TSTC Industrial Systems program supports new economic growth in Hutto and Taylor

(HUTTO, Texas) – Cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment are becoming common sights right now in Hutto and Taylor. These are signs of economic growth, which means job opportunities for students at Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus.

“It provides more options for the student,” said Albert Martinez, an instructor in TSTC’s Industrial Systems program. “Our students leave here with a multitude of skills; however, each student has their own special interest, such as shaft alignments, hydraulics and pneumatics. Students will have the opportunity to pursue a career that is closely related to their interests and continue on with their development.”

In the last 12 months, companies in Elgin, Georgetown, Hutto, Round Rock and Taylor have sought workers to fill jobs as electrical and electronics repairers for commercial and industrial equipment, industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers and millwrights, according to information from Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area in Cedar Park. The median salary for these positions was in the $45,000 range.

“We want them (students) to know that these types of careers are available and that we can help them get there,” Martinez said.

Students and graduates can drive around Hutto and Taylor to see all of the potential for work without having to leave the county.

“We have the largest number of prospect activities we have ever had,” said Bob Farley, economic development director for the city of Hutto.

The city of Hutto is currently marketing hundreds of acres at the Hutto Megasite for possible development. Already announced is the Hutto Mega TechCenter, Skybox Datacenters and Prologis Inc., which will build a data-center campus.

Farley said the city hopes to attract businesses tied to Samsung’s semiconductor facility under construction in Taylor, along with Gigafactory Texas in Austin.

“It’s basically in the same neighborhood as their workforce,” Farley said.

The big project taking place now in Taylor is the construction of the $17 billion Samsung semiconductor facility. The project is expected to be completed in late 2024, said Mark Thomas, president and CEO of the Taylor Economic Development Corp.

“It is considered the largest foreign direct investment ever in the state of Texas,” he said.

Thomas said by this summer the project is estimated to have more than 15,000 construction workers on-site. The city has about 17,000 residents, he said.

Thomas said the facility will bring to the city at least 2,000 jobs in a range of technical fields, ranging from industrial maintenance to HVAC work. He said the average wage for workers will be at least $70,000 a year.

Samsung’s presence has translated into potential supporting companies looking at Taylor and other areas in which to locate.

“We are all for Hutto being successful,” Thomas said. “All the development is ultimately going to benefit both of the communities as it builds out.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization and certificates of completion in Industrial Systems Mechanic – Entry Level Technician, Industrial Systems Mechanic, and Industrial Systems – Mechanical Specialization at the East Williamson County campus.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.