TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology student receives scholarship from South Texas PAMA

(HARLINGEN, Texas) - When Erick Ramirez and his Aircraft Airframe Technology classmates at Texas State Technical College were told about an aviation maintenance scholarship that was being offered by the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) South Texas chapter, each student jumped at the opportunity to submit their application by the Oct. 31 deadline.

"I received a phone call two weeks later from a representative of South Texas PAMA that I was a finalist for the Airframe and Powerplant Scholarship award," Ramirez said. "I was invited to attend the organization's holiday gala in Houston in late November. It was amazing to be considered for the scholarship and represent south Texas."

At the event, South Texas PAMA awarded six scholarships to airframe and powerplant students in Texas. Ramirez was awarded $5,526. The recipients will have their program balances paid for by the organization.

Chad Tew, president of South Texas PAMA and vice president of maintenance for Wing Aviation, said Ramirez's application essay was written from the heart.

"Erick's application expressed his dedication, passion for aviation maintenance and a commitment to excellence," Tew said. "His eagerness to master the craft and contribute to the industry made him a clear choice for the Airframe and Powerplant Scholarship from South Texas PAMA."

Leo Guajardo is team lead for TSTC's aviation maintenance program in Harlingen.

"The organization's scholarship is the first-ever award received by one of our students," he said. "Erick's potential is reinforced by his work ethic, and his depth of potential sets him apart."

Ramirez said he looks forward to his final spring semester at TSTC.

"I will enjoy what's left to learn in my core courses in Aircraft Airframe Technology until I graduate," he said. "I completed the core courses in Aircraft Powerplant Technology during the summer."

According to onetonline.org, aircraft mechanics and service technicians in Texas earn an average of $77,640 a year. The website projected that there would be a 16% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates of completion in both Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology at its Abilene, Harlingen and Waco campuses.

Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. To learn more, go to tstc.edu.

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