(ROSENBERG, Texas) - Jerry Nieto sold the business he co-owned and he wanted to travel the world, but a life surprise led him to Texas State Technical College.
The Brownsville native graduated with an associate degree from TSTC’s Electrical Power and Controls program in Spring 2019, and since then has found success within his chosen field.
“We came out strong after selling the business and I wanted to travel with my wife and daughter, but suddenly there was a new baby on the way, and I knew I needed to find something that would help me support my family,” said Nieto.
After being a utility business owner for nearly a decade, Nieto said he had research to do on colleges and careers, but then TSTC came to mind.
“I remembered TSTC and recalled hearing that it had strong programs that led to career opportunities,” he said. “And it turned out to be my best decision ever.”
Nieto’s son was born in 2017, at the beginning of Nieto’s program, and said it was not easy being a full-time student and parent of two, but he said he focused on what the program could give him and his family, and kept that in mind the entire time.
“I could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Nieto. “So while it was no easy feat, I knew that what I was doing was for all of us.”
From TSTC’s real-world, hands-on training on industry-standard equipment to assistance with job placement, Nieto said he knew he was on his way to a new, successful career.
In fact, he was part of the first TSTC Electrical Power and Controls class to attend the EATON Experience Center in Houston last year.
Students, like Nieto, who visited the EATON Experience Center had the opportunity to speak with EATON leaders and professionals, tour the facility and get hands-on experience within the company’s training center.
“This was the first time I was introduced to EATON and it really opened my eyes,” he said. “It’s great that TSTC gave us this type of opportunity, it was really above and beyond. And because of it, I now work for EATON with a competitive salary and excellent benefits.”
One week after Nieto visited the EATON Experience Center he interviewed with the company, which led to a job offer before even graduating from his program.
Nieto is now a master field service technician troubleshooting, testing and performing preventative maintenance on electrical equipment such as breakers, transformers and switch gears throughout the state.
“I can now provide for my family and have more time to spend with them,” said Nieto. “I am so content with where my life is going and none of it would have been possible without TSTC.”
Students in Electrical Power and Controls will learn skills in specializations such as electrical engineering and design, installation and calibration, robotics interfacing and electrical construction and can work as electrical and electronics engineering technicians, electrical repairers, electrical designers, substation electricians and testing and maintenance technicians.
And if a graduate does not find a job within six months of graduating from the program, their tuition can be reimbursed, thanks to the program’s money-back guarantee.
Electrical Power and Controls is also offered at TSTC’s Abilene, North Texas, Waco and East Williamson County campuses.
For more information, visithttps://tstc.edu/programs/EletricalPowerControls.