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The Beloit Memorial High Powered Automotive Program

nating in certification testing in the capstone
Automotive 3 course.
Olson has built the program around a
simple but powerful instructional model: 80
percent hands-on learning and 20 percent
lecture. That shift has energized students and
fueled rapid growth in enrollment. Students
don’t just read about automotive systems—
they actively work on vehicles, diagnose
real mechanical issues, communicate with
customers, and manage repair workflows
from start to finish. The result is a shop
environment that mirrors what students will
experience immediately after graduation in
the workforce.
One of the biggest transformations
under Olson’s leadership has been the
modernization of equipment and learning
opportunities. Over the past four years, the
program has added a new fleet of vehicles,
allowing students to work with modern auto-
School District of Beloit Engineering, and Science) and connected to motive technology and diagnostic systems. parts, communicate with customers about
The High Powered Automotive program the broader work of the The Academies of In addition, the curriculum now includes repairs, perform diagnostics, and complete
at Beloit Memorial High School is quickly Beloit, the program has transformed from a diesel instruction, made possible through the repairs on functioning vehicles. This level of
donation of a semi truck from Crete Carrier
becoming one of the premier high school struggling course offering just a few years ago Corporation. This expansion gives students responsibility helps build confidence, techni-
automotive training programs in the region, into a thriving, certification-producing, real- exposure to another high-demand sector of cal skills, and professional communication
thanks to the leadership, vision, and hands-on world training environment. The automotive the transportation industry and increases skills—traits employers consistently look for
philosophy of instructor Guy Olson. Housed pathway consists of a three-course sequence their career readiness. in entry-level technicians.
within the PACMES Academy (Public Safety, within the PACMES Academy, with each level Students in the program experience the
Architecture, Construction, Manufacturing, increasing knowledge and skill levels, culmi- full scope of shop operations. They help order Continued on Page 22

Go from Tinkerer to Technician in Just Two Years

If you’ve asked yourself the question, get the G1 certification, and you do not have to
“how does that work?” or your free time is
take the related exam because ASE recognizes
TURN YOUR LOVE spent tinkering with engines or building a the rigor of Blackhawk’s accredited program.
project car, pump the brakes. You may have a
This accreditation demonstrates to the
OF CARS future in the automotive industry. industry, students and other stakeholders that
Blackhawk Technical College’s Automo-
we’re committed to excellence and the support
INTO A CAREER tive Technician two-year program is an easy of our students to succeed in the real world,”
Automotive Instructor John Hayes said.
choice for car lovers. Learn how to maintain
The five-step accreditation process
cars and trucks and diagnose and repair per-
formance problems related to the engine, evaluated Blackhawk’s automotive service
transmission, steering, suspension, heating, program—its structure, processes, resources,
cooling, brake and electrical systems. materials, and mission. Collaboration among
The instruction goes beyond how vehicles educators, experts, students and the community
work. Those in the program also learn how to is at the core of the accreditation process.
use hand and machine tools and computerized “Our automotive instructors here at
equipment. Blackhawk’s program places an Blackhawk maintain their certification just
emphasis on problem-solving skills, including like any other technician working in the field,”
the use of diagnostic equipment such as lab Hayes said. “We re-certify every five years in
oscilloscopes, scanning tools and digital volt- order to ensure that we are keeping up with
Blackhawk’s Automotive Technician program is: meters. current technologies. Along with that, we do
20 hours a year–at a minimum–of technical
Local | Affordable | Accredited by ASE ASE accredited update training.”
Even better, the Automotive Technician
Learn more at: blackhawk.edu/automotive program is accredited to meet ASE Education Blackhawk gives you options
Foundation standards. That means you can Blackhawk offers more than 90 pro-
gain ASE entry-level certification. You can grams and training options for students.
also take your skills and credentials to the next From Accounting to Welding and everything
level by successfully completing all eight ASE in between, you can get started on your new
automotive tests to earn the professional-level career with a certificate, technical diploma or
G1 certification in Auto Maintenance and Light associate degree from Blackhawk.
Blackhawk Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, or age in its programs
and activities. The following person has been designated to manage inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator/Equal Repair. There is no extra cost for students to
Opportunity Officer, 6004 S County Road G, P.O. Box 5009, Janesville, WI 53547-5009, (608) 757-7796 or (608) 757-7773, WI Relay: 711 Learn more at blackhawk.edu today!