Escamilla : A Texas A&M degree in construction science can lead to a good-paying job

McALLEN, Texas - Edelmiro F. Escamilla is program coordinator for the construction science degree on offer at Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center in McAllen (HECM).In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Escamilla spoke about the construction academies Texas A&M holds during the summer. “We go out to high schools, we work with Gear Up here in the (Rio Grande) Valley, to tell the students what we do in construction. Hopefully, then, they have a better idea of what (the) construction (industry) is,” Escamilla said. Escamilla made his remarks at an Open House HECM held recently. High school students interested in learning more about the construction science degree were able to talk to Escamilla and lecturer Steven Delgado about the course.A brochure produced for the Open House showed the majors on offer at HECM. For the construction science degree, it said: “While many of our graduates follow a traditional path of advancement to the top of construction companies across the state, country and world, many others build on firm foundation of their degree to develop diverse careers. Specialized coursework in building systems, materials and methods of construction, scheduling, cost estimating, structures, construction management, law and business/labor relations allows our graduates to enter the construction industry with the ability to lead, problem solved and use innovative applications on their projects.”A flyer produced by the A&M’s department of construction science showed that the average starting salary for those that get the degree is $71,500. The flyer also said that 90 percent of graduates get a job offer. HECM is part of the flagship Texas A&M at College Station. Combining College Station and McAllen, there are 1,300 students currently taking the construction science degree. The course produces 370 graduates per year. And, $490,000 has been awarded in scholarships to 245 construction science students.The flyer also stated that 46 percent of U.S. employers in the construction industry cannot find workers with the skills they need. And, 41 percent of the current construction workforce will retire by 2031. “Any student that is graduating now will have a job,” Escamilla predicted. “Here in the Valley, SpawGlass, Texas Noble Builders, D. Wilson (Construction)… they are telling us, when we have students ready to go, we need them.”Escamilla said his department is working hard to attract more female students. “The national average of women in construction management (positions) is about 11 percent. Right now, we have about 35 to 37 percent women here (in our course). We target (them) through the construction academies. We look for them. We want them,” Escamilla said.Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.