Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez / Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas – Adrian Gonzalez said a new avionics technician program at Weslaco Midvalley Airport represents a regional effort to expand career opportunities for local students through workforce training and technical education.
Speaking during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the program, Gonzalez described the initiative as a partnership among the City of Weslaco, South Texas College, and Hidalgo County Precinct 1 aimed at preparing students for future careers in aviation.
“This is the first time the city of Weslaco, South Texas ISD, and Precinct 1 have worked together to build something to continue educating our youth,” Gonzalez said. “Our youth is very important. Our youth is the next generation, our next leaders.”
Gonzalez said the program gives students additional pathways into the workforce, particularly those who may not pursue a traditional four-year college degree.
“Some of them may not attend a four-year college, but you know what? They have the opportunity to get a certification or to go into a trade school,” Gonzalez said. “We’re here to support our youth.”
The new avionics technician program, announced through a partnership among South Texas College, the City of Weslaco, Hidalgo County Precinct 1, and the Weslaco Midvalley Airport, will provide technical training in aviation electronics and aircraft systems.
Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, said the program is intended to align education with industry demand while preparing students for immediate employment.
“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.”
Solis said the program reflects South Texas College’s workforce mission. “This program reflects our commitment to aligning education with industry needs, expanding career opportunities for our students, and strengthening the aviation workforce pipeline,” he said. “Through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum, and partnerships with employers, our students will graduate ready to contribute on day one.”
David Fuentes said the initiative will expose students to opportunities that are often unfamiliar to the public.
“How can we possibly know the opportunities that exist behind these gates when you don’t have access to it?” Fuentes said, referring to airport facilities. “That’s what’s really cool about days like today: we can open the gates, we can welcome the community, we can welcome the general population to come in and see what’s actually here because there’s so much opportunity that exists here.”
Fuentes said the program will help create economic opportunities for future generations by giving students access to specialized training aligned with in-demand jobs.
“It’s opportunities like this and programs like this that open the doors,” Fuentes said. “That’s our intention, to give our kids the opportunity that didn’t exist here before.”
Gonzalez said the collaboration behind the program should continue beyond the launch event.
“Let’s continue working together,” Gonzalez said. “Let’s continue providing a great Mid Valley, not only Mid Valley, but the whole region.”
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