JANESVILLE, Wis. — As Blackhawk Technical College begins classes, its students are motivated by their job prospects following graduation. More than 93% of Wisconsin’s technical college graduates stay in the state to work after graduation, according to the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Blackhawk’s graduates are well-trained in the latest technologies and techniques, and area employers report a 100% satisfaction rate with graduates.

“As the economic development organization for the Greater Beloit Area, we count Blackhawk Technical College as a critical and valued partner in our efforts to attract and retain businesses and new residents. From manufacturing to healthcare to emergency services, Blackhawk delivers high-quality courses and training that our employers and communities rely upon,” said Drew Pennington, President and CEO of Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation. “Blackhawk’s responsiveness to potential business prospects and their willingness to deliver customized training is one of the cornerstones of our business attraction strategy. In addition, Blackhawk’s partnerships with other institutions in Greater Beloit demonstrate a collaborative approach that is rare and increasingly valued in the marketplace. We wish Blackhawk’s faculty, staff and students the best of luck as they begin another year of progress.”

Across Wisconsin, technical colleges educate nearly 300,000 students annually and offer more than 500 programs aligned with workforce needs. To kick off the 2026-27 academic year, nearly 3,000 Blackhawk students are taking courses in general education, business, health and public safety, learning support, manufacturing, apprenticeships, technology and transportation. As part of the state’s largest, most affordable higher education system, Blackhawk educates tomorrow’s childcare workers, dental hygienists, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, nurses, sonographers, manufacturers, truck drivers, farmers and more—the essential workers local families depend on every day.

Olivia Otte, executive director of the Green County Development Corporation, said, “GCDC values Blackhawk Technical College’s commitment to workforce development in our region, and we’re proud to support the vital role technical education plays in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”

“Our campus is growing,” Blackhawk President Tracy Pierner, Ph.D., said. “Early indications have enrollment up 3% this fall over last fall, our graduates are landing jobs locally, and our work on degree pathways is helping students find their way to meaningful careers. With everything from GED and HSED to more than 40 associate degrees, Blackhawk is here to support our students, communities and area employers. I’m energized by the impact we have in the area and by the growth we’re seeing each year.”

Public support reflects that impact. Recent WTCS polling found that 76% of Wisconsinites believe their local technical college is important to the success of their community. Locally, 96% of Blackhawk graduates are employed within six months of graduation. About 96% of students say they are satisfied with their education.

About Blackhawk Technical College

Blackhawk Technical College, one of 16 colleges under the Wisconsin Technical College System, serves students and employers in Rock and Green counties with campuses in Janesville and Monroe, Wisconsin. The college has more than 6,000 credit and noncredit students enrolled in more than 70 programs. Based in Janesville, Wisconsin, it has provided education and training to area students and employers since 1912. Find out more at blackhawk.edu.