Photo by Jeremy Nichols.
Photo shows (l. to r.): Layla Merrifield, Wisconsin Technical College System President; Dr. Tracy Pierner, Blackhawk Technical College President; Rachel Andres, Executive Vice President at Prent Corporation; Don Handrow, Vice President of Product Development at Prent Corporation; Ashley Vilbrandt, Sr. Executive Assistant and Marketing Specialist at Prent Corporation; Sara Rogers, Wisconsin Technical College System Board Chair.
The Wisconsin Technical College System Board has selected Prent Corporation of Janesville for the prestigious Futuremaker Partner Award recognizing its robust partnership with Blackhawk Technical College.
Prent, a global leader in thermoform packaging based in Janesville, is a key contributor to Blackhawk’s success in many ways, including oversight and input on the College’s direction with Prent’s Executive Vice President Rachel Andres serving on Blackhawk’s District Board.
“Prent Corporation partners with Blackhawk Technical College in many meaningful ways that benefit students, the college and the community,” said Sara Rogers, WTCS board president. “From hiring interns and graduates to donating equipment and serving on advisory committees, Prent has consistently demonstrated its commitment to local workforce development. We are proud to recognize them with this Futuremaker Partner Award.”
Prent provides industry-level knowledge to help inform curriculum through advisory committee participation. It also collaborated in the design and financial support of the Manufacturing Automation Cell in Blackhawk’s Innovative Manufacturing Education Center. Members of the Prent team support Blackhawk out in the community advocating for and driving connections to Blackhawk as well as partnering with Blackhawk to educate local students of all ages on careers in manufacturing.
In addition to providing a full-ride scholarship to a Blackhawk student, Prent recognizes the value of investing in its own team through tuition reimbursement for Blackhawk courses and training.
“Prent checks every box on the list of award requirements,” Dr. Tracy Pierner, president of Blackhawk, said. “Prent’s local leadership drives strong, sustained workforce pipelines, access to education and collaborative partnerships. Congratulations to Prent on this well-deserved, prestigious Futuremaker Partner Award.”
A reception and formal award presentation took place March 17 at Blackhawk’s Beloit-Janesville Campus.