Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College is introducing a brand-new Avionics Technician program, the only of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, through the college’s Center of Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA), set to begin fall 2026.
Avionics focuses on the development, installation and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft, satellites and spacecraft to enhance safety, navigation and operational efficiency.
In a recent announcement made at a Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court meeting, this initiative was described as a response to meet the need of qualified avionic technicians in the region, and through a $50,000 donation from Hidalgo County Precinct 1, in collaboration with the Mid-Valley Airport, STC has been able to get the program off the ground.
“At STC, we respond to the needs of our community, and if it allows us to train, reskill, upskill and produce high-quality technicians and professionals, then we will work hard to bring those programs to our area,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This new Avionics program has high standards, and we expect that, with the help of our partners, we can have students complete this program in only 16 weeks and be ready for the workforce. Together, we are growing opportunities and empowering our communities.”
The Avionics Technician Program offers two pathways: an Adult Program for those18 years and older and a High School Program for juniors and seniors.
Both programs focus on preparing students to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electronic systems used in aircraft. These systems include communications, navigation, flight control, weather radar, autopilot, entertainment and other critical electronic components that help an aircraft operate safely.
Students in the Adult Program can earn a credential within five months, or 16 weeks, while high school juniors and seniors in the high school program, can earn a credential in two years, or 48 weeks.
Students in both pathways will be trained in areas ranging from the fundamentals to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Carlos Margo, dean for CATA, said the implementation of this program reflects STC’s commitment to building direct pathways into high-skill, high-demand careers.
“The development of the program was based on the current and growing need for avionic technicians in the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Margo. “As the economy continues to expand in our region, so does the size of our airports and the number of aircraft that will need maintenance and repair.”
Additionally, Margo said another main driver for demand is SpaceX in Cameron County.
“Our Avionics Program will also prepare students for real-world application of skills needed for spacecraft,” he said. “The combination of knowledge and skills for avionics is hard to find, and the goal of this program is to not only prepare individuals for a highly paid, sustainable career, but to assist employers with their strategic growth and operational plans by supplying them with a highly-trained workforce with the skills that are relevant and timely.”
Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 1 David Fuentes said he is excited about this initiative and in sharing his passion for aircraft and flying with Texas State Representative, District 39, Armando Martinez, who both set plans in motion to help fund and establish the Avionics Program through STC.
“Avionics is such a niche field, but it is vital to the airports in our region, and there aren’t any other programs like this in the RGV,” said Fuentes. “This upcoming program aligns with everything we believe will enhance our communities with a certain skillset and training. I’m glad we found a pathway to get this done and we appreciate our entire Hidalgo County team in helping us navigate this process with STC, so collectively, we can create new high-paying jobs.”
Martinez said in expanding the Mid-Valley Airport, two new facilities are being constructed, one of which will be used to provide a training space for STC.
The training space will be equipped, thanks to the $50,000 donation, with all the instruments and electrical power systems necessary for successful hands-on training.
“Watching this initiative come to fruition is met with excitement,” said the state representative. “We are excited about this collaboration; there is no program like this south of Waco. STC’s Mid-Valley campus is an anchor in our community, including McAllen and Starr County. By working with the college, we are expanding opportunities for everyone in the Valley, and now, no one must leave home to pursue this high-paying career. Our collaborative efforts have truly made this dream a reality.”
For more information on STC’s new Avionics Technician Program, call STC’s CATA office at 956-872-2770 or email cata@southtexascollege.edu.
