(HARLINGEN, Texas) – The day after Halle Cardenas graduated from high school, the reality of what was to come next in her life set in.
“I knew I had to start working or go to college,” Cardenas said. “My sister and her husband are graduates of the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. (They) explained what their jobs consist of at a wind farm in Waco and why they enjoyed their careers. The idea of following in my sister’s career path did sound appealing.”
Cardenas decided to visit the enrollment center at TSTC’s Harlingen campus to speak with an admissions advisor.
“The advisor encouraged me to consider enrolling in the Wind Energy Technology program,” Cardenas said. “(She) said the program needed more women. I wanted to be one of the women who joined the program and graduate like my sister did.”
Now Cardenas is studying for a Wind Energy Technician certificate of completion at TSTC.
“I enjoyed the hands-on assignments I was introduced to during my first semester, such as setting up a schematic on a hydraulic motor,” she said. “I’m learning the importance of analyzing and troubleshooting areas on a wind turbine.”
Mario Sanchez is one of Cardenas’ instructors in the program.
“The hands-on assignments will prepare Halle for situations she may encounter by establishing a solid foundation on the interworking of the wind turbines,” he said.
Cardenas said choosing to study at TSTC is preparing her well for her career.
“I’m pursuing a college education that I enjoy, thanks to a suggestion from my sister,” she said. “It gives me comfort knowing that I could have a high-paying job after I graduate from TSTC.”
The job outlook for the wind energy industry is bright. According to onetonline.org, the need for wind turbine service technicians in Texas was forecast to increase 102% from 2020 to 2030. The average annual salary for a technician in the state is $59,290, according to the website.
TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.
To learn more about TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program, go to tstc.edu/windenergy.
