Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College celebrated National Manufacturing Day by bringing together more than 200 students from dual credit high schools and traditional programs for a day-long journey with industry partners.
Held at STC’s Technology Campus, the 15th annual event puts a spotlight on the impact of modern manufacturing while giving students an inside look in industry through tours and career exploration.
During the event’s morning sessions, students heard from STC leadership, faculty, alumni and industry representatives about the vast opportunities available, while the afternoon activities enabled students to see the manufacturing process in action through tours of local facilities.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., who was on hand to welcome students, praised them for taking advantage of dual credit opportunities that will connect them to higher education opportunities and high demand careers.
“You are with the No. 1 ranked Hispanic-Serving Institution in the nation,” Solis told students. “The credits you earn here can transfer to other universities like Texas A&M or the University of Texas, or they can take you straight into the workforce with a certificate or degree. Manufacturing will always be in demand and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will only complement the skills you are bringing to the table.”
STC’s Manufacturing Day event kicks off a nationwide, month-long celebration of manufacturing careers.
Together with industry partners, the college is showcasing the innovation and ingenuity of manufacturers by bringing together industry professionals, students and faculty to showcase the latest advancements, emerging technologies and collaborations they say is a hallmark of the Rio Grande Valley.
Tours sites included Stanley Black and Decker, Precision Mold and Tool, Regal Rexnord, ECO Plastics, GE, Fox Packaging and IHC Suspension.
Joe Vela, point of contact for STC’s Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST), welcomed students to the event and encouraged them to view the day as a launching point for their own careers.
“Back in 2001, I was sitting where many of you are today as a dual credit student,” Vela said. “I didn’t know at the time that those classes would ultimately lead me down the path to working in industry, serving as faculty and now helping lead this division. For many of you, today could be the beginning of your own journey.”
STC’s BPST division at the Technology Campus offers more than 20 technical programs including Construction Supervision, Architecture, Automotive and Diesel Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Welding and Mechatronics.
Vela said AI is reshaping these industries and STC is embedding it across its programs to prepare students for the digital workforce.
“Manufacturing is no longer just about tools and machines,” Vela said. “It’s about innovations, creativity and technology working together.”
Industry leaders also underscored the strong demand for skilled workers.
Mike Willis, executive director for South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA) emphasized that there are more than 100,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs nationwide.
“Manufacturing is about taking raw materials and turning them into everything around you – from the chair you’re sitting on to the phone in your hands,” Willis. “The future of this industry isn’t in repetitive jobs that can be automated. It’s in problem-solving, technical skills and innovations. That is where you, the students, come in.”
Vanessa Ortiz, 20, a Precision Manufacturing student graduating this December reflected on her own journey, which began when her mother worked in factories in Mexico. After relocating to Texas, Ortiz said she entered STC’s Dual Credit program and was able to overcome a language barrier to eventually secure a position at GE Aerospace.
“Now I’m a machine operator working with aircraft engines,” Ortiz told students. “At first, I doubted myself, but I learned not to. That’s my message to you today – never doubt what you can do.”
Information source: STC
