(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College’s Culinary Arts program is gaining interest among students.

Chef Martin Ellenberger of Hutto joined the faculty at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County in late August. He is the primary instructor for that campus’ Culinary Arts program, which also has a high school dual enrollment teacher and an adjunct instructor.

Ellenberger, an Ohio native, initially joined the Culinary Arts faculty at TSTC in Waco in January 2015. He decided to change campuses to decrease his commute.

“It’s definitely different (at the Williamson County campus),” Ellenberger said. “There is a lot more stuff I need to stay on top of. I’m buying products and doing lesson plans. I’m able to create the recipes I want and have more responsibility with what I’m doing.”

The program had four students last fall, but has 12 students enrolled this year.

Brady Davis, 20, of Georgetown and a 2014 graduate of Eastview High School, has worked at the Walburg German Restaurant since high school. He said he finds kitchen life enjoyable and wants to learn everything he can in his classes. His goal is to own a food truck.

“I like the flexibility. The price was a huge factor, and I can keep a full-time job,” Davis said.

Brayan Flores, 18, of Taylor and a 2016 graduate of Taylor High School, took culinary classes through dual enrollment. The classes he is taking now at TSTC are an extension of what he has already learned. Flores also wants his own food truck or restaurant in a few years.

On a recent afternoon, Flores donned plastic gloves to melt a slab of butter on a pastry board to make dough.

“I like to look at different recipes and try them out,” Flores said. “I want to learn whatever will help me in the workforce.”

Some of the classes students will take this fall include Meat Preparation and Cooking, Food Service Operations and Systems, and Fundamentals of Baking.

“I like the way that we are structured,” Ellenberger said. “We take the students from having no culinary knowledge to being able to produce in a restaurant setting. I try to introduce as many items as possible that they would not be familiar with in the process.”

Culinary Arts’ two kitchens are on the third floor of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. The cooking kitchen can comfortably accommodate 24 students, and the baking kitchen can hold up to 20 students. Each kitchen has movable tables and stools, an array of skillets, pots, pans, ovens and cold-storage areas.

“I am excited and relieved at the opportunity to have someone who is as well-versed in our curriculum and as talented as Chef Martin is,” said Evan Morgan, Executive Director of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. “In theory, this is his kitchen.”

When students leave the program with their Certificate 2 in Culinary Arts, Ellenberger wants them to be comfortable using knives, have an increased curiosity about food and have confidence in their skills.

Ellenberger’s goal, along with that of leaders at TSTC in Williamson County, is to see the program take advantage of the Austin area’s thriving culinary scene, where there is Thai, Chinese and Mexican cuisine, barbecue, Southern food and an assortment of food trucks.

The program will also enroll students in January for the Spring Semester. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

(MARSHALL) – Hugh Pouland credits divine guidance for finding his way to Texas State Technical College in Marshall.

Pouland, 53, began teaching in the Biomedical Equipment Technology program at TSTC in January. A desire to help others is what motivates him to teach.

“He understands that what we do makes a difference in the lives of real people,” said Nicholas Cram, an associate professor in the Biomedical Equipment Technology program. “The passion and empathy needed for this career field are a genuine part of Hugh’s character.”

Pouland said the biomedical equipment industry is critical to people who are receiving diagnostic and therapeutic care using electronic medical machines.

“I want my students to gain a mastery of medical facility policy and procedures, incoming inspections, electrical safety testing and medical device preventive and corrective maintenance,” Pouland said.

Before he joined TSTC, Pouland worked as a technician in the electronic, production testing and biomedical equipment fields in Dallas, Longview and Lufkin.

“Coming recently out of industry, Hugh brings relevant knowledge of medical technology and processes currently in healthcare that use that medical technology,” said Cram. “His understanding of electronics, networking and medical device functions are extremely valuable. Being able to relate and pass on that knowledge to students is even more valuable.”

Pouland grew up in Lufkin and graduated in 1981 from Lufkin High School. He graduated in 2007 from Angelina College in Lufkin with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Technology. He also received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology from TSTC in Marshall in 2011.

He is a member of the North Texas Biomedical Association.

The Biomedical Equipment Technology program has more than 40 students enrolled who can work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology in Marshall.

For more information on the Biomedical Equipment Technology program, contact TSTC in Marshall at 888-382-8782.

(HUTTO) – The Welding Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County has received its largest donation ever.

