(ABILENE, Texas) – Oswaldo Nino wanted to learn more than one trade.
For that reason he chose Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Systems program and is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree.
“I thought about going into welding, but a friend told me to look at Industrial Systems,” he said. “After looking at the program, I knew that I would learn welding and so much more.”
Nino, of Laredo, toured the Industrial Systems lab and was immediately confident that he had picked the right career.
“I have not seen anything like this before,” he said. “I know I would be learning a lot of different things that would help me find a career.”
Nino said he has been surprised to learn more about electricity and how it works during his first semester.
“It really surprised me of all the things that involve electricity,” he said. “This is something we all take for granted, and now I appreciate it even more.”
Nino said he is enjoying each lesson and working with instructors Daniel Diaz and Terry Steelman.
“They have been pushing me and my classmates through the lessons. They want us to succeed,” he said.
Steelman said Nino is very observant when he instructs students during an assignment.
“He always watches what we do and takes the information and goes with it,” he said. “He has exceptional skills and will be a great technician when he completes the program.”
Some of Nino’s skills come from working with his father, who is an engineer. He said the one thing his father told him was always to be careful in the lab and on the job.
“I have a lot of confidence in myself and want to make sure to get my work done correctly and safely,” Nino said.
Nino and his classmates have worked together to make sure projects are complete and to help anyone who is falling behind.
“It is nice to have a small class because we have become friends,” he said. “Having someone there to help you when you are having a problem is good for me. I know I can count on my classmates and instructors.”
The need for industrial machinery mechanics will increase over the next few years. According to onetonline.org, such positions are expected to grow by 13% in Texas by 2028. The average salary for an industrial machinery mechanic in Texas is $54,980, according to the website.
Industrial Systems is one of nine programs at TSTC that have money-back guarantees. The college’s commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information on the money-back guarantee program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition.
At its Abilene campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and a certificate of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic.
Registration for the spring semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
