Texas State Technical College
12/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/15/2024 10:48
TSTC Auto Collision student refines refinishing skills at area business
(HARLINGEN, Texas) - Anthony Luna is getting some on-the-job training at Hacienda Collision Center in Edinburg while studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Auto Collision and Management Technology - Refinishing Specialization at TSTC's Harlingen campus.
"I've worked as a teardown technician for a year and five months," the Lasara resident said. "I remove automobile parts that have been wrecked so our estimators can evaluate the damage cost."
Ray Quiroga is manager at Hacienda Collision Center.
"Anthony has worked in one of our most important areas, which is blueprinting," he said. "We analyze the damage of an automobile up front. He does an excellent job of disassembling a vehicle to make sure that our estimates are accurate."
Luna said the work culture at Hacienda Collision Center is motivating.
"I appreciate that the technicians show me the correct way to do the job," he said. "Each time I work, I'm introduced to a different automobile."
Luna said his program experience at TSTC is fascinating.
"I'm intrigued by the various techniques to do the job, from sanding to painting," he said.
Raymundo Leija is one of Luna's instructors.
"Anthony has developed into an independent student by grasping the knowledge of how to prepare a vehicle to be painted," he said.
Luna said his studies and his job complement each other.
"I learn something new from my instructors, and I get to see an automobile be fully restored in my job," he said.
According to onetonline.org, automotive body and related repairers in Texas earn an average of $48,330 a year. The website projected that there would be a 14% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Auto Collision and Management Technology with refinishing and repair specializations at its Harlingen and Waco campuses. Certificate options also are available.
Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. To learn more, go to tstc.edu.