TSTC’s Harlingen campus to offer Diesel Equipment Technology this fall

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Starting this fall, Texas State Technical College 's Harlingen campus will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology - Heavy Truck Specialization and two Diesel Equipment Technology - Heavy Truck certificates of completion.

"Students who enroll can expect to learn about basic electrical systems, chassis, shop safety procedures, preventative maintenance and other areas," said Miguel Zoleta, TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program team lead.

Charles Childers, director of alignment for TSTC's Diesel Equipment Technology program, said industry employers have requested that the program send them dependable employees to contribute to the workforce.

"Around 20 to 40 students will be accepted into the Diesel Equipment Technology program in Harlingen when the fall semester begins," he said.

Eladio Jaimez, provost at TSTC's Harlingen campus, said the new program will benefit the South Texas region.

"We are excited that future students in our community will have another opportunity to study a trade that can potentially get them a high-paying job," he said.

According to onetonline.org, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn a median salary of $56,780 in Texas, where the number of these jobs was projected to grow 19% between 2020 and 2030.

Currently Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC's Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. In addition to Harlingen, the program will be taught in Abilene this fall.

To learn more about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.