(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Great things are happening as a result of the new construction at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus.
Some programs new to the campus will start this fall, including Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, which will offer an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion.
“Students will learn about multiple resources such as how to read a blueprint, plumbing building codes, and tools that are used for plumbing,” Hector Rosa, TSTC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program team lead, said.
Jimmy Bibb, director of alignment for the program, estimated that around 20 to 40 students will be accepted into it in Harlingen this fall.
“Students will be introduced to a Caterpillar virtual reality safety training, a heavy-duty training with tractors and excavators, and other hands-on training,” he said.
Eladio Jaimez, provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, said there is growing demand for a skilled workforce in the plumbing and pipefitting industry in the Rio Grande Valley.
“TSTC prides itself on placing Texans in high-paying jobs, and the addition of the program is evidence of our commitment to that mission,” he said.
According to onetonline.net, the need for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters was forecast to increase 22% between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary for these jobs is $57,250 in Texas, the website stated.
Currently Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology is available at TSTC’s Waco campus. In addition to Harlingen, the program will be taught in Abilene this fall.
To learn more about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
