Western Technical College

   Ruben Bernal is an example of a successful graduate from Western Technical College (WTC) who is now an employer who supports the externship program for the Refrigeration and HVAC Program students. Bernal knows by giving students the hands on training needed for their careers that it will provide for their success.  Bernal is a 2007 Refrigeration & HVAC Technology graduate who says, “I learned so many important things at WTC.” He is now employed at the East El Paso Physicians’ Medical Center and in 2008, Bernal was asked to take over his interim position permanently as the Plant Operations Director. “Western Technical College prepared me with the technical knowledge, skills and a positive attitude that I have today,” says Bernal. In addition, he adds that he has learned that just doing the minimum amount of work isn’t enough to succeed in refrigeration and HVAC career fields.  

   As the Plant Operations Director Bernal is responsible for fire safety and making sure he follows all the state regulations from OSHA (Occupation Safety Hazard Association) and compliance with JOINT COMMISSION. As an employer Bernal says, “There are no better people to hire than the students from Western Technical College.” He recalls when he was a student and how he struggled with his performance. He remembers the first time he tried to braze aluminum and became frustrated by not being perfect, but he had the support and encouragement needed from his instructors to get the job done.

   Bernal credits WTC for teaching him “to have an open mind,” and helping him to become “hungry for knowledge.” Now he is a part of the successful alumni who graduated from WTC and knows what it means to graduate with the caliber of students that WTC produces.  Since Bernal has received his technical training in the Refrigeration & HVAC Program and knows it’s success, he feels comfortable when hiring WTC graduates.