Dayton Superior Corp.’s manufacturing plant in New Braunfels recently donated a welding robot used for manufacturing and repetitive processes made by FANUC America Corp. The robot is valued at $176,000 and will be used by students taking the Welding Automation course for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology.

Brooke Williams, chair of the Welding Technology program, said the robot represents the real world for students. Students have not seen the robot yet but will once the fall semester begins.

“The donation means people know we are here,” Williams said.

Williams said she and faculty members did not see the robot until it was delivered in late May to the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

“We were thinking, ‘Now that’s pretty big,’” she said. “It’s solid metal.”

TSTC in Williamson County Provost Edgar Padilla said the robot will allow for more advanced instruction for welding students.

“This will ultimately prepare them even better for their careers in welding,” Padilla said. “We’re thankful to Dayton Superior for their generous donation and recognition of TSTC as the premier welding training institution in the state of Texas. It’s through industry partnerships like this that TSTC will succeed in our mission to ‘Place More Texans’.”

The donation came about during a conversation last fall between Reagan S. Hill, a manufacturing engineer at Dayton Superior Corp., and Jonathan Davis, an area manager for Lincoln Electric in San Antonio, which is a supplier for the Welding Technology program.

“I mentioned we were trying to sell robots and he asked if we would consider donating them to a welding school,” Hill said. “Being as I am a great proponent of education and needing to move these machines out, I decided it was our best course of action. Jonathan provided me with a list of schools, of which TSTC was at the top of the list. Having some background with TSTC as a program advisor in past years, TSTC was the first school I contacted.”

For more information on how to make a cash or equipment donation to TSTC, contact The TSTC Foundation at 254-867-3900.

Registration continues for the fall semester at TSTC. For more information log on to tstc.edu.

The Welding Technology program will have a Welding Pro-Am and Shine & Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center on Innovation Boulevard in Hutto. For more information contact Brooke Williams or Keith Armentrout at 512-759-5632.

(HUTTO) – Edgar Padilla, provost of Texas State Technical College in Williamson County, was recently appointed a member of the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

He was selected by Board Chairman Seth Simmons and will work with other board members in guiding policy direction, budgeting and other facets of the chamber made of more than 300 members.

“TSTC represents how much our Hutto values education and working together,” Simmons said. “By educating and preparing people to realize their potential, we are creating an appealing business environment in which families and businesses can thrive together for many years to come.”

Padilla said his appointment signified the college’s mission to contribute to the economic development of Texas.

“By working closely with the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, it’s my hope that our scope and mission will continue to grow in Williamson County resulting in enrollment growth for the campus and the attraction of more industry partners for our graduates,” he said. “We know working closely with community partners is an integral part of our success at TSTC, and our responsibility to our local communities extends beyond student outreach.”

Padilla has been provost since November 2015. Before moving into his current position he served as senior executive director for TSTC’s statewide Industry Relations and Talent Management and TSTC in Waco’s director of career services and coordinator of career services. He also worked with Campus Living hiring and training resident advisors, coordinating staff development initiatives and tracking student satisfaction, parent relations and residence life.

He also has had involvement in the Lacy-Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, the Waco Collegiate Forum, the Work in Waco Committee, the Greater Waco Education Alliance and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Padilla has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Information Systems from Schreiner University in Kerrville.  He is currently working on a Master of Business Administration degree in Global Marketing and Entrepreneurship from St. Thomas University.

Registration continues for Fall Semester at TSTC. For more information go to tstc.edu.

(HUTTO) – Texas State Technical College in Williamson County is raising money for a new scholarship by having its first Welding Pro-Am and Show & Shine from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

The event includes a welding pro-am judged competition and tours of TSTC’s welding labs.

“We will be hosting welding professionals, industry partners and vendors from all over the state who will team up with our students and show off some of the coolest welding equipment the industry has to offer,” said Edgar Padilla, provost of TSTC in Williamson County.

Proceeds will go toward the Make a Texas-Sized Difference campaign developed by The TSTC Foundation to raise money for the Texan Success Scholarship. TSTC will match each donation made – dollar per dollar.

The community has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of TSTC students  throughout the campaign.

“The goal is to grow TSTC, get our students in school and on track to complete a program and eventually enter the Texas workforce,” Vice President of Institutional Advancement Beth Wooten said. “This is bigger than just TSTC. This is about filling the skills gap in Texas and providing industry with the skilled workers desperately needed.”

