(HARLINGEN, Texas) – This fall, students in the Wind Energy Technology program at Texas State Technical College can look forward to an expanded program curriculum and new resources that can equip them for successful careers as wind turbine technicians.
“Students will have access to new training opportunities and specialized courses such as fiberglass blade repair, advanced climbing and rescue certification, gearbox maintenance and troubleshooting, and wind energy technology and software applications that are designed to enhance their skills and career readiness,” Ray Longoria, TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program team lead in Harlingen, said.
Russell Benson, director of alignment for TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program, said the program expects to enroll around 80 students this fall.
“Our No. 1 priority is to provide students with the education and skills to safely work with electricity,” he said. “The facilities upgrade will make the learning experience more fulfilling. When the equipment and facilities are outstanding, folks focus better and get the job done.”
Eladio Jaimez, provost at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, said the program’s expansion should help grow jobs in the region.
“By training a skilled workforce of new wind turbine technicians, this will help position TSTC as a key player in supporting Texas’ transition to sustainable energy and stimulating job growth in the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.
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.
