New Program of Study: Broadband Delivery Technician

Southeast Technical is offering a new A.A.S. for Broadband Delivery Technicians beginning this fall.  This 64 credit program will train participants to work in a variety of fields.

Careers in this field have a considerable earning potential locally, regionally and globally.  With the current initiative by service providers to accelerate deployment of all-fiber access networks the career outlook in this field is also abundant.

With the evolution of dynamically changing technologies for delivering voice, video and data applications, the workforce needs highly skilled technicians who understand the technologies behind broadband access systems.  This program will provide the foundation and skills used to maintain these systems, in particular, passive optical networks.  Fiber optic networks will be able to provide the transport mechanism for present and future services to clients as the need for more bandwidth continues to escalate.  Students will learn how to maintain, expand, repair and replace equipment required to provide broadband service to customers.  The industry is in great demand for technicians who can convey a positive and professional appearance and demeanor when communicating the company's product and services to their customers.

Fall applications are due no later than August 13, 2013.  Visit the Southeast Technical website to learn more about the program and application process.

Learn more
 

CNC skills help athlete return to the X Games following a tragic accident

High school metal shop teacher, Luke Becker attended Southeast Technical’s Summer Continuing Education Training workshop in 2008. This program was designed for teachers to learn more about precision machining technology and CNC to utilize the technology in their own classrooms.

When his brother-in-law, Mike Schultz, lost his leg in a snowmobiling accident Becker was able to take the skills he learned in that workshop and step in to help with the process of building a new leg. "My first experience turning screws and using machines was at Southeast Technical," said Becker. 

As an X Games world champion, Schultz refused to let losing a leg stop him. He designed and built a new leg specifically created to allow him to continue with his active sporting life. The MotoKnee, as he named it, was intended to help Schultz get back into action. It has now become a much bigger project with a wider focus.

Becker joined the team to help with production knees. To date, he has personally machined parts for and helped assemble approximately 50 prosthetic legs to help soldiers and athletes to be active again. "It's difficult to wrap my head around," said Becker. "I hope nobody ever needs this product and at the same time I am glad I am helping someone." Currently BioDapt, Inc is sending, on average, four MotoKnees per week to one of three military hospitals in the United States.

Keeping up-to-date in a changing industry

Philip Westfall pictured with a prototype of a "Dulciborn", a cross between a dulcimer and a Weissenborn guitar. Westfall designed the Dulciborn for Gold Tone.

photo by: Joshua Aurigemma

Philip Westfall is not only a current online Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafting Technologies student working towards an A.A.S. degree, but also an alumnus from Southeast Technical's String Instrument Repair program, now known as the Guitar Repair and Building and Violin Repair programs.

After graduating from Southeast Technical in 2007 Westfall worked his way to Florida and now works as the lead product designer at Gold Tone, which makes a variety of string instruments sold worldwide. As he completed his first semester in the CAD program Westfall was able to put much of what he learned to practical use right away. Primarily, he designs and builds prototypes. "As the company keeps growing, there is an increased need for a CAD specialist," said Westfall. "I chose Southeast Technical because of the quality education I received previously and the availability of online courses."

Westfall does school work for two hours each night after his eight month old baby goes to bed. As a full time employee, husband and father, he appreciates the flexibility that online learning provides. In Westfall's unique position, he has been a part of a program that is very hands-on and now in the CAD program everything is on the computer. Westfall was a bit hesitant at first about online learning, but he found it to be a positive experience. "The teachers are there for you when you need them. I've never had to wait," he said. CAD Instructor Jim Ziegler appreciates Westfall's drive, "Philip is a student who works very hard at increasing his skills. He is able to understand one concept and then bring that understanding forward and use it to understand new concepts."

Westfall's advice to other students considering Southeast Technical: "Have at least one goal in mind of what you plan to do with the education you receive and research career opportunities ahead of time. This will help to make your learning experience more productive, rewarding and focused."

Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament, Winona

Sign up now for the 5th Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament and Dinner, Monday, August 5, at Cedar Valley Golf Course in Winona, Minnesota. Play begins at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start and 18 holes of "best ball" play. Each golfer receives a golf shirt. 

Golfers of all levels are encouraged to participate for this fun and meaningful event. Proceeds from the event support the Southeast Technical College Scholarship Program. The cost is $75 per golfer and includes a post-golf picnic dinner or if you’re not a golfer, dinner only is $15.

Events including a social hour, dinner, silent auction and liquor pull will all follow golf. Register for golf and/or dinner online or by calling 1-877-853-8324 ext. 2663

 Registration at 11:00 a.m.
(Grill open for lunch on your own if you choose)

Shotgun Start at 1:00 p.m.

Following the Tournament:
Picnic style dinner, liquor pull and silent auction

Southeast Technical College Carpentry Open House

Carpentry students received practical experience in a real world application by building a home for local residents

The Carpentry program at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, July 14, 12:30 – 3 p.m. at 1421 West 4th St. in Winona.

This 1½ story home was built by Southeast Technical Carpentry students under the supervision of instructor Ralph Roemer. It features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a seasonal enclosed porch, hardwood floors and a number of other amenities. The public is invited to see this fine example of education and craftsmanship.

Each year carpentry students complete a single-story home on a property owner's lot in two semesters. "Building the home and custom cabinets gives students a chance to work with power tools and learn the trade in a practical environment," says Roemer, adding, "The industry is on the rise again and our community needs well trained workers entering the workforce to prepare for the increase."
 

Southeast Technical, Carpentry Project Open House
July 14, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
1421 West 4th St., Winona, MN