Texas Border Business
By Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — Adrian Gonzalez, general manager of Payne Edinburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, said the Rio Grande Valley needs more qualified automotive technicians as increasingly sophisticated vehicles require workers with specialized training, advanced tools and technical knowledge.
Gonzalez made the remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for South Texas Vocational Technical Institute’s new Automotive Service Technician program at its McAllen campus.
“There are so many good minds in one room,” Gonzalez said. “I’m very grateful and honored to be a part of this program.”
Gonzalez described automotive technicians as essential to dealership operations, even though much of their work takes place away from customers.
“They are extremely important,” he said. “They are what I call the heart of the dealership.”
He said the shortage of trained technicians represents a workforce need across the region.
“We need more technicians in the RGV. We need quality technicians,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said modern vehicle repair has changed significantly as manufacturers incorporate increasingly advanced electronic and computerized systems. Technicians now require specialized equipment and training to diagnose and repair newer vehicles.
“These vehicles can no longer be fixed with an impact and a hammer,” Gonzalez said. “They need specialty tools that cost a lot of money and can be extremely hard to get.”
Gonzalez said his organization, which works with more than a dozen automotive brands, is prepared to support the STVT program by providing specialty tools that can expose students to equipment used with newer vehicle technology.
He also discussed developing a mentorship and apprenticeship pathway intended to make the transition from technical training to employment easier for students.
“With the apprenticeship program, they’ll be able to graduate and work on vehicles right away while they work toward certification in the brand they choose, whether it’s Volkswagen, GMC or another brand,” Gonzalez said.
Raymond Gutierrez, STVT McAllen director of education, said employer involvement has already helped develop the program.
“One of the things we’re most proud of is the support that we’ve already received from our local employers and industry partners,” Gutierrez said. “Their feedback has helped shape this program.”
Vanessa Pardo, STVT McAllen campus president, said relationships with employers help connect students with the industries and workplaces they are preparing to enter.
“The partnerships we build with local employers help us stay connected to the needs of the industry and provide our students with insight into the careers and workplaces they’re preparing for,” Pardo said.
Gonzalez said the combination of technical education, employer involvement, and apprenticeship opportunities can help students enter automotive workplaces prepared to continue developing their skills and pursue manufacturer certifications.
“We’re excited to be part of this program,” Gonzalez said. “Thank you very much to the team here.”
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