Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Getting some on-the-job experience is giving Victor Mejia, a Building Construction Technology student at Texas State Technical College, an early advantage in his career path.
Mejia, of Harlingen, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree at TSTC while working as a part-time assistant superintendent with Central Air and Heating Services in Harlingen.
He learned about the job through TSTC instructor Rick Vargas.
“(He) said the company is growing,” Mejia said. “I will shadow some superintendents and learn as much as I can. They also do general contracting, and I will oversee subcontractors. That is where my knowledge from the (TSTC) program will come into play.”
The third-semester student is thankful to work for a versatile company.
“Their services range from residential to commercial and other areas,” he said. “They do everything in-house. All of that pertains to labor and construction. I am grateful because this will lead me toward a prosperous future.”
Chad Ufland, senior project manager for Central Air and Heating Services, said Mejia already has some important job skills.
“In a short time, he has demonstrated he can be organized, take notes and, most importantly, absorb information that is presented to him.”
Mejia is eager to learn all that the Building Construction Technology program has to offer.
“As I have progressed, the management side of the program is appealing,” he said. “The estimating course has been my favorite. We have had chances to figure out the cost for certain projects. The expertise I have learned from these instructors has elevated my capabilities.”
Mejia offers some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing Building Construction Technology at TSTC.
“This program is for you if you enjoy using your hands and eyes, and enjoy instant gratification for what you built,” he said.
According to onetonline.org, construction managers in Texas can earn around $96,290 per year. The number of such jobs in the state is expected to increase 17% by 2028.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology and a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman at the Harlingen and Waco campuses. The college also offers an occupational skills achievement award in Building Inspection Level 1 at the Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
