MiraCosta College's Technology Career Institute’s Program Fuels Local High-Tech Manufacturing Success

A San Marcos-based high-tech manufacturing firm is among the many local companies benefiting from the skilled graduates of MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute (TCI) Engineering Technician program. 
 
Creative Electron Inc., a leader in building X-Ray inspection systems, has hired over ten employees from TCI’s rigorous 16-week program.
 
The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation's 2023 Talent Demand Report highlights the urgent need for engineering technicians, noting approximately 7,200 available positions in the region with an average monthly hiring rate of 258 and an average annual salary of $67,000. Notably, TCI boasts an impressive 89 percent employment rate for its graduates.

Chris Ing of MiraCosta College’s Community Education and Workforce Development emphasizes the strong relationship between Creative Electron and the college, including student scholarships that benefit both parties. “We are a go-to source for the workforce pipeline, potentially saving thousands of dollars in talent acquisition costs,” he explains.
 
Alan Galicia, now a service manager at Creative Electron, began his journey with the company even before graduating in August 2019. “Having that experience through TCI lets me know what they’ve been trained on,” he said. “We’ve hired a really good pool of candidates.”
 
Galicia transitioned from various jobs to TCI’s Engineering Technician program, drawn by its expedited training compared to traditional degree paths. “That was the hook for me. I was looking for something to get employed as soon as possible,” he shared. His rapid advancement from service technician to department manager underscores the program's effectiveness.
 
Creative Electron executives, including General Manager Mariem Ortiz, connect closely with TCI. Another TCI graduate, David Bettencourt recalls how Ortiz’s visits motivated students. “Her showing up motivated me that they were interested in what we were doing,” he said.
 
Bettencourt, a 25-year U.S. Marine veteran, found that while the military prepared him for specific tasks, TCI taught him industry standards. “At TCI, they’re adhering to the standards and showing you what the standards are,” he noted.
 
“I love my job building X-ray inspection machines at Creative Electron. The nice thing is my autonomy,” explains Bettencourt. “Once their main priorities are taken care of, they just ask me what I need to do.”
 
Galicia concluded by stating, “A bachelor’s degree is not the only thing we’re looking for. We’re looking at what skills they have accomplished.”
For more information about the TCI Engineering Technician program and how to apply, visit miracosta.edu/tci.