Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
WESLACO, Texas – Students across the Mid-Valley will soon have greater access to careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing industries as South Texas College (STC) expands its Construction Management program to the Mid-Valley Campus beginning this fall.
Previously offered exclusively at STC’s Technology Campus, the program’s expansion brings construction education closer to students in Weslaco, Donna, Mercedes and surrounding communities, eliminating transportation barriers while creating new pathways to high-demand careers.
According to Construction Management Program Coordinator Samuel Saldana, the expansion brings construction education closer to students where they are and ensuring more individuals can pursue careers in construction management.
“For many, transportation became a barrier that prevented them from enrolling,” Saldana said. “Bringing the program to the Mid-Valley Campus allows us to serve students throughout the area, and the response has been incredible. Our first Construction Management classes at Mid-Valley are already full.”
The program equips students with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to oversee residential, commercial and industrial projects. Through coursework in project planning, estimating, scheduling, construction methods and safety, graduates are prepared for careers as construction managers, project coordinators, estimators and supervisors.
The program’s expansion also reflects the continued demand for skilled construction professionals throughout the region.
“Workforce needs are always at the forefront of what we do at STC,” Saldana said. “We’ve offered this program for more than 10 years, and it has continued to grow every year. Our graduates work for local companies, national and international firms, government agencies and many even go on to start their own businesses.”
Mid-Valley Campus Administrator Daniel Montez said the addition of the program strengthens the campus’ workforce offerings while providing students with another affordable pathway into a rewarding profession.
“This program creates another opportunity for students who want to enter a career with tremendous growth potential,” Montez said. “Construction continues to be an important industry in our region and now students can develop those skills closer to home.”
For students looking to enter the workforce quickly, Montez said the program provides a practical alternative while still offering opportunities for continued education.
“Not every student wants to immediately pursue a traditional academic pathway,” he said. “Construction Management gives them the opportunity to develop marketable, career-ready skills in a relatively short amount of time while opening doors to long-term professional growth.”
The addition also complements the Mid-Valley Campus’ existing technical programs including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Electrical, creating additional pathways for students interested in the construction industry.
“This program fits naturally alongside our other workforce programs,” Montez said. “Students can begin by learning the technical side of construction and later continue into our bachelor’s degree programs, such as Operations Management, to build the leadership and management skills needed to advance their careers.”
As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, the Construction Management program will prepare graduates to help shape the region’s future, building not only structures, but lasting careers.
For more information on STC’s Construction management program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/.
Information source: STC