Technical degrees and certificates will be critical to have in the next decade. Wind turbine service technology and health care jobs in physical therapy, home health and ambulance driving are predicted to be some of the fastest growing occupations by 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“A large number of well-paying jobs go unfilled in Texas because employers cannot find workers with the right blend of technical skills,” TSTC Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Mike Reeser said. “At TSTC we teach those skills needed for these great jobs. We hope more students will be encouraged to consider the benefits of a technical education and the great jobs that result from them.”

New, incoming students can receive the non-need referral based $1,000 scholarship at TSTC’s 10 campuses. TSTC recruiters, faculty members and high school counselors can make recommendations for students to receive the money.

“I’ve had the privilege to speak to most of our community and many area employers about the Texan Success Scholarship,” said Padilla. “We are very excited about a scholarship campaign that will specifically benefit TSTC students at our EWCHEC location.”

TSTC in Williamson County has 11 technical programs offering certificates and associate degrees in technical areas from computer tech support to welding technology.

For more information on the welding contest, contact instructors Brooke Williams or Keith Armentrout at 512-759-5632.

For more information on the Make a Texas-Sized Difference Campaign and other ways to contribute to TSTC, log on to tstc.edu/tstcfoundation or call 254-867-3900.

(HUTTO) – Myles Wright, 18, a senior at Hutto High School,has his mind on social sciences for a career possibility when he graduates in the spring.

But his mind opened up Thursday morning after seeing college students working in electrical and plumbing and pipefitting labs. Wright was among more than 400 students and counselors from high schools in central Texas who attended the College Preview and Open House hosted by Texas State Technical College, Temple College and Texas A&M University Central Texas at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center on Innovation Boulevard.

“I was surprised at the machinery that is here,” Wright said. “It’s hands-on and being a hands-on learner, I enjoyed seeing that.”

“We want our visitors to learn about the unique partnership we have,” said Edgar Padilla, provost of TSTC in Williamson County “We want them to learn about programs and services here and the opportunities that are here.”

The high schools were divided into four groups that rotated between laboratory tours and information sessions on admissions and financial aid. Information tables were set up for Career Services and Student Life.. Culinary Arts students from TSTC grilled hot dogs for students and made pasta, chicken and green beans for counselors.

Barbara Spelman, principal at New Hope High School in Leander, brought eight students to the event. She said students need to know their options when choosing careers, specifically those in critical-need areas like science and technology.

“I want them to be exposed to as many post-secondary options as possible,” Spelman said. “I think it is super important for our students to understand what types of programs are available at Texas State Technical College.”

Alex Patlan, a counselor at Hutto High School, said a college-going culture is emphasized as early as ninth grade with parental involvement and dual enrollment courses. Counselors regularly promote completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and the online ApplyTexas form.

“I hope they are motivated to come up with a plan for their postsecondary work,” Patlan said. “We want them to have a good future.”

Asomo Ramadan, 18, a senior at Hutto High School, said he lives five minutes away from EWCHEC but was not familiar with what was inside the building. He said he was pleasantly surprised at the preview event.

“I want to study business management,” Ramadan said. “I want to go for the two years here and then transfer. I want to be close to home after high school.”

Phoibe Usabimana, a freshman at Eastside Memorial High School in Austin, said she was familiar with TSTC in Waco and enjoyed seeing what EWCHEC had to offer. She said TSTC had a good engineering program which said could help her prepare for the biotechnology field.

TSTC in Williamson County offers certificates and associate degrees in Computer Technical Support, Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, Database Administration Programming, Global Communications System Installer, HVAC Technician, Industrial Electrical Systems, Industrial Maintenance, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology, Precision Manufacturing Technology and Welding Technology.

Registration is ongoing for Summer and Fall semesters at TSTC. Log on to apply.tstc.edu and tstc.edu/admissions for more information.

(HUTTO) – Mike Angerstein’s career as an infantryman in the U.S. Army took him from Kentucky to Alaska and two deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

But he would not trade the experiences for anything.

Angerstein, 27, of Hutto enjoyed the brotherhood of being involved in the military. And, being in the Army has enabled him to use veterans benefits and transition into becoming a Welding Technology major at Texas State Technical College attending the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

“The hardest part is getting the paperwork together for the VA (Veterans Administration) and back to school,” he said. “It’s a lot of leg work but well worth it. Research your potential degree program and career opportunities.”

