SWTJC, Union Pacific enter into partnership to expand diesel tech program

Uvalde, TX, May 9, 2022 - Southwest Texas Junior College and Union Pacific announced a partnership supporting industrial trade careers in Eagle Pass on Friday, April 29. Union Pacific launched the initiative with a $380,000 contribution to fund the La Frontera Diesel Program Expansion Project, which will grow the number of students participating in the Diesel Technology Program at the College's Jack R. Chittim Technical Campus. The railroad also plans to recruit Southwest Texas Junior College graduates for various trade careers.
 
There is a need for bus and diesel mechanics in the Mid Valley area, but lack of space forced Southwest Texas Junior College to tum some students away. Union Pacific's funding will increase student capacity by expanding the Eagle Pass Campus' diesel technology training area and purchasing specialized hands-on training equipment.
 
"The goal of this partnership is to encourage students to continue their education and see themselves working as trade professionals at either Union Pacific or other successful companies, said Johnny Guzman, SWTJC Dean of Applied Sciences. "These efforts will extend to various technical trade programs in the applied sciences and workforce education departments such as professional truck driving. Powerline technician, welding technology and automotive technology.”