HARLINGEN — Gissela Hernandez Guzman recalled a time for the duration of her youth when her father experienced a prosperous automotive store. His fascination in repairing automobiles would be the very first spark that would guide his daughter to an schooling at Texas Point out Technological School.
“It made me want to master much more about the automotive area,” she explained. “I imagined it would be excellent to be the to start with female and initial-technology college or university university student in my family members to enter a vocation that’s identified to be male-dominated. I’m identified to show that ladies are great leaders in any field.”
Now Hernandez Guzman, of San Benito, is learning for an Associate of Applied Science diploma in Automotive Technologies.
The 2nd-semester university student reported her knowledge and competencies have advanced.
“The hands-on instruction I’ve realized up to this place has been in parts these types of as steering and suspension, electrical, HVAC and brake techniques, engine fix, a two-submit raise and a wheel alignment,” she explained. “The instructors have taught me the worth of completing a every day servicing checkup. Failure to do so can trigger problems to your car.”
Hernandez Guzman stated her enthusiasm is to demonstrate that she can be an outstanding automotive technician.
“As extended as you have the motivation to thrive, nearly anything is feasible,” she reported. “I’m proving my really worth.”
She credits her knowledge to the instructors at TSTC.
“The instructors assistance us each and every move of the way, such as by way of our struggles,” she explained. “For case in point, I have experienced some troubles putting the appropriate timing chains in time in the Automotive Engine Restore class. The intake and exhaust valves each have a certain time they have to come upon, and the chain has to align with the timing sprocket. They served me to correct that.”
Hernandez Guzman said she is wanting forward to the remainder of her education and learning.
“I’m completely ready to study what the program has remaining to train me to develop into a skilled technician,” she stated.
Miguel Zoleta, TSTC’s Automotive Technological know-how plan director, stated Hernandez Guzman’s fascination in the automotive marketplace is admirable.
“Gissela has shown initiative, purpose, and she is eager to elevate her capabilities as she progresses to develop into a technician.”
Paul Cavazos, support manager for Boggus Automotive Group, mentioned girls have made a profound effect at that firm.
“Many gals who have been hired by our corporation are experienced automotive technicians or support writers who have built a long lasting perception on our customers,” he stated. “TSTC has performed a excellent position in creating qualified automotive experts. I would like to see far more females enter this industry for the reason that their skill stage is outstanding.”
Jacob Boggus, common manager for Boggus Automotive Team, mentioned the business is about driving change.
“The a must have contributions of our trailblazing women have propelled our dealership to new heights in provider, sales and innovation,” he explained. “We’re happy to cultivate a diverse and inclusive natural environment where by the future of the automotive industry is shaped by the collective brilliance of all of our group customers. As we carry on to extend, we keep on being steadfast in our motivation to nurture the good results of women in the field and rewrite the narrative of the automotive earth.”
The will need for capable automotive services technicians and mechanics is expected to expand in Texas more than the up coming many many years. According to onetonline.org, Texas employs additional than 55,000 of these experts close to the point out, and that number is forecast to best 61,000 by 2030. The typical annual salary for a technician in the point out is $46,680.
TSTC delivers an Associate of Utilized Science diploma in Automotive Technological know-how and an Automotive Technician certification of completion at the Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Quite a few other certificates, which include Automotive Routine maintenance and Light-weight Maintenance, Chrysler Specialization and Tesla Begin Technician, as very well as a Basic Automotive occupational techniques achievement award, are also offered dependent on campus spot.
For extra information and facts about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.