Texas Border Business
Weslaco, Texas — South Texas College (STC) is set to unveil significant expansions at its Workforce Center on the Mid-Valley campus, further strengthening its commitment to providing state-of-the-art technical education to the region. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10 a.m., will showcase the newly renovated and expanded facilities designed to enhance hands-on training for students in high-demand fields.
Expanded Facilities to Meet Industry Demands
The Workforce Center at STC’s Mid-Valley campus has undergone a substantial 47% increase in space. This expansion includes a fully renovated Welding Lab, now equipped with over 40 new welding booths, ensuring that more students can gain practical experience in this vital trade. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Lab has been upgraded to include a new indoor lab and covered exterior spaces designed for students to practice brazing techniques in a controlled environment.
The facility will feature a stand-alone structure adjacent to the main building in a first for the Workforce Center. This new facility, equipped with three bays and lifts for vehicles, is intended to replicate the capabilities of the automotive lab at STC’s Technology campus, allowing students to engage in realistic automotive repair and maintenance training.
Supporting Workforce Growth in High-Demand Fields
These expansions are critical as the welding, HVAC, and automotive industries are experiencing significant growth and demand for skilled workers. The U.S. Department of Labor projects substantial job growth in these sectors through 2029, prompting educational institutions like STC to expand their programs and facilities to meet the needs of both students and the broader economy.
The renovations at the Mid-Valley campus are part of STC’s broader strategy to provide top-tier technical education to a diverse student body, including traditional, non-traditional, and high school students. The enhanced facilities will allow the college to offer more programs and accommodate the increasing number of students seeking careers in these essential industries.
A Community Celebration
The ribbon-cutting event will be attended by STC executive leadership, including Senator Morgan LaMantia, City of Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes, and representatives from the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation and Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. STC faculty, staff, and students will also be present to celebrate the expansion and the opportunities it will bring to the community.
As STC continues to invest in its infrastructure and educational offerings, these expansions at the Mid-Valley campus represent a significant step forward in preparing students for successful careers in some of the nation’s most rapidly growing industries.