TSTC Welding Technological innovation student sets basis for upcoming automotive small business

HARLINGEN — Texas State Complex Higher education student Ricardo Flores is in pursuit of an entrepreneurial target: to set up an automotive restoration and modification shop.

The Harlingen resident is aligning that path by an schooling at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

“I earned an Affiliate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from TSTC in 2021,” Flores stated. “Now I am pursuing a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. Then I prepare to pursue a certification of completion in State-of-the-art Pipe Specialization in the identical method. It is required for my organization. In the very last section, I will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in arithmetic at the College of Texas Rio Grande Valley.”

Flores’ curiosity in the automotive marketplace was piqued by means of his mom, who is a former vintage Mustang vehicle club member.

“(She) used to showcase her 2004 Mustang GT,” Flores mentioned. “That was my first introduction into entrepreneurship and classic cars.”

Flores’ small business strategy came to him during his second semester in the Automotive Technologies plan.

“I have often been that style of person to solve automotive issues on my personal,” he stated. “I figured, why not learn all the things I can and spruce up cars?”

The fabrication aspect of the Welding Technological innovation plan was what enticed him to enroll in it.

“I delight in it due to the fact you have to make sections that do not exist,” he mentioned. “That is what I will need to do prolonged phrase for my enterprise.”

Flores stated the expertise that he has received at TSTC will transition nicely to his long run business venture.

“I can take care of motor vehicle issues by means of diagnostics,” he explained. “I can also right the wiring throughout a auto. I can restore an old engine to a manufacturer-new ability. As for structural welding, I can establish frames for more mature motor vehicles.”

Raul Saldivar, a TSTC Welding instructor, mentioned Flores has the drive to elevate his studying likely.

“I am amazed by his curiosity,” Saldivar said. “(He) tries distinct strategies to boost his welds and usually inquires for feedback.”

According to onetonline.org, welders can gain a annually median income of more than $47,000 in Texas. These positions are predicted to maximize 13% by 2028 in the point out, according to the internet site.

TSTC presents Welding Know-how at each and every of its 10 campuses located through Texas.

Welding Technological know-how is a single of 9 courses at TSTC that have dollars-back guarantees. The college’s motivation to welding students is basic: If they do not have a position in their discipline inside 6 months of graduation, they will obtain a comprehensive refund of their tuition. For a lot more facts on the Money-Again Warranty system, go to https://www.tstc.edu/admissions/tuition/.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information and facts, go to tstc.edu.