TSTC student pursues career change with robotics degree

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – When Wesley Robert was laid off from his automotive job at the onset of the pandemic, he decided to reshape his prospects by returning to school.

Now, Robert expects to graduate from Texas State Technical College in spring 2022 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Robotics Technology.

What initially got you interested in the Robotics Technology program?

I did something like robotics in high school, but this is completely different. It’s been fun. I enjoyed it. I was in automotive for five years, so I have the mechanical know-how. I was like, robotics? Sure, I’ll go do that. And I just fell in love with it.

What have you found the most appealing about this program?

I just like doing stuff with my hands. Doing this is simple, for the most part. It may look a little complicated, but once you get the math stuff out of the way, to me, it’s easier. Running stuff and working stuff and making sure everything works right is pretty simple.

What advice do you have for prospective students interested in the Robotics Technology program?

Mechanical aptitude is a must. If you’re good at math, you’ll probably be OK. As long as you like the hands-on stuff, you’ll be all right.

What are your plans after graduation?

Field service engineer sounds pretty appetizing, so I’ll probably try to go do that.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Robotics Technology at its Fort Bend County and Waco campuses in a hybrid format, balancing virtual, online learning with hands-on experience in the lab.

Degree holders are in demand in a wide range of fields — any industry that utilizes automation. TSTC is so confident that its Robotics Technology students will get a job after graduation that this program is a part of the college’s Money-Back Guarantee, which will refund students’ tuition if they do not find employment in six months after receiving their degree.

In Texas, robotics technicians can earn an average annual salary of $52,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adding that the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area has the fourth-highest employment level of such positions in the nation. Onetonline.org projects 13% growth for robotic technician jobs in the state through 2028.

Learn more about TSTC at tstc.edu.