(WACO, Texas) – Ulises Camacho, of Duncanville, is a graduate of Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.
Camacho joined Rogers-O’Brien Construction in Dallas five years ago and worked as a laborer. He is now a field foreman, with his current project being the AC Hotel by Marriott under construction in downtown Waco. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2024.
Camacho is a graduate of Duncanville High School.
What got you interested in attending TSTC?
I like working with my hands and building stuff, and watching everything come together and become something. I started at TSTC with no construction background, but I was familiar with hand and power tools. It is a little overwhelming when it is your first semester.
What is a typical work week like for you?
I leave Duncanville early on Monday mornings and stay in Waco during the week before leaving on Fridays to go home. I work coordinating with the project’s laborers to make sure they are organized in their work and help make sure the job site is safe. I am also part of weekly on-site safety meetings. I had to learn on the job how to operate heavy equipment. Some of the equipment I have worked with are a scissor lift and a skid steer track loader.
What is your career advice for students interested in construction?
If they like working with their hands and seeing things go up, it is the best industry to go into. It is a good and steady job. If students choose this field, all they have to do is pay attention and learn from others, and never be scared to try new things and just be themselves. If I can make it, they can make it as well.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work each day?
I recently had a baby girl, so that is what keeps me going.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology and a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman at its Harlingen and Waco campuses.
Registration is underway for TSTC’s spring semester. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
