By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Southwest Texas College is offering another option to launch students into careers, announcing a new powerline technician program along with construction science and welding programs in Del Rio, with the first course set to begin in mid-April.
“The Texas power grid has a lot that needs to be upgraded,” said Rudy Ballesteros, instructor in the Powerline Technician program. “Right now, there’s not enough people to do it.”
The program is designed to quickly move students into the workforce, with nine weeks focused on powerline fundamentals followed by four
weeks to earn a commercial driver’s license.
Ramon Castillo, who will teach the course in Del Rio, said adding a CDL was intentional.
“We want our students to be as hirable as possible,” Ballesteros said.
He noted the CDL is not the only credential students earn, but it is among the most demanding.
“All the certifications do is open more doors,” he said.
That approach appears to be working.
Of five students participating in a recent event at Southwest Texas College, four said they had already been promised jobs upon graduation. A fifth joked, “I haven’t even tried yet, but don’t tell my parents.”
Instructors said safety remains a constant focus throughout the course.
“We never stop emphasizing safety,” Ballesteros said. “You don’t play around when you’re dealing with electricity.”
Prospective students can learn more about the program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at a College and Career Expo at the Del Rio Civic Center.
Connie Buchanan, vice president of the Del Rio campus, said additional programs are also being introduced for students not interested in powerline work.
“We will be offering construction science and welding options,” Buchanan said.
Southwest Texas College organizes programs into Career and Academic Pathways, allowing students to gain job skills without committing to a full two-year degree, Buchanan said.
For information about the powerline technician program, call 830-758-1424. Registration is handled through Workforce Solutions, though Buchanan said both entities are working together to ensure interested students can begin classes April 13.
Students can receive information about welding and construction science by calling 830-703-1550.
“We are going to work together to ensure that any student who wants to start working toward a career, we’re going to help them do it,” Buchanan said.
Starting pay for powerline technicians is estimated at $35,000 to $60,000 annually, according to job listings.
