Representatives from Black Hawk College, Deere & Company and the Safer Foundation celebrated the launch of the new IGNITE program with a ribbon cutting and open house Oct. 14, 2022.
To help ignite interest in manufacturing careers, Black Hawk College, Deere & Co. and the Safer Foundation are partnering on a new advanced manufacturing program.
The IGNITE program is intended to build the entry-level skills manufacturers want in new employees.
“Black Hawk College is launching IGNITE to stimulate interest in advanced manufacturing and inspire the next generation of manufacturing workers in our region,” said Dr. Richard Bush, associate vice president for economic and workforce development.
The program is open to anyone who wants to learn more about careers in advanced manufacturing.
IGNITE students are exposed to a variety of industries and technologies through 47 interactive computer lessons in the college’s newly installed Amatrol Equipment lab. They gain hands-on skills and apply those new skills to 12 mini-projects. Working through each station in the lab, they learn about topics such as basic robot operation, basic electrical concepts and introduction to solid modeling.
Students also tour area manufacturing businesses, have opportunities for internships and apprenticeships that will allow them to apply what they learn in IGNITE, engage in mock interviews, résumé assistance, as well as meet with local employers and interview for open positions.
New sessions of IGNITE will start in late Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Visit the IGNITE page for more information.
The IGNITE program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Media coverage:
- Dispatch/R.I. Argus/Quad-City Times article – Black Hawk College introduces new manufacturing course
- WQAD video – Black Hawk College cuts ribbon on new manufacturing program
- KWQC article – New Program at Black Hawk College
- Quad Cities Chamber article – Deere & Company sponsoring first IGNITE class
- Quad Cities Regional Business Journal – Black Hawk College launches new IGNITE program