Texas Border Business
WESLACO – Hidalgo County Precinct 1 will join South Texas College, community leaders, and regional partners on Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m., to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for a new Avionics Technician Program through the college’s Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA). The program is the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley.
The event will take place at the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport at 1909 Joe Stephens Ave. in Weslaco.
The ceremony will mark a significant milestone in expanding workforce development opportunities in the region and preparing students for high-skill, high-demand careers in aviation and aerospace technology.
The initiative was made possible in part through a $50,000 contribution from Precinct 1 and a partnership with the Mid-Valley Airport. Together, these efforts will support the launch of hands-on training opportunities focused on the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of advanced aircraft and spacecraft electronic systems.
“Avionics is such a specialized field, but it is vital to the airports and growing aerospace industry in our region,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes. “There are currently no other programs like this in the Rio Grande Valley, and we are proud to help bring these opportunities closer to home. This partnership reflects our commitment to workforce development, economic growth, and creating pathways to high-paying careers for our community.”
The Avionics Technician Program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026 and will provide two pathways for students: an adult program for individuals 18 and older, and a high school program for juniors and seniors. Students in the adult program will be able to earn a credential in approximately 16 weeks, while high school students will complete the program over a two-year period.
For more information about the program, contact STC’s Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships at 956-872-2770 or email cata@southtexascollege.edu.
| Event Details |
| What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Avionics Technician Program Launch |
| When: Tuesday, May 12 at 3 p.m. |
| Where: Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport at 1909 Joe Stephens Ave. in Weslaco |
| Who: Hidalgo County Precinct 1, South Texas College. City of Weslaco, Weslaco EDC, State Rep Armando Martinez, and the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport |
