TSTC Welding Technologies scholar sets foundation for future automotive business

HARLINGEN — Texas Point out Complex Higher education student Ricardo Flores is in pursuit of an entrepreneurial purpose: to set up an automotive restoration and modification store.

The Harlingen resident is aligning that route via an schooling at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

“I gained an Affiliate of Used Science diploma in Automotive Technological know-how from TSTC in 2021,” Flores stated. “Now I am pursuing a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. Then I strategy to go after a certificate of completion in Highly developed Pipe Specialization in the similar plan. It is needed for my enterprise. In the very last period, I will pursue a Bachelor of Science diploma in mathematics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.”

TSTC Welding Technologies scholar sets foundation for future automotive business
Ricardo Flores, a Welding Technological know-how pupil at Texas Point out Technological College’s Harlingen campus, designs to open his own automotive restoration and modification shop someday. (Courtesy: Texas Point out Technological Higher education/TSTC)

Flores’ curiosity in the automotive market was piqued by way of his mom, who is a previous typical Mustang auto club member.

“(She) applied to showcase her 2004 Mustang GT,” Flores said. “That was my to start with introduction into entrepreneurship and typical cars.”

Flores’ small business notion came to him all through his second semester in the Automotive Know-how system.

“I have constantly been that kind of man or woman to solve automotive concerns on my possess,” he claimed. “I figured, why not learn every thing I can and spruce up vehicles?”

The fabrication aspect of the Welding Engineering system was what enticed him to enroll in it.

“I love it mainly because you have to make components that do not exist,” he stated. “That is what I will have to have to do extended time period for my small business.”

Flores reported the competencies that he has attained at TSTC will changeover very well to his future business enterprise enterprise.

“I can solve vehicle challenges by diagnostics,” he claimed. “I can also suitable the wiring throughout a car or truck. I can restore an old engine to a model-new potential. As for structural welding, I can make frames for older vehicles.”

Raul Saldivar, a TSTC Welding teacher, mentioned Flores has the push to elevate his discovering probable.

“I am impressed by his curiosity,” Saldivar stated. “(He) attempts unique procedures to increase his welds and normally inquires for feedback.”

In accordance to onetonline.org, welders can earn a yearly median income of additional than $47,000 in Texas. These jobs are predicted to maximize 13% by 2028 in the state, in accordance to the web page.

TSTC provides Welding Engineering at just about every of its 10 campuses situated through Texas.

Welding Technology is a person of nine systems at TSTC that have revenue-back assures. The college’s determination to welding students is straightforward: If they do not have a work in their field within six months of graduation, they will acquire a total refund of their tuition. For additional information and facts on the Revenue-Back Promise method, pay a visit to https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For far more info, go to tstc.edu.

By Tara