(SWEETWATER, Texas) – When oil prices decline, eventually they will increase. The biggest question is when.
When oil production increases, the demand for diesel specialists also increases. Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in heavy truck specialization and two certificates in heavy truck specialization.
“We are looking for a really good enrollment this fall, especially with the economy the way it is,” said instructor Shannon Weir. “The oil field is going to bounce back eventually, and companies will need people to work on the trucks and equipment.”
Some graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program are employed by established companies like Caterpillar, Peterbilt and Freightliner.
“Our students will be able to get work when they graduate,” he said.
Weir said most graduates have jobs prior to the end of their final semester. That is one of the selling points for the program, he said.
“Most of our graduates from Sweetwater get jobs in the oil field,” Weir said. “People trust our graduates.”
Students spend a majority of the time in the lab. Earlier this month, students returned to the Sweetwater campus to finish spring semester lab sessions.
“It is good to get back to work. This is a very hands-on class,” said second-year student Jacob Rambo of Wichita Falls.
With registration for the fall semester underway, Weir said instructors are preparing for changes.
“When the students returned this month, we did not have any issues. Everyone is following the rules,” he said, adding that those rules include wearing a face covering at all times. “We are going to make sure to practice all of the safety guidelines in place. Safety is our top priority.”
For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.
