Wind energy construction manager Antonio Gonzalez (right) chats with instructors Fernando Figueroa (left) and Enrique Carrillo. (TSTC photo)
Special to the NEWS
Economic changes within industry spurred Antonio Gonzalez, a San Benito native and 1988 graduate of Los Fresnos High School, to seek a career change that added a Wind Energy Technology certificate from Texas State Technical College Harlingen (TSTC) to his Bachelor’s degree.
Today, he’s a construction site manager with Vestas, an international leader in renewable energy.
Growth in the general construction industry slowed a few years ago and that got Gonzalez interested in studying possible career options. “I could see that wind energy was taking off and it was booming,” he recalled. “I spoke with TSTC Harlingen Vice President of Student Learning Al Guillen about making a smooth transition into Wind Energy Technology, and I couldn’t have completed registration without program Chairman Enrique Carrillo.”
Gonzalez traveled extensively in his occupation and started the WET program via an online course offered by TSTC Harlingen for its first cohort in summer 2010. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in December 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
“Wanting to get into wind energy, the only way to get in was to show a company that I had some knowledge of the industry. I anticipated there would be competition in the job market. The online course was a good start because it was aggressive and challenging with a lot of study,” he said.
The coursework for his classes at Harlingen covered the history of wind energy, government involvement to sustain early phases of the industrial development, and parts of the wind energy turbines.
“The course gave students more than theories. We got to understand the applications involving turbine components, schematics, drawings and operations,” Gonzalez said.
“Students worked with computerized monitors and the newest technology advancements in wind energy. Gaining experience by adding qualifications in hydraulics and electronics was crucial for my resume. The program really has a place at TSTC and with time the program will grow.”
Gonzalez graduated from TSTC in December 2010 and began training with Vestas, traveling to Portland, Ore., the Mojave Desert and Toronto. The company provided instruction about wind energy site development, turbine installation, time-line plans, budget processes, personnel management, customer service, communications and record keeping. He spent time job shadowing and consulting with experienced managers.
“Safety is extremely important for Vestas and throughout the industry,” he said.
“There are many roles for new employees within wind energy because the industry is growing. We’ve just hit the beginning of it and it’s going to get larger as we replace fossil fuels with renewable, cleaner energy sources.”
Carrillo said that several TSTC Harlingen programs – such as Mechatronics Technology, Chemical-Environmental Technology and courses in the Computer Information Systems Division – connect with careers in energy. He suggested that students test their aptitude before choosing a career and then make a commitment to reach the academic goals required for professional success.
“You can have a lot of education and you can have a lot of experience,” Gonzalez said, “but you’ve also got to be prepared for job interview questions and have communication skills.”
The Wind Energy Technology Program at TSTC Harlingen is expanding to offer the Certificate of Completion at former naval station facilities in Ingleside, Texas, for fall semester 2011 and registration is under way. Call the College Information Office at (800) 852-8784, extension 4117, or (956) 364-4117, or go online to www.harlingen.tstc.edu.
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the July 10 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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