Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas – Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, said the college’s new avionics technician program marks an expansion of workforce education in the Rio Grande Valley and is intended to prepare students for careers in aviation technology.
Speaking during the launch event at the Weslaco Midvalley Airport, Solis described the initiative as part of South Texas College’s effort to align education with workforce demand in aviation.
“Today marks an exciting step forward for our college and for the future of workforce education in our region,” Solis said. “Our new avionics technician program will prepare students for high-demand careers supporting the advanced technology systems that keep modern aircraft operating safely and efficiently.”
The program, announced through a partnership among South Texas College, the City of Weslaco, Hidalgo County Precinct 1, and the Weslaco Midvalley Airport, is designed to provide students and adults with hands-on technical training aligned with aviation careers.
Solis said the initiative reflects the college’s focus on workforce readiness and industry collaboration.
“This program reflects our commitment to aligning education with industry needs, expanding career opportunities for our students, and strengthening the aviation workforce pipeline,” Solis said. “Through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum, and partnerships with employers, our students will graduate ready to contribute on day one.”
During his remarks, Solis emphasized the collaboration behind the program, describing the partnership among local institutions as essential to bringing the training opportunity to the Mid Valley.
“When I see all the group here, the incredible partnership, the synergy that has come together, this is remarkable,” Solis said. “Most importantly, this is the future, and here in the valley, right in Mid Valley, certainly we are moving in that direction.”
Solis also recognized students attending the event from Edcouch-Elsa, Weslaco, and Donna, and encouraged them to consider the new program. Recruiters from South Texas College were present to register interested students and adults.
According to Solis, the avionics technician program will include two tracks, one for high school students and another for adults. High school participants will complete the first year online before moving to hands-on instruction during the second year at South Texas College’s Mid Valley campus and airport facilities.
Adults seeking certification will be able to complete an accelerated option in five to six months. “We’re going to now provide opportunities for the adults,” Solis said. “In six months, they’ll be able to finish this certified technician program and be gainfully employed.”
Solis described avionics as a field centered on aircraft electronics, communications systems, and emerging aviation technologies. He said the program is intended to meet workforce demand while creating local career opportunities.
“We are creating the future, and the future is now,” Solis said. “What we’re doing here in the Midvalley, we are creating an industry.”
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