TSTC student leaves banking industry to focus on new career

(SWEETWATER, Texas) - Brent Fox made a decision that he says can lead to many career opportunities.

After earning his bachelor's degree in 2012, Fox worked in the banking industry. After several years spending time in an office, the Hamlin native decided it was time for a change.

"I was tired of working in an office environment and knew I could do more," he said. "I wanted to be able to do something with my hands."

Fox visited with George Werner, service manager at Roberts Truck Center in Tye, about a job opportunity there but was told he would need a certificate. Werner, who is a graduate of Texas State Technical College's Diesel Equipment Technology program, told Fox about the program in Sweetwater.

After reviewing the need for diesel mechanics in Texas, Fox decided to go back to school and now is studying for a heavy truck specialization certificate at TSTC.

"I saw that the average salary for techs was going to give me a pay raise," he said. "I knew at this time in my life, it was feasible to take a chance of beginning a new career."

Fox's family has a history in the trucking industry. His grandfather and father both drove 18-wheelers, and his uncle is a cement-truck driver.

"I did not necessarily want to drive trucks, but I might go for my commercial driver's license one day," Fox said. "I wanted to learn how to work on them first."

Fox admitted that when he started studying at TSTC, working on any type of engine was not something he knew much about.

"I knew how to change some of the fluids in my vehicles, but I could not do a brake job," he said. "From what I have learned, I was able to change out my brakes - and they have not failed me."

While studying how to work on diesel engines, Fox has found another career opportunity.

"I think I would like to work on the heavy machinery," he said.

According to Shannon Weir, a TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology instructor, Fox will be able to do almost anything in the industry when he graduates in December.

"This program will be a great steppingstone for Brent to do something," Weir said. "He is a very well-rounded person, and it shows in the classroom and outside of it."

Fox also is a country music recording artist who has performed around the Big Country. He released his first solo album, "Half Full, Half Empty," in 2017 and is currently working on new music.

"He will be out sitting on the tailgate of his truck during lunch playing his guitar," Weir said. "He is a very talented musician and is going to be going places."

According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists were expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in the state earn an average annual salary of $56,780, the website stated.

Diesel Equipment Technology is available at TSTC's Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Depending on campus location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations. Several certificates of completion also are offered.

The program is part of TSTC's Money-Back Guarantee program. If a participating graduate does not find a job in their field within six months after graduating, TSTC will refund their tuition in full.

To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

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