Front row, left to right: Bruce Cappis, Corbin Kersten, Adrean Casique, Trevor Gilbertson, Mason Shuppe, Grace Braund. Back row, left to right: Josiah Nowak, Brady Jones, Wyatt Burt, Ty Feibel, Owen Longhenry, Manny Vargas, David Polk.
Nineteen high school students signed on with eight area employers as part of the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA)’s 4th Annual Manufacturing Signing Day, held Thursday in the Conference Center at Blackhawk's Beloit-Janesville Campus.
“SMA believes manufacturing is not just about making things–it’s about making a difference,” said Kelly Crosby, SMA Co-Chair.
Sponsored by CCI, JP Cullen, and Blackhawk Technical College, the event honored the students chosen for various employment opportunities, including apprenticeships, internships and full-time positions.
“You’re entering a career path that will be extremely fulfilling,” said Greg Phillips, Dean of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Training and Technology at Blackhawk.
Joined by their employers, each student in attendance took the stage to sign a commemorative board and put on a hat representing their new company.
Guest speaker David Polk, Director of the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, underscored the vital importance of strengthening manufacturing jobs across Wisconsin.
“The manufacturing field in Wisconsin is one of the highest–top three–in careers in business here in Wisconsin. So, we have to find ways to continue to support that,” Polk said. "Thank you to the SMA and Blackhawk for hosting events like today’s, which shine a spotlight on the outstanding career opportunities in manufacturing and celebrate the students who have chosen to pursue them."
Addressing the students, Polk said, “Congratulations to all apprentices. I am very, very proud of you. I want to see you all completing your apprenticeship. I wish you good luck in your next steps, and I’ll see you at the finish line.”
The students honored and their employers are:
Edgerton Gear
- Trevor Gilbertson, Edgerton High School
Frito-Lay
Kyle Schliem, internal Frito-Lay candidate
- Manny Vargas, Beloit Memorial High School
Jones Dairy Farm
- Mason Shuppe, Fort Atkinson High School
The Morse Group
- Brady Jones, Janesville Craig
- Corbin Kersten, Milton High School
Pieper
- Owen Longhenry, Milton High School
Scot Forge
- Wyatt Burt, Clinton High School
- Bruce Cappis, Craig High School
- Adrean Casique, Lincoln Academy
- Ty Feibel, Clinton High School
- Josiah Nowak, homeschool
Stoughton Trailers
- Grace Braund, Stoughton High School
- Adelyn Clark, Lincoln Academy
United Alloy
- Sam Doll, Edgerton High School
- Ryan Erickson, Parker High School
- Anibal Negron, Parker High School
- Aidan Pacheco, Craig High School
- Ethan Husen, Parker High School
- Aidan Pacheco, Craig High School
Note: Four students were unable to attend the ceremony but were recognized for their achievements.
JP Cullen and CCI each donated $1,000 so that students could each receive a $100 Blain’s gift card. The gift cards are intended to be used for work boots, work apparel and other needed supplies.
Scholarships awarded
The SMA Scholarship Awards were also presented at the signing event. The SMA gives out $10,000 in scholarships each year. Each student awarded receives a $2,000 scholarship that is split to pay $1,000 for the fall semester and $1,000 for the spring semester.
Students awarded scholarships include:
- Ryan Erickson
- Dylan Goodwin
- Corbin Kersten
- Spencer Pumphrey
- Tyler Schmoll