TSTC student hopes to help expand his father’s HVAC business

Eliseo Alcala III, a TSTC HVAC Technology student, checks the amperage to a residential air conditioning unit during a recent lab session. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

HARLINGEN — Eliseo Alcala III had a goal in mind when he enrolled at Texas State Technical College: to help grow his father’s heating and air conditioning business in Rio Hondo.

Now Alcala is on track to receive a certificate of completion in HVAC Technician at TSTC’s Summer 2024 Commencement on Aug. 21, and he recently accepted a full-time job as an apprentice at his father’s company.

“We service commercial and residential clients,” Alcala said. “Our goal is to expand this family business.”

Frank Medina, a TSTC HVAC Technology instructor in Harlingen, said Alcala demonstrated potential from the start.

“Eliseo has shown great growth and maturity as a student,” he said. “We are proud to see him enter the Texas workforce and utilize the skills he gained to his full potential.”

Alcala developed an interest in the HVAC field after his father, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from TSTC in 2011 and became an independent contractor last November, asked him if he would like to join his business venture.

“I thought it was a great idea to start a family business,” Alcala said. “I decided to enroll (at TSTC) and made sure I finished the program. I want to master my father’s techniques and become an independent contractor as well.”

In Texas, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn an average annual salary of $50,190, according to onetonline.org, which forecast the number of such positions to grow 21% in the state from 2020 to 2030.

Eliseo Alcala III, a TSTC HVAC Technology student, during a recent lab session. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates of completion in HVAC Technology at its East Williamson County, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas and Waco campuses.

Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

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