What is your name? Where did you grow up, and what high school did you attend?
My name is Giovanni Aceves. I grew up in Clinton, Wisconsin, and attended Clinton Junior Senior High.
Why did you choose to attend Blackhawk Technical College?
I chose to attend Blackhawk because it was convenient and coordinated well with my job at Jakes Electric.
What is your area of study? Is there something that drew you to the program?
I am enrolled in the Automation Systems Technology program. I was drawn to this program because working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) was extremely interesting and enjoyable. There are so many ways to do everything in this field that it just made me want to keep on learning.
How has Blackhawk helped you to pursue or complete your goals?
Blackhawk has allowed me to work with great instructors who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful in allowing me to learn and practice automation.
Have you had to overcome any obstacles or challenges on your educational journey?
Balancing work and school is the most difficult thing, but I enjoy both, which makes it easier.
Have you been the recipient of any scholarships or grants through the Blackhawk Foundation?
The IDEAL Scholarship and SMA scholarship.
Are there any academic achievements that you’ve been proud to accomplish in your time at Blackhawk?
Receiving the IDEAL scholarship and being on the honor roll every semester.
If so, how has this impacted your educational journey?
It has allowed me to be all in on my academics and not worry about the debt of school.
Have you been involved in any internships while at Blackhawk? What was that experience like for you?
I work at Jakes Electric and have worked there for almost three years. It is great working with them as they have been very patient and helpful while I go through school.
When do you plan to graduate, and what are your plans for life after Blackhawk?
I plan to graduate in May 2025 and to continue working at Jakes Electric as a Controls Engineer.
What advice do you have for other individuals who are considering Blackhawk?
It is extremely worth it.
What is a song or artist that is always on your playlist?
Zach Bryan, who was also the first concert I ever went to.
What is your favorite movie?
“Ford vs. Ferrari”
What is your favorite TV show?
“The Ranch”
What is your favorite book or author? What are you currently reading?
“25 Hours a Day” by Nick Bare
What’s your ultimate comfort food?
Sushi
What is your personal pizza order?
BBQ Chicken
What would be your perfect sandwich? Homemade? Jimmy John’s? Grilled Paninis?
Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Cheese
What would be your dream car to own?
2022 Shelby GT500
Who is your personal hero?
My dad
If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?
A grizzly bear. Eat some honey and hibernate.
What game show would you most want to participate in? Do you think you could win?
“Wipeout.” NO, definitely wouldn’t win.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Build a home.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
October is also National Manufacturing Month, celebrating the importance of U.S. manufacturing innovation and ingenuity to our standard of living. With nearly a dozen manufacturing-focused programs all being taught in the new IMEC building on our Beloit-Janesville Campus, we would to thank our instructors and area partners for connecting our students with the programs and pathways necessary to inspire them to pursue careers in manufacturing