(HUTTO, Texas) – Several students from Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus are ready to show their mettle at the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Corpus Christi from April 2 to 5.
Several students from the campus’s Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs are set to compete and have been conducting final preparations as the event draws near.
SkillsUSA is a professional organization focused on employability, leadership and technical skills that help college students pursue successful careers and be part of a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA has more than 100 specific contests at the state and national events in which students can compete, from 3D Visualization and Animation to Welding Sculpture.
Esteban Cruz, a Welding Technology student, will compete in the individual welding event on April 4.
“I’m good at looking at schematics and following those guides,” he said. “I come in on Fridays for open labs to work ahead in class to get more practice. I’ve been learning a lot. I feel ready.”
Nathan Lemley, a Welding Technology student, chose to flex his skills in the Welding Sculpture competition taking place on April 3. He said individual entries are graded on-site but not built there.
“We have to take the final product to Corpus Christi with us to put on display,” Lemley said. “I chose the sculpting event because I wanted to do something more artistic. I have a welding setup in my garage, and I’ve been working on my sculpture at home.”
Aidan Parker, a Precision Machining Technology student, is part of a three-person team for the Automated Manufacturing Technology event on April 4. He said preparing has had some challenges because one of his teammates, Riley McCord, is an alumnus, but communication has been key.
“I’m on a team with Riley and Ethan Williams,” Parker said. “Ethan and I have sat down together and reviewed everything, but not with Riley. We plan to sit as a team to do a final once-over when we all get to Corpus. We all know each other, so I’m not worried.”
Joe Mesa III, a Precision Machining Technology instructor, said he believes that TSTC’s Williamson County students will bring home some medals this year.
“I don’t want to jinx them, but this group of students is really good,” Mesa said. “They figure things out, and they work well together. I could see them bringing back at least one gold.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
