(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Mechatronics Technology program equips students with the essential skills needed to succeed in a career that is expected to grow through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mechatronics, whose name derives from combining the words mechanical and electronics, is the study and use of multiple disciplines to help maintain the integrity of products. The program at TSTC utilizes industrial maintenance, robotics technology and process controls to give students a hands-on look at what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Program instructor Juan Alferez said the program teaches students how to fix machinery and equipment, as well as about production processes and communications protocols.
“With the increase in demand for automation and communications, companies are looking for technicians that have the ‘industry 4.0’ skills,” he said. “Every year, the demand for technicians that possess these skills increases.”
Instructor Eldwin Leija added that the hands-on experience only adds to the benefits that the courses can give students.
“We have a solid curriculum, supplemented with industry-relevant equipment,” he said.
He added that the demand for everyday necessities is one of the reasons that mechatronics will remain a stable career choice.
“As long as the world needs gasoline, oil, natural gas, and manufactured goods such as food packaging, clothes, makeup and bottled water, mechatronics technicians will always be in demand.”
While the program itself includes a detailed curriculum, TSTC also helps mechatronics graduates with job placement when they are close to completing the program.
“We keep close communication with industry partners and help students meet with companies,” Alferez said. “In many cases, students have job offers before graduation.”
To learn more about Mechatronics Technology at TSTC, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/MechatronicsTechnology.
