Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Randy Summers said a new avionics technician program launched at the Weslaco Midvalley Airport will help address growing workforce demand in aviation while creating career opportunities for local students.
Speaking during a ceremony announcing the program, Summers said the initiative represents a partnership among South Texas College, Hidalgo County, the City of Weslaco, the Weslaco Midvalley Airport, and the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation.
“Today represents more than just a partnership,” Summers said. “It represents opportunity, progress, and a bold step forward.”
Summers said South Texas College has consistently aligned educational programs with workforce needs and described the avionics curriculum as another example of that approach.
“For many years, South Texas College has been a leader in aligning education with the needs of industry,” Summers said. “Time and again, they have demonstrated the ability to identify workforce gaps and respond with meaningful career-driven programs.”
The new program comes as aviation employers face increasing demand for maintenance and avionics professionals, according to Summers. Citing Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook, he said the global aviation industry will need more than 690,000 aircraft maintenance technicians over the next 20 years, including avionics specialists responsible for maintaining modern aircraft systems.
“The timing could not be better,” Summers said. He described avionics specialists as “highly skilled professionals who ensure the safety and reliability of today’s increasingly sophisticated aircraft systems.”
Summers said the program positions Weslaco, Hidalgo County, and the Rio Grande Valley to respond to that demand by creating a local pathway into aviation careers.
“Through the collaboration between South Texas College, Hidalgo County, the City of Weslaco, the Weslaco Midvalley Airport, and the Weslaco EDC, we are creating a direct pathway for students to enter a high-demand, high-skilled, and high-paying career,” Summers said.
He said students will receive hands-on technical training intended to prepare them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
“The goal is simple to equip students with the hands-on training and technical expertise they need so that when they graduate, they are ready to step directly into the workforce,” Summers said.
Summers described the initiative as workforce development centered on local opportunity. “Local students trained locally, staying local and contributing to the economic growth of our region,” he said.
He thanked South Texas College, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fuentes, Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, State Rep. Armando Martinez, and other partners for their support of the effort.
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership that not only strengthens our airport but also invests in people, the students who will become the next generation of aviation professionals,” Summers said.
Summers said airport leaders are looking ahead to the first class of students entering the program and future graduates beginning careers in avionics. “May this just be the beginning of many great things to come,” he said.
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