(MARSHALL, Texas) – Alexander Ramirez studied automotive technology throughout high school and even secured an internship with a car dealership in Longview during his sophomore year.
“I liked what I was doing, so I decided to find something that suited that particular area and found out Texas State Technical College in Marshall had the Diesel Equipment Technology program,” he said.
Switching from gasoline-powered vehicles to diesel equipment proved challenging for Ramirez, but with guidance from his TSTC instructors, he overcame the obstacles. In time, he was able to tutor one of his fellow students who was struggling with his own work.
“He was having trouble learning and understanding what we were doing, and as I would learn, I would guide him through it and help him out,” Ramirez said. “He came a long way.”
Ramirez graduated from the Diesel Equipment Technology program during TSTC’s Fall 2024 Commencement. He received a certificate of completion in Off-Highway Specialization.
Ramirez’s instructors recognized his strong work ethic and helped him secure a job. Immediately after graduating, he began working as a shop technician for Waukesha-Pearce Industries, a construction equipment dealer in Kilgore.
“In five years, I plan to get all of my training done, and I plan to be out in the field servicing equipment in the service truck,” Ramirez said.
According to onetonline.org, bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists earn a median salary of $56,780 in Texas, where the number of these jobs was projected to grow 19% between 2020 and 2030.
Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC’s Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses, and it will be available at the Abilene campus starting this fall. The program offers several associate degrees and certificates of completion.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
