Get to Know Brad Wildes, Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor

Brad Wildes, Blackhawk’s newest Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor, is a Master Electrician. He has been an electrician for 36 years, so he knows a thing or two about electrical work.

“I worked as an adjunct for Blackhawk in the past, which led me to a full-time position,” he said. “Blackhawk is very supportive of faculty. Everybody I run into asks if there is anything they can do for me.”

Wildes points to mentoring by the recently retired Greg Phillips, who is the Dean Emeritus of Blackhawk’s Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology and Transportation Division, for helping him transition from a field worker to the classroom and says Phillips is the reason he’s teaching today.

The evolution of the apprenticeship program is something that Wildes believes helps students as there is not more lab time during class and the flexibility offered through the program meets the needs of students while also promoting excellence in the industry.

His advice for students is simple: “It’s your apprenticeship. Make the most of it.”

Wildes received technical training through the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and has worked for the City of Janesville and for the Morse Group on the Epic Systems campus in Verona. He also earned a certificate in adult education through the National Training Institute program from University of Tennessee.

Outside of work, the Janesville native and his wife are both active in their church and busy with four children and 10 grandchildren. They also spoil their golden doodle, Henry.