(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The HVAC Technology program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus recently welcomed back one of its own.
Roberto Frausto, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology at TSTC in 2021, returned at the beginning of the fall semester as the program’s newest instructor.
“I wanted to give back and educate new students about what I learned in the field,” Frausto said. “My objective is to ensure that they grasp the education because they will be responsible for their own work when they start their careers.”
After earning his degree, Frausto gained experience as a full-time helper with Central Air and Heating Service Inc. in Harlingen for three months before being promoted to a service technician.
“As a service technician, I repaired and maintained commercial HVAC units,” the Santa Rosa resident said.
Jorge Cabrera is team lead for TSTC’s HVAC Technology program in Harlingen.
“Roberto comes with experience from a commercial HVAC company and brings a positive energy, which can guide our students on what they need to be more marketable,” he said.
Frausto said he simplifies lessons to help students comprehend HVAC theory and hands-on lab assignments.
“For example, I have taught the students what a circuit is in order to understand how equipment works,” he said. “I have taught them what a unit is doing at a specific time and place for it to operate correctly.”
Frausto said TSTC has given him a new outlook.
“I am starting a new family,” he said. “That motivated me to improve my teaching methods as a new instructor.”
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 continues for the spring semester at TSTC. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
