(Rock County, WI)
Today, more than 125 individuals gathered at Blackhawk Technical College’s Central Campus to kick-off the 2019 Rock Internship program. Thirty-eight incoming high school seniors, from eight districts, and over 20 employers were recognized during the event. In addition to these festivities, interns participated in employment onboarding activities and a professional development workshop.
The 2019 Rock Internship Program provides a structured six-week, paid earning-and-learning opportunity. A competitive application process, which was augmented by a series of interviews, was used to identify and then match-up interns with their host worksites. Student Academic & Career Plans (ACPs), which serve as the foundational element of the Inspire Rock County initiative, and consultation with school district personnel served as additional match-making resources, as well.
Over the course of the program’s six weeks, interns will have an opportunity to immerse themselves into a meaningful career pathway experience. In addition to gaining first-hand, career-based exposure, interns will also have opportunities to: develop or improve communication, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills; facilitate important networking connections; and sharpen their interviewing, job searching and resume building experiences.
The Rock Internship Program is a collaborative effort between Blackhawk Technical College (BTC), Rock County 5.0 and the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (SWWDB). Additional support for the 2019 program has been provided by the Janesville Foundation, as well.
The following group of employers are participating in the program by sponsoring one or more interns: Angus Young Associates, Beloit Snappers, Beloit Health System, Best Events, Blackhawk Technical College, City/Town of Beloit Fire Departments, Diamond Assets, Forward Janesville, Frito-Lay, Kerry, HealthNet, Johnson Financial Group, Mercy Health Corporation, North American Tool, R.H. Batterman, Rock County, Rock Energy Systems, SASid and SC Aviation.
Rock County 5.0 is a public / private economic development initiative focused on repositioning and revitalizing Rock County’s economy. The initiative’s efforts, which are dedicated toward identifying and nurturing economic opportunities, accelerating growth and growing local assets, include the following strategic focus areas: Business Retention & Expansion, Business & Investment Attraction, Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Real Estate Positioning and Workforce Profiling. For additional Rock County 5.0 information, visit www.rockcounty5.com