(ROSENBERG, Texas) – The construction of the new Transportation Center of Excellence at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus is progressing smoothly. On track to open by the fall 2025 semester, the building will house two new automotive programs in addition to an expanded Diesel Equipment Technology program.
While the diesel program is already on the campus, the expansion will introduce an associate degree and certificates of completion with an off-highway specialization. In addition to heavy-truck diesel engines that students are currently able to learn about, the opportunity to study and learn how to maintain other diesel-powered equipment like tractors and combines will soon be available.
Jose Reyna, an instructor in the program, is looking forward to it.
“Nothing is more invigorating to me as an instructor, and as a mentor, than to be a part of our graduate students’ success,” he said. “Their placement in a lucrative career in our industry allows them to not only provide for their families, but also help stimulate the growth of our economy domestically.”
In line with TSTC’s hands-on approach to teaching, the new building will have larger labs and bays that allow for new, modern equipment both for on- and off-highway specializations. Hardware and software used for diagnosing and troubleshooting is also planned.
“It was imperative due to the hungry demand for highly trained, skilled techs in our diesel industry that the amount of students allowed to participate per semester continues to grow,” Reyna said. “With the new expansion, quality and quantity can now beautifully merge together.”
In addition to TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, Diesel Equipment Technology is available at the college’s Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.
The program is one of nine Money-Back Guarantee programs in which tuition is refunded if the participating graduate has not found employment in their field of study within six months of graduation. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.
According to onetonline.org, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Texas earn a median salary of $56,780 a year. The website projected that there would be a 19% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester has begun. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
