As a student in Blackhawk Technical College’s Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program, Anthony Hess has learned how to manage his time and schedule while focusing on organization and communication.
“Blackhawk has provided an environment where I can discuss and practice skills that are interesting and fulfilling. I am surrounded by like-minded individuals with similar goals and aspirations,” Hess said.
Born in Rock County, he moved to central Kentucky as he entered seventh grade. He graduated from high school in 2017. In the summer of 2020, Hess and a friend began living off-grid in the Appalachian Mountains in Tomahawk, Kentucky. As the weather got colder and circumstances shifted, the two Hess brothers decided to move back to Wisconsin to spend time with their grandmother. They returned in December 2020.
“There were greater opportunities for employment in Wisconsin. My brother and I came here with two toolboxes, the clothes we could fit in bags, our dogs, and not much else,” Hess explained. “Since then, we found stable employment, got our own apartments, and pursue many projects. Both of us are now students wanting to further our employability and skill sets. I work as a CNC machinist while in school and he is a maintenance man for a chain of grocery stores.”
Self-reliance
The projects Hess takes interest in are varied, and he decided education could help him become more self-reliant. That led him to Blackhawk.
“I would spend most of my free time fixing cars, working on projects, or helping others solve issues. YouTube and firsthand troubleshooting gave me enough knowledge to get by with these adventures. But wanting real knowledge from qualified instructors and the paperwork to back up my knowledge drew me to this program,” Hess explained.
The affordable tuition cost and one-year time frame for the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program made Blackhawk an easy choice for him, he said. It’s also close to where he lives, so it’s convenient.
Leaping forward
“Blackhawk was brought to my attention numerous times by past students while I was considering going back to school,” Hess shared. “The decision to return to school came from insecurity in the workforce. I was very lucky, keeping a decent job for five years, and I wanted to bolster my resume and expertise with an education. This decision hasn’t come without challenges or uncertainty, but I am proud to have taken the leap forward to be a more capable person.”
His favorite course so far is Safety for General Industry, in which students explored safety practices and standards outlined by OSHA, Hess said.
“The students were engaged with lively discussion about safety procedures, hypothetical scenarios, what OSHA stands for, and the type of mentality to maintain when in a hazardous workplace. This class gave me a new perspective on how to ensure my own safety and the safety of others, and I received my OSHA-30 certificate,” he said.
Building a network
For anyone considering Blackhawk, Hess said, “If you’re looking for a mentor, a friend, a place to network, I have found all that on Blackhawk’s campus.” He called out Electro-Mechanical Technology Instructor John Dorcey as someone who has influenced his education.
“Although John hasn’t known me for very long, I’ve noticed he is always an uplifting person to be around. John makes it well known that he is personally invested in his student’s success. He is the first person to come to mind when you need some assistance or a pep-talk to keep the motivation rolling,” Hess said.
Hess shared his plans for his life after Blackhawk:
“I miss living off-grid and plan to get my own land one day. Hopefully, this education will help me reach this goal,” he said.
Find out more about the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program at Blackhawk