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Workforce Partners

Blackhawk Technical College is proud to collaborate with an incredible network of local partners dedicated to strengthening the workforce in Rock and Green counties.

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Spotlight On Our Partners

From high school apprenticeship programs to cutting-edge training for adult learners, our partnerships with businesses and community organizations are transforming lives and industries.

In this series, we'll shine a light on:

  • Local employers shaping tomorrow’s workforce
  • Community organizations fostering career development
  • Educational programs bridging the gap between talent and opportunity

A new partner will be highlighted each month through 2025.

Participants in the Rock County Externship program in Blackhawk's courtyard

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Rock Externship Program Pairs Teachers with Industry Partners

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Front row (left to right): Melissa Baier de Garcia, Janesville School District, Visit Beloit; Olivia Wright, Janesville School District, STE; Shelly Learned, Janesville School District, RC Public Health; Erica Jensen, Janesville School District, JP Cullen; Nolan Otremba, Beloit Turner School District, IKI; Kati McQueen, Beloit School District, Alliant Energy; James Krajeck, Beloit School District, Alliant Energy; Amanda Olson, Janesville School District, SHINE; Kianna Byrd, Janesville School District, Stoughton Trailers. Second row: Riley Clark, Beloit Turner School District, Alliant Energy; Robert Martin, Janesville School District, Alliant Energy; Katy Nickols, Janesville School District, Alliant Engery; Deb Prowse, Beloit School District, Alliant Energy; Michelle Kelly, Beloit School District, CCI; Eric Schmutzer, Beloit Turner School District, Alliant Energy; Alison Packard, Beloit School District, Seneca; Brian Schram, Janesville School District, Alliant Energy; Brandon Miles, Janesville School District, Alliant Energy.

Nineteen high school educators from around Rock County gathered at Blackhawk Technical College on Friday for a workshop to conclude their experience in the Rock Externship Program, which is designed to immerse teachers in business environments and have them shadow specific occupations or disciplines for one week to gain knowledge that can be included into their classrooms.

This year’s participants represent four different area school districts: Beloit, Janesville, Turner and Clinton. Externs were placed at Alliant Energy, Seneca Foods Corporation, Prent Corporation, Corporate Contractors Inc., JP Cullen, Shine Technologies, IKI Manufacturing, Stainless Tank and Equipment, Stoughton Trailers, Rock County Public Health, and Visit Beloit.

Friday’s workshop at Blackhawk gave educators the opportunity to share what they learned at their worksites and to collaborate on how to apply this knowledge within their classrooms. Externs met at the college’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning for a day of teamwork and curriculum development.

Summer 2023 is the second year for this program. In addition to the educator and employer participants, support for the Rock Externship Program derives from Blackhawk Technical College and Rock County 5.0.
Jim Nemeth Appointed as VP for Finance & Operations/CFO at Blackhawk Blackhawk Announces Construction of New Manufacturing Center with $7M Gift from Foundation

For More Information

For questions about our Workforce Partner Spotlights of more information, contact us at (608) 757-7623 or businessdevelopment@blackhawk.edu.