AIM graduates (l. to r.) in Monroe include: Thomas Hoffman, Noah Burchard, Lincoln Watson, Ashton King and Allen Gerrits.

On June 30, five students completed the second Accelerated Industrial Maintenance (AIM) program on Blackhawk Technical College’s Monroe Campus.

Funded by a federal grant through the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (SWWDB), AIM is part of Wisconsin’s Worker Advancement Initiative, which emphasizes hands-on learning and classroom training to help individuals build skills and advance their careers.

Rhonda Suda, Chief Executive Officer of SWWDB, said, “Manufacturing is a driver industry in our area and the AIM program is a significant step toward preparing tomorrow's workforce for the opportunities available in this industry.”

Designed for high school students or recent high school graduates, the four-week summer program consists of Blackhawk courses that provide a foundational skill set for those seeking career opportunities in industrial maintenance and technology. Participants are paid to complete the courses and earn three credits that can be applied to a degree at Blackhawk or other colleges. The program also included career exploration opportunities at local manufacturers.

Partners who help make this program possible include Kuhn, Stoughton Trailers and Klondike Cheese.

The 2026 Monroe AIM Class included the following students from Belleville High School, Monroe High School, Brodhead High School and Juda High School:

• Noah Burchard
• Allen Gerrits
• Thomas Hoffman
• Ashton King
• Lincoln Watson

A group of 19 students at Blackhawk’s Beloit-Janesville campus will graduate on July 2. The program has run for five years on that campus.