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Harlingen, Texas – Jonathan Garza, an automotive technology student at Texas State Polytechnic University, couldn’t be happier with his choice to learn more about the automotive industry and follow his father-in-law’s career path.
“My stepfather is not only a graduate of the same program (automotive technology), but he is also a professional mechanic who has worked for 24 years at several Ford dealerships in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio,” Garza said. “His hard work gave me the satisfaction of solving mechanical problems in car engines.”
Garza, a former Scherz-Cibolo resident who now lives in Harlingen, is currently in his fourth semester studying for his Automotive Technician Certificate.
For several months before joining TSTC, he worked as an unpaid mechanic at a Ford dealership in San Antonio.
“My stepfather coached me and worked at a dealership,” he said. “I learned about the paperwork process for a mechanic, how to properly diagnose a vehicle, how to take an engine out, and other duties.”
Additionally, Garza received on-the-job training as a part-time tire technician at a discount tire shop in his hometown in 2022. He currently works at the store’s Harlingen location.
Garza said his time at TSTC was worthwhile.
“The instructors taught me a lot about identifying the cause of electrical or mechanical problems and other areas,” he said.
Eufemio Martinez is one such instructor.
“Jonathan’s commitment to getting vehicle repair procedures right helps us get the job done correctly on the first try,” he said.
In addition to earning his TSTC certificate of completion, Garza said he also hopes to earn several ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.
“It will give you the credibility to work at a car dealership,” he said.
In Texas, the need for qualified automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase in the coming years. Texas employs more than 55,000 of these technicians in the state, and that number is projected to reach 61,000 by 2030, according to onetonline.org. The average annual salary for engineers in the state is $46,800.
In Automotive Technology, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and multiple certificates at campuses in Harlingen, Sweetwater, and Waco.
Registration for the spring semester at TSTC begins October 28th. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
