‘Hired on the Spot’

In a growing industry to maintain and supply vehicles, automotive professionals across the Valley and state spoke with STC’s automotive and diesel technology students about employment opportunities.  

Professionals in the automotive industry from trucking businesses to diesel technicians and mechanics expressed the growing need for educated drivers and technicians. 

“It’s a big industry and right now there’s so many makes and models coming out that the need for technicians is huge,” said Roland Zamora with Payne Auto Group. “And we’re looking for newly certified automotive technicians heading into this industry.” 

As an automotive technician, Zamora said students need to be mechanically inclined with oil changing, tire rotating and engine safety. Upon hire, Payne’s Auto Group provides mentorship and live training courses.  

Ana Cardenas is an automotive technology student on the verge of receiving her associate degree this Saturday, May 7 who shares that the program helped her gain and certify those skills she was once curious about.  

“The program helped me learn the basics and nit and grits of this field,” she said. “When I was younger, I was fascinated by these big engines which looked so fun to work on, and it's something I see myself doing  every day.” 

STC’s two-year Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the high technology automotive service industry.  Students will gain knowledge in automotive heating and air conditioning systems, electrical/electronic systems, fuel injection, both manual and automatic transmissions/transaxles, engine performance, brake systems, and steering and suspension systems. 

While she couldn’t fit work into her schedule, Cardenas lent a helping hand to family and friends with their car troubles.  

“I hope to become a certified technician in other areas and expand in the Valley,” she said.  

Daniel Garces, a 15-year automotive technician with Kyrish Truck Centers - a driving business, shares the demand for truck drivers and technicians surrounding the ongoing pandemic. 

“Everything revolves around trucks, and everything gets expedited through trucking deliveries,” said Garces. “We’re essential workers and the goods have to move. You can’t keep a truck from rolling.”  

“We need new hires with entry-level skills in diesel repairs to hire on the spot,” he said.  

Newly enrolled diesel technology student Jose Ramirez was interested in the driving business having prior diesel experience but felt inspired to solidify those skills.  

“I worked in agriculture up north for two years and I saw the mechanics work on the diesel engines we had and knew I wanted to go to school for this,” Ramirez said. “Having enrolled in January, I’ve already picked up a lot of things from my electrical and preventative maintenance (PM) courses.  

Students in the Associate of Applied Science Diesel Technology program will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the repair of diesel engines, electrical and electronic control systems, hydraulic systems, air brakes, suspension, steering, and transmissions through a combination of lecture and lab work. 

Over 20 automotive companies attended the career expo with Kyrish Truck Centers having 15 Texas locations and providing the Valley as one of the biggest dealerships for school buses.