Brooke Williams, an instructor in the Welding Technology program, said she admired Angerstein’s interest in wanting to learn more about welding.

“The military experience lends itself to the welding industry,” she said. “They are similar in work ethic and leadership. Welding is very independent.”

Angerstein has had a long time fascination with welding.

“It’s one of those fields you can study for 60 years and still not learn everything,” he said.

He discovered TSTC’s Welding Technology program by searching online. Once he began taking classes, he joined the student chapter of the American Welding Society.

He has enjoyed seeing the science of how metals react to each other in his welding classes.

Angerstein has learned about stick welding, a method using a short circuited rod that is melted at one end and creates molten droplets. He has also used a CNC plasma cutting machine for making metal cut outs.

Angerstein’s plans for graduation in December are wide open. He is saving money to work on a certification for non-destructive testing, an analysis method used to determine properties without causing damage.

“I’ll go where the money is,” he said. “Pipeline work would be good.”

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.

(HUTTO) – Marc Marzan has already gotten a taste of the telecommunications world during his first semester at Texas State Technical College.

Marzan, 23, of Hutto moved a telephone jack in a computer lab at the college’s East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto. The work was good practice for the certificate he is working on. TSTC began the Global Communications System Installer certificate this semester.

“It has to do with transferring data to servers and how everything in the world connects with the data,” he said about the growing job field.

Claude Dyson, an instructor in the certificate program, said Marzan should not have a problem with his job hunting because there are not enough networking and fiber optics technicians in the country. Dyson said certificate holders can earn up to $35 per hour. The 2014 median pay for telecommunications equipment installers was $55,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Dyson is teaching Marzan in his classes.

“It one of a kind because I don’t think there is anyone that can get this kind of teaching,” Marzan said. “We go through the syllabus and once I understand and pick up something quickly, we move on. If there is anything I’m struggling on, I stop the instructor and make sure I understand and he clears it up for me.”

Marzan has enjoyed the hands-on work in the electronics and telecommunication classes he is taking.

“We are ahead in our syllabi so there is free time to do cool projects,” he said. “Right now I’m building a radio with the transistors, resistors, capacitors and circuit board.”

Marzan is originally from central Florida and joined his parents in Texas after visiting them. Before enrolling at TSTC, Marzan installed fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels and rebuilt fire extinguishers. He learned about TSTC and the certificate program after a relative told him about the Hutto campus.

Marzan has already interviewed with Austin-area businesses in the fiber optics field. But, he has bigger plans for his future.

“I want to work for somebody for now to figure out how the world works and the global communications terminology,” he said. “I look forward to one day starting my own company installing new phone systems, fiber optics and having contracts.”

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters began Monday, April 4.

(HUTTO) – James Floyd gained not only law enforcement experience while serving as a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force, but also developed a solid work ethic and leadership skills.

“I learned to see the big picture and can organize the plan to achieve the goal,” he said.

Floyd, 30, of Round Rock is scheduled to graduate in May with an associate degree in Welding Technology from Texas State Technical College at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto.

Floyd observed his father take apart, put together and fix equipment of all kinds while he was growing up. From these experiences, Floyd developed an interest in welding and since attending TSTC he has grown to appreciate its science and artistry.

“If you understand the science, you can control the outcome of what you are welding,” shared Floyd.

He enjoyed learning about tungsten inert gas welding which he called a “clean” welding method with no excess fumes. Floyd likes controlling the heat and travel speed of the cutting.

Floyd’s parents were an influence in his choice to attend TSTC. Once he began researching the college and hearing about it from others, he admired the Welding Technology program’s reputation.

Keith Wojcik, a Welding Technology program instructor, said Floyd challenges him in a positive way.

“I find him very driven,” said Wojcik. “Being at the head of the class is not good enough. He’s attentive and asks intelligent questions.”

After graduation, Floyd wants to pursue an airframe and powerplant certification and work in the aerospace welding industry.

The College Preview at TSTC will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14. For more information go to tstc.edu/openhouse.

Apply today at tstc.edu. Registration for summer and fall semesters begins Monday, April 4.

James Floyd of Round Rock and a Welding Technology student at Texas State Technical College in Williamson County, stands in one of the welding labs used for lessons.