he puts his mind to.”

Ortiz has been able to learn different aspects of wind energy, knowing it could lead to a future outside of working inside a turbine.

“There are so many options available to us,” he said. “Having people come on campus to tell us about all of the possibilities is great. It leaves me with an open mind that I can do anything.”

Another reason Ortiz likes the industry partner spotlights is that he gets to meet the decision-makers.

“TSTC brings the people who are hiring to us,” he said. “We are able to put ourselves in front of them so they can see how well we are trained.”

During his time in the Wind Energy Technology program, Ortiz said each course has brought its challenges and rewards.

“I really enjoyed all of our specialty courses,” he said. “It was fun to learn different things that we will have to do in the field.”

Ortiz has been promoting the program since he arrived at TSTC. His hope is that more people will enter the program because of the payoff with a high-paying career.

“This is one of the best programs around, and you will be rewarded when you graduate,” he said.

The job outlook for the wind energy industry is bright. According to onetonline.org, the need for wind turbine service technicians in Texas was forecast to increase 83% from 2018 to 2028.. The average annual salary for a technician in Texas is $51,560, according to the website.

TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.