When the company where Ann had been employed for 23 years went bankrupt, and since a third-shift job wasn’t her style, she enrolled at BTC.
As a student, Ann quickly learned that you can’t procrastinate and that you have to allot enough time for homework. She also realized there were many software programs she needed to learn in order to upgrade her skills. However, she was relieved that the instructors’ help was always available.
When asked what abilities or traits a student in this program should have, Ann listed the following: “teachable, hardworking, extrovert, responsible, detail-oriented, and pride in one’s own work.”
BTC was a positive experience for Ann. She treasures the people she met and the friendships she made. Would she do it again? “In a heartbeat!” she said. “BTC is convenient, easily accessible, close to home, and has an excellent teaching staff.” Her advice for other students: “Go for it!”
The choice to continue your education, whether right out of high school or after years in the workforce, can be a daunting one. I was relieved to find that BTC is different from any other school I have attended, in a variety of ways.
The first difference is the genuine, caring faculty and staff. From program instructors to custodial staff and food service workers, they truly care about how you are doing, personally as well as academically.
Second, the Student Life staff make it a priority to get students involved in campus clubs and organizations. I was welcomed with open arms and given every opportunity to get involved and enhance my education. They made every attempt to work with students’ schedules so anyone interested could participate.
Finally, the hands-on learning and small class sizes made my education unique. I feel I will enter the workforce better prepared than most. So whether you are just graduating high school or considering returning for your education after years of work, BTC can help make the transition painless and simple.
Matt - Fire Protection Technician Student
Matt considers himself lucky. He’s able to do what he loves, working for a local fire department, while getting a top-notch, hands-on education close to home.
As a Fire Protection Technician student, Matt quickly realized that Blackhawk Technical College has much to offer students, from student activities and clubs, to state of the art technology, to dedicated faculty and staff who are experts in their fields. “Instructors aren’t just giving you information they’ve read in a book. They have first-hand experience, and valuable insights that we’ll benefit from to make our jobs easier”, Matt stated.
Classes include simulating what the “real thing” will be like, but in a safe environment. Matt believes those “real thing” simulations are the key to the whole learning process. They help Matt and fellow students understand the kinds of situations that can arise, which they wouldn’t have thought of because of their lack of experience.
Matt’s advice to anyone considering returning to school: “There are so many different things you can learn at BTC, so give it a try. My goal is to be a full time firefighter. BTC has given me the tools to succeed, and you can too.”
After retirement from the military, Sheldon knew he wanted to find something he would have fun doing in the years ahead. He decided to start his new career at BTC. Finding a college close to home was important to Sheldon.
Also important was finding a college with great instructors and a welcoming atmosphere. “I went out to BTC’s Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) campus and even though I didn’t know the instructors, I could tell it was the type of setting I wanted to be in,” he said.
With the help of BTC’s counselors, Sheldon was able to transfer some previous college credits into the Automotive Technician program. Looking to the future, Sheldon stated, “All my work at BTC should transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at a nearby 4-year college”.
Is he having fun yet? With the assistance of the staff and instructors at BTC, Sheldon is having a blast!
