(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Every time Payton Cortez arrives at Texas State Technical College’s Sweetwater campus, he smiles.
The Diesel Equipment Technology student made a commitment to the program and himself to work hard in class. He is also one of the 2024 Metallica Scholars Initiative scholarship recipients.
“I started working for a diesel mechanic and was committed to making this my career,” Cortez said. “I love working on diesel engines.”
The first-semester student from Winters said he chose to attend TSTC for one reason.
“I wanted to learn everything that I can,” he said. “I wanted to know how to do each process the right way. There is no reason to do something, only to find out you did it the wrong way.”
Cortez said the instructors emphasize the importance of details.
“I want to get inside the engine when it makes a sound,” he said. “I need to know what that sound means so I can make the right decision on how to make the repairs.”
Cortez said the bond that he and his classmates have made this semester has shown in the lab.
“We work together to make sure that each of us is ready to move on,” he said.
Lane White, a TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology instructor, said Cortez is one of the students who jump in quickly on projects.
“Payton is a very hard worker who always participates in the projects,” White said. “He is always happy to be here. His determination is going to lead him to a good career in the diesel industry.”
Cortez said the instructors treat the lab like a commercial shop, which helps the students learn.
“They teach us exactly what to expect in the shop, from the safety aspect to what tools we need to use,” he said. “That makes learning fun.”
Cortez said his career path after earning his associate degree is not mapped out at this time, but he is optimistic.
“I do not know what I will be doing when I complete my degree, but I know I will be ready to work on diesel engines,” he said.
Cortez said having the support of the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame band Metallica is extra motivation to complete school.
“It is awesome that the band is willing to help people like me,” he said. “Their support gives me the chance to pursue my career.”
Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Now in its sixth year, MSI has a presence in 60 colleges across all 50 states and in the territory of Guam.
According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in the state earn an annual average salary of $56,780, the website stated.
Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Depending on campus location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations. Several certificates of completion also are offered.
Diesel Equipment Technology is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee program. If a participating graduate does not find a job in their field within six months after graduating, TSTC will refund their tuition in full.
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.
