TSTC HVAC Technology student hones skills with eye toward future business venture

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Anthony Mata's journey to pursuing an education in the HVAC Technology program at Texas State Technical College 's Harlingen campus began when he sold lunches to construction workers a year ago.

"I met an electrician when I sold the food plates," Mata said. "He suggested that I consider his line of work because many people need an electrician. That, and I have a cousin who is an independent contractor. He showed me the type of work he's done on HVAC units. I browsed TSTC's website and discovered HVAC Technology. I chose to enroll because it offered elements of electrical that I could learn and I wanted to learn more about the HVAC field."

Once Mata earns his certificate of completion in HVAC Technician, he hopes to launch his own HVAC and electrical contracting business someday.

"After I graduate and gain on-the-job experience, the next step is to study electrical," he said.

The Harlingen resident said a recent assignment that he enjoyed was building a copper line system.

"Each student had to build the system by brazing and soldering it," he said. "We made sure it worked properly for the final test when we finished."

Bill Weaver is one of Mata's instructors.

"Anthony's aptitude for learning the theory of HVAC and its 'why' has made him successful in our program," he said.

Mata said his instructors' real-life experiences have provided him with a new outlook.

"What they have encountered tells us what we'll experience," he said. "It has motivated me to work independently in the labs. I've gained the confidence to get out of my comfort zone."

In Texas, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn an average annual salary of $50,190, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such workers to grow 21% in the state from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates of completion in HVAC Technology at its East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas and Waco campuses.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester begins Oct. 28. To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

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