Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – The Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) at South Texas College is assisting employees gain valuable workplace credentials through a specialized heavy equipment program developed with McAllen Public Utilities.
Supported through funding from the North American Development (NAD) Bank and Trust for the Americas, CATA’s Heavy Equipment Operator with Specialization in Backhoe program provides utility employees with industry-focused training designed to strengthen safety awareness, improve operational skills and prepare participants for certification in equipment operation.
According to Marisol Chavez, CATA manager, the collaboration highlights STC’s commitment to supporting workforce development efforts that directly benefit the region’s public infrastructure and utility services.
As demand continues to grow for skilled equipment operators across industries, Chavez said the partnership with MPU demonstrates how targeted workforce training can create immediate benefits for employers while opening new opportunities for employees.
“This is an opportunity to provide employees with specialized skills that can immediately impact their work while also helping them advance professionally,” Chavez said. “This program combines classroom learning with practical experience, allowing participants to build confidence and competency by operating equipment they use in the field.”
The Heavy Equipment training program is a 25-hour course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training that covers equipment operation, site assessment, precision excavation techniques, safety procedures and performance metrics.
By combining industry expertise, community partnerships and hands-on learning, Chavez said the program is helping utility workers gain credentials that support both personal advancement and the continued delivery of essential public services throughout the region.
The first cohort consisting of nine employees completed training on June 18 at the McAllen Utility Facility. A second cohort of 10 employees is scheduled to complete training later this month.
For Juan Barron, a crew leader with McAllen Public Utilities, the training represents an important step in expanding his professional qualifications and preparing the next generation of workers.
“I started as a wastewater operator, then became a mechanic, now I’m a crew leader,” Barron said. “We use backhoes regularly and while we have had training before, this course gives us a certification. That certification counts because it makes me more marketable and helps me become a better trainer for new employees.”
Barron said the credential provides additional opportunities for career growth while strengthening the department’s workforce.
“The certification is going to help me learn and compete more in this industry,” he said. “It gives me the tools to continue developing my skills and share that knowledge with others.”
Fabian Diaz, an operator with McAllen Public Utilities who has worked in municipalities for nearly three years, said the training directly applies to daily operation.
“We use backhoes to dig trenches and access underground water and wastewater lines,” Diaz said. “It’s really helpful to have these additional skills because there is always something you can do with a backhoe.”
Diaz said the course has helped him develop practical skills including trenching, leveling ground, moving material and restoring work sites after repairs are completed.
“The instructor works with you one-on-one and helps correct mistakes so can continue improving,” he said. “These are skills I can take with me for the future and use throughout my career.”
For more information on apprenticeships at STC through CATA, visit southtexascollege.edu/cata/.
