From GM Apprentice to GM World Class Technician: STC faculty member inspires next generation of automotive professionals
Among his many accomplishments, STC Automotive Technology faculty member Ruben Muñoz holds a distinction that sets him apart, he is the only instructor in STC’s Automotive department to earn the elite General Motors (GM) World Class Technician Certificate, the highest designation GM offers.
Among his many accomplishments, South Texas College (STC) Automotive Technology faculty member Ruben Muñoz holds a distinction that sets him apart, he is the only instructor in STC’s Automotive department to earn the elite General Motors (GM) World Class Technician Certificate, the highest designation GM offers.
“It motivated me because no one else at STC has earned it,” he said. To become a GM World Class Technician, you have to be 100% complete on all GM trainings and successfully pass eight out of nine rigorous certification categories. I wanted to set the standard and now my goal is to help my colleagues reach this level as well.”
This achievement reflects more than two decades of dedication to the automotive industry, marked by hands-on experience, leadership and a deep commitment to education. Today, Muñoz is shaping the future of automotive education in the Rio Grande Valley 9RGV) as one of STC’s most accomplished faculty members.
His journey began at STC, where he graduated in 2001 as part of the inaugural GM Automotive Service Educational Program (GM-ASEP) cohort. He launched his career at Saturn Corporation, quickly rising through the ranks from apprentice and technician to service advisor, parts manager and eventually service manager. When Saturn closed in 2009, Muñoz transitioned to South Texas Buick GMX, where he continued to grow as a technician, shop foreman, assistant manager and manager.
In 2015, a visit from STC’s then-program chair steered his career in a new direction.
“I wanted a career change,” he said. “When the opportunity to teach came up, it felt like the right time to come back to where it all started.”
Joining the faculty that spring, Muñoz brought more than a decade if dealership leadership and hands-on experience that immediately elevated the program. His real-world background shapes every lesson he teaches.
It motivated me because no one else at STC has earned it. To become a GM World Class Technician, you have to be 100% complete on all GM trainings and successfully pass eight out of nine rigorous certification categories. I wanted to set the standard and now my goal is to help my colleagues reach this level as well.
“My industry experience elevates my teaching because it allows me to give students real-world knowledge they can apply immediately,” he said. “And every summer, STC’s apprenticeship program sends instructors back into the field to train on the latest technology. Staying current helps me bring fresh, relevant skills back to the classroom so our students are always a step ahead.”
STC’s Automotive Technology program follows a hybrid format, allowing students to complete coursework online while reserving in-person classes for immersive, hands-on training in the lab, where Muñoz believes the real transformation happens.
“The hands-on portion is essential,” he said. “It prepares students for what they’re actually going to face in the field. Many come in shy or unsure of themselves, but in this industry, you have to communicate clearly with customers. Being in the shop environment pushes them out of their shell and builds the confidence they’ll need as professionals.”
Muñoz also plays a key role in strengthening the program’s relationship with dealerships and industry partners across the region, helping students gain real-world experience before graduation.
“Most of our students get hands-on experience at a dealership,” he said. “Dealerships and parts stores in the Valley back us up with apprenticeships and training. And our chairs and deans make sure we have what we need to prepare students for success.”
That industry trust speaks volumes about the quality of STC graduates.
“We even have dealerships from out of town come to us looking for students,” he said. They actively seek out our graduates because they know the level of training, professionalism and hands-on experience our program provides.”
While Muñoz is proud of the technical skills his students develop, he hopes they leave with something even more important.
“I want my students to have fun and always go in with a positive attitude,” he said. “They motivate me. Staying in touch with former students, visiting them at their workplace and seeing their success is what drives me.”
Muñoz’s story has come full circle. What began with a passion for cars at STC has returned to the same campus, but this time guiding the next generation of technicians. Through experience, dedication and unwavering belief in his students, he continues to shape the future of automotive education in the RGV.
For more information on STC’s Automotive Technology program, visit: southtexascollege.edu/academics/automotive/.