Good afternoon. It’s a challenge to be the last speaker. Especially when they are telling me, rapido, it’s hot.
All right, I know it's getting hot, so I will keep it very brief. It is wonderful that everybody has already touched on the topic that I wanted to discuss: workforce education.
But more importantly, first of all, when I see all the groups here, the incredible partnerships, the synergy that has come together, it is remarkable. And most importantly, this is the future. And here in the (Rio Grande) Valley, right here in the Mid-Valley, certainly we are moving in that direction. Now, we have created it.
But first of all, I want to recognize the students here. I'm impressed with the students, beginning with Edcouch and Elsa, Weslaco, and, I'm told, Donna. Welcome. Thank you for being here. And, by the way, at the end of this we're going to be taking numbers. We have the recruiters over here from South Texas College ready to sign up those that want to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Raise your hand, recruiters over there, so they can see you. There you go.
Today marks an exciting time, a tremendous time for the future of workforce education in the Valley, especially here. Mid-Valley, you clearly are creating the future, and the future is now. When I look at that little craft over there, that tells you, of course, this is where we were a long time ago. And then we see the jet over there, this is where we are now. And especially the new program, the avionics technician.
This is such a new concept, a new concept for all of us. And it's about electronics. It's about radio. It's about everything that has to do with the modern technology, the AI, that is taking place. (A noisy aircraft starts up). I guess that's my cue to hurry up and finish up.
This program is going to prepare students for the future. And most importantly, we're very excited, because the Mid-Valley has certainly stepped up in creating this industry. While it is so new, it's a mystery to many. It's a new concept. But what we're doing here in Weslaco, in the Mid-Valley, we are creating an industry. Remember that.
It’s going to take a while to be able to take off, pun intended there, because it's so new. We’re creating this industry. But we are so confident that here in the Mid-Valley, we're going to be able to fulfill, to make a demand, have our students fulfill. And most importantly, think about it, this program, we have a two-track program, which will be explained in a few minutes. It's a program that's going to allow for students to do the first year virtually, online, and then the second year, hands-on together at our campus at Mid-Valley and here as well at the airport.
But most importantly, as you know, South Texas College, we're about opportunity. We're going to now provide opportunity for the adults. Adults, think about it… I better hurry up… adults are going to be able to finish this program in six months. Think about it, in six months they'll be able to finish this certified technician program and be gainfully employed. That's an incredible opportunity, unknown. So with that said, I better wrap it up. But I want to mention, about the college, we are so grateful to be part of the Mid-Valley. That's why I have our Board of Trustees here, beginning with our Chair, Dr Alejo Salinas, our Vice Chair, Paul Rodriguez. And also we have David De Los Rios as well. And I know that Dalinda (Gonzalez-Alcantar) should be here somewhere.
This is an incredible synergy and a partnership that is being created together and with all our partners. Again, Weslaco, the Mid-Valley, all of you, congratulations, the Chamber of Commerce, the City. We're looking forward to making this happen, and it will. Congratulations.
Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provide by Dr. Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Mid Valley Airport in Weslaco, Texas. The ceremony was held to celebrate a new program STC is offering at its Mid Valley Campus - avionics technician. The program will prepare students with the skills needed to work with aircraft, satellite, radar and aerospace electrical systems. It has been created through a partnership between STC, the City of Weslaco, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 and the Mid-Valley Airport. After the program ended, Dr. Solis offered the RGG Business Journal his prepared remarks.
VIPs cut the ribbon to launch a new program at STC's Mid-Valley Campus and Mid-Valley Airport: Avionics Technician. (Photo credit: STC)
Today marks an exciting step forward for our college and for the future of workforce education in our region.
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.
We are proud to invest in a program that combines innovation and high technology but most importantly that is relevant to today’s workforce skills demand by aviation industry.
This event today exemplifies the true meaning of effective partnerships such as the Weslaco Airport Board, the City of Weslaco, the Weslaco Chamber and EDC, Hidalgo County and the regional ISDs.
While this avionics is a new program in the region, we are basically creating and innovating a new industry demand and workforce economy for the RGV.
Carlos L. Margo, dean of the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships at STC, provided detailed information on the new program. He said it would have two tracks, one aimed at the high school, and the other for adults.
He said:
“If you are a junior in high school you can enter this program. It is 335 hours. By the time you are a senior you graduate and you can step into a high-playing job upon completion of this program. That, to me, is an incredible opportunity for students here at the Mid-Valley Campus. In partnership with the airport here, being able to do the second part of the program, actually working on aircraft,” Margo said.
“I do want to mention some of the actual courses. The first part will be the fundamentals of avionics, getting into installation and system installations, system testing and communication equipment. Then the second year would include more hands-on instruction here at the airport, which will include operational testing of aviation electronic systems and communication electronics components.
“Wrapping it up, the last two courses will be advanced component level… and the final course will be FAA regulation and certification knowledge. That completion in two years, whether you're in high school or if you're an adult, you can finish it in five to six months. We'll get you a high paying job, not only in working on aircraft, but also working on spacecraft and other industries.
“And I'm going to touch on that just a little bit, because as of this morning, I decided to add a couple of certifications to this program. The Representative (Armando Martinez) had asked me what the actual industry credential would be. Well, in consultation with our instructor, who happens to be a well-qualified individual that we were able to recruit for this program… by the way, his name is Leo Guajardo, some of you might know him… we were able to recruit Mr. Guajardo. He has over ten years of industry experience in aviation maintenance and over ten years as well as a faculty and lead faculty teaching aviation maintenance in higher education. So we were very fortunate to have Mr. Guajardo, and what we decided to do is add the following two certifications, and I'll close with this. That would be a G.R.O.L., which is a general radio telephone operator license issued by the FCC. The students that graduate and complete this program, they will be prepared to take this certification. So that's one certification that we just added. The other one is an I.P.C. certification, and that's a global organization that sets standards for electronics, manufacturing and assembly. And that's another test that we will be preparing the students to also get certified in. So, in addition to the completion of the 300-plus hours, they will be getting two industry-recognized certifications specifically for aviation maintenance.
“With that, I would like to close and remind everybody that we do have a table taking down information for anybody, either students or adults who are interested in the program. Please provide your information, and some of the staff will be reaching out to you. And speaking of staff, I do want to thank… we have Leo Garcia, and Marisol Chavez. They do a lot of the heavy lifting for this aviation program. It's been a year in development. So thank you for all your help. They had the concept. Representative, Commissioner (David Fuentes), your resources from the county will help us provide state-of-the-art equipment, training equipment, that will make sure that the students are getting a rigorous, relevant training program that's up to date, and ensure that they're completing this program with the highest level of standard.
“I want to thank everybody for your time. If you need information, I will be here. Again, there's more information at the table over there. I'm going to turn it back over to the Chamber. Thank you.”
