TSTC student flies into Welding Technology

(HUTTO, Texas) - Brad Panneton spent his military career flying helicopters in the Army, scouting for terrorists and protecting convoys, but now he is pursuing a career in welding.

Panneton is working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College's East Williamson County campus. He already holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, which allowed him to go through a special program to become a helicopter pilot in the Army.

Panneton's wife joined the Army before he did and is part of why he joined.

"She was stationed in Hawaii for her first duty station, and I got a job as a staff geologist for an environmental firm that let me travel to every island - it was awesome," he said. "I had the job for about seven months when I was at Pearl Harbor and heard colors play. It just felt different, and I decided I wanted to go back into military service."

Panneton had been in the Marine Corps for four years before taking a break from service. He spent 13 years flying both scouting and Apache helicopters for the Army before moving on to other things.

"I own a small woodworking business, and most of my customers are military affiliated," he said. "Sometimes people want metal items too, and the items I find don't seem right. I want to make sure things are good quality."

"Good quality" for Panneton also means a good-quality education.

"I looked at a program at another school, but I didn't like the way it was set up," he said. "I googled programs in Texas. TSTC was the second link, and I did my tour this summer. When I walked into the welding department, I just felt it. I was excited and just knew this was the place."

Panneton is excited to learn more and use those skills in the field.

"After I take the class with sheet metal, I might make my first job fixing the fence in my homeowners association," he said. "I also can't wait to get into the welding automation classes and see how that works."

Welding Technology is available at all 11 TSTC campuses. It is one of TSTC's Money-Back Guarantee programs. The college's commitment to participating students is simple: If they do not have a job in their field within six months of graduation, they will receive a full refund of their tuition. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.

Registration for TSTC's spring semester begins Oct. 28. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.

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