By TSTC COMMUNICATIONS
Special to the NEWS
HARLINGEN, TX—From troubleshooting commercial truck fleets and responding to mobile roadside service calls to repairing heavy marine vessels at the Port of Brownsville, three Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Diesel Equipment students are demonstrating how lab training translates directly into real-world experience.
Rogelio Cerda is a part-time mobile technician at Mobile Transportation Group in Harlingen, and Aaron Hernandez is a diesel technician at Penske Truck Leasing in Harlingen. Jesus Rodriguez, of San Benito, is a part-time diesel equipment mechanic at Zimco Marine in Brownsville.
Cerda, who is working toward an associate degree, said the hands-on training he practices in TSTC’s lab helps him perform independently on customers’ vehicles.
“It is advanced troubleshooting that I do at work,” the Harlingen native said. “Some clients I help service include the Harlingen Fire Department and SpaceX.”
Hernandez, of Port Isabel, is also pursuing an associate degree. He said that studying at TSTC has helped him succeed in the workplace.
“I have developed a solid grasp of preventive maintenance, including changing tires, replacing lights, and performing oil changes,” he said.
Rodriguez, who is studying for a certificate, said that working alongside a team on marine vessels has taught him the importance of taking precautions and paying close attention to detail.
“The work I have assisted with on shrimp boats has taught me to anticipate potential problems, such as detecting an engine leak while the boat is running,” the San Benito native said. “I have also helped torque components and remove sleeves and pistons.”
Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is now underway. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.
About TSTC
With campuses across the state, Texas State Technical College strengthens the Texas workforce by producing highly skilled, technically competent graduates.
Operating under a unique funding model tied to student employment outcomes, the college celebrated 60 years of service to the state of Texas in 2025.
