Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Texas Southmost College’s Industrial Maintenance and Robotics Lab will welcome local high school students this spring for an immersive, hands-on learning experience aimed at building advanced technical skills and industry-recognized credentials.
The Spring 2026 Skills Camp with Porter High School will bring students into TSC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Automation (AMRA) Lab, where they will engage in practical activities and work toward earning the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Gold Certification in Pneumatics.
Juan Rivera, TSC’s Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology (IMMT) Program Coordinator, said the event is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.
“During the camp, students will participate in hands-on skill activities in the AMRA Lab, and we’ll be challenging our Dual Practicum class to earn the SACA Gold Certification in Pneumatics,” Rivera said.
The certification process is rigorous and requires students to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and technical proficiency. Participants must complete three individual exams at their workstations, where they identify pneumatic symbols and correctly assemble systems based on detailed diagrams.
“The objective is for students to obtain the SACA Gold Level Certification in Pneumatics,” Rivera explained. “These exams require students to apply what they’ve learned by identifying symbols and connecting diagrams according to given specifications.”
Before attempting the gold-level credential, students must first pass the silver-level certification, a foundational requirement that ensures they understand core pneumatic concepts.
Rivera, who is certified to administer the credential, earned his qualification last December through training at a SACA-authorized center. He emphasized the value of these industry certifications for students entering technical careers.
“SACA certifications validate both knowledge and hands-on skills. When students successfully complete the written exam and performance assessments, they demonstrate they are workforce-ready,” Rivera said.
In addition to student engagement, SACA also supports educators through professional development. Teachers can participate in specialized training programs lasting three to five days, enabling them to proctor certification exams and deliver preparation courses aligned with Industry 4.0 standards.
The upcoming Skills Camp reflects TSC’s continued commitment to workforce development and partnerships with local schools, providing students early exposure to high-demand technical fields such as industrial maintenance, automation, and robotics.The event is expected to give participating students a competitive edge as they pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and related industries
