Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Jeremy Gaytan, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, recently accepted an internship opportunity at Oncor Electric Delivery in Dallast hat he will start in May. He had met some Oncor company representatives during a recent employer spotlight held at TSTC.
“During the employer spotlight, they discussed some of the job duties their workers perform,” he said. “I performed an online search to read their employee feedback reviews. The positive comments, ranging from work culture, compensation, job benefits and employee stability, were definitely an influence. And some of the (TSTC) program’s graduates shared their experiences with me because they work at Oncor.”
Gaytan said his choice was also based on a bigger picture.
“Besides family and friends, Oncor’s purpose influenced me,” he said. “They help power hospitals to assist with patient care, power schools for future generations, and other components.”
This is not Gaytan’s first time pursuing a degree at the college.
Years ago he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
“I’ve been working as a dental hygienist in nursing homes for 12 years,” he said. “I enjoy the profession, but during the pandemic I would tinker with home projects such as automotive and electrical items. I opened them to learn how they work. If something malfunctioned, I learned how to repair it. For me, it was the greatest sense of gratification. That gave me time to reevaluate my true passion, which is working with complex solutions. I enrolled in TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program in 2021 and transitioned to a part-time dental hygienist.”
He credits getting the internship at Oncor to his education at TSTC.
“I enjoy the hands-on training assignments,” he said. “The instructors do their best to ensure we succeed. The curriculum allows students to understand the material.”
Carlos Reyes, TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program director, said Gaytan is a focused and disciplined student.
“Jeremy is willing to attempt different options during lab sessions,” he said. “His willingness to help other classmates who need assistance or explanations demonstrates his leadership. That is a great value when interviewing with potential employers.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $63,260 a year. Onetonline.org projected that there would be a 14% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Basic Electromechanical Automation (PLC) occupational skills achievement award.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
