Texas Border Business
Relying on a rock-solid work ethic and a passion for continuous learning and overcoming challenges, Hipolito Garcia said faculty at South Texas College helped him fill in experience gaps to help him find success at a young age.
Garcia, 18, and a recent graduate from Rio Grande City High School talks about the challenges he faced as a high school dropout to finding success in a manufacturing career thanks to the support of faculty at STC.
“Being young and in this career track means I just have to work harder for what I want,” Garcia said. “I have already struggled a lot for my age, but I like to think that I made it out. I have a good job, and my parents are retired and living with me at a house I rent. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. t I just went for it and never looked back.”
Dropping out of high school as a freshman due to COVID-related challenges, Garcia said he later returned and worked hard to not only graduate on time, but to also attain a certificate in Precision Manufacturing Technology upon his high school graduation.
Through STC Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) presentations at his high school, Garcia said he was inspired to pursue a manufacturing career and secured a full-time job with Palmview-based suspension company, IHC Suspension, right out of high school.
Now living on his own and valuing his independence, Garcia said STC played a crucial role in introducing him to manufacturing and providing the necessary skills and opportunities for employment, as well as advancement.
Garcia said IHC is also supporting him as he returns to STC this fall to work toward his associate degree in Precision Manufacturing Technology. He said he values the benefits of STC, including its reliable resources, personalized attention and commitment to helping students reach their full potential.
“The company I work for is big on education and allowing their employees to grow. I was immediately introduced to laser cutters, for pipes and for sheets, and shortly after that I was a tube bender for several months, which combined with the knowledge I already had from STC,” Garcia said. “I thank all the faculty at STC who worked with me because they pushed me to my limit and encouraged me to be the best I could.”
The AMT program currently offers five certificate and degree plans including a Manufacturing Technician Occupational Skills Award, Mechatronics Technician Occupational Skills Award, Precision Manufacturing Technology Certificate, Robotics and Mechatronics Technology Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in Precision Manufacturing Technology.
The program also features a superb employment rate—more than 87% of AMT students who receive an associate degree get hired immediately.
“It’s important to understand just how far STC faculty will go to connect employers once you are in the program,” Garcia said. “They go the extra mile to tell you about job openings and where to apply depending on your level of experience. They also talk to these companies about their students to open up more opportunities for us. It helped me and I know it can help other students if they take a chance with the program.”
The key to success, according to Garcia, is no secret. He emphasizes the value of hard work, perseverance and continuous self-improvement in overcoming challenges and achieving personal and professional growth.
“I’m proud of myself. I’m working at a young age in manufacturing and moving up in a field that requires the right experience to advance,” Garcia said. “I just received my first raise and I’m just glad to be learning new things every day.”
For more information about STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/manufacturing/.
Information source: STC
