On behalf of the Forging Industry Educational & Research Foundation, John Cain, Chairman/CEO Scot Forge Company (second from right), presents a check for $57,000 to Bryan Coddington, Blackhawk Engineering Technology Instructor (left), Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk (second from left) and Greg Phillips, Blackhawk Dean of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology & Transportation (right).

Blackhawk Technical College has been selected as the recipient of a $57,000 grant from the Forging Industry Educational & Research Foundation (FIERF), a supporter of the Forging Industry Association (FIA).

The grant will help to bolster the manufacturing sector in Rock and Green counties by increasing the number of highly qualified manufacturing technicians through the implementation of the Manufacturing Automation Cell (MAC) project, a collaborative effort in partnership with Scot Forge, a member of FIERF, that will actively participate in providing technical assistance, materials and invaluable plant visits that will enrich the students’ understanding of industrial practices and processes.

Bryan Coddington, Engineering Technology Instructor at Blackhawk and lead of the MAC project, said the MAC project will help to reduce the skills gap faced by many employers. Through hands-on, work-based learning, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to prepare them for entering the workforce much more quickly than previous training methods.

“The MAC project is an opportunity to redesign the way we provide technical education in manufacturing at Blackhawk Technical College,” Coddington said.

With this grant, Blackhawk is well-positioned to develop a talented and well-prepared workforce that meets the demands of the manufacturing industry.

“The unwavering support from the Forging Industry Educational & Research Foundation enables us to equip our students with the skills needed for them to thrive in the ever-changing manufacturing landscape, and through our partnership with Scot Forge, we are making a powerful investment in the future of manufacturing by fostering innovation and progress,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk.

John Cain, Chairman