Mission, Texas- Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) had six students earn a national certification in robotics as part of the Dual Enrollment courses from South Texas College (STC).
The six students to earn certification are Alvaro Barrera (11th), Salim Guizar (11th), Alberto Montes (11th), Manuel Salinas Patino (11th), Juan Abrego (12th), and Marco Rivera (12th).
They are part of the first cohort from VMHS and South Texas College to obtain the FCR-1 FANUC Certified Robot-Operator 1. This is a huge accomplishment for these students after such a challenging year of starting the program virtually then transitioning to in person.
“Ms. Erika Guerra (STC instructor) has taught other classes that I have taken, and I thought she’s a very good instructor, so I decided to enroll in this program with her,” states Juan Abrego. “I enjoy solving problems and using my hands to build projects. I know this certification will help me get a job so that I can earn money to pay for my college.”
The FCR-1 Robot- Operator 1 certification is tied into the district’s Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment program and to STC Mechatronics Technology program. Certifications like this one provide students many opportunities. It can help students earn scholarships, provides them with higher wages in the workforce, and also allows them gain experience by working in the field.
“I plan to major in engineering and having this certification can only be beneficial for me in the future,” states Marco A. Rivera. “The hands-on activities that we did were fun, and I was able to learn so much about 3D printing.”
For more information on this certification or the Mission CISD Career and Technical Education program call (956) 323-5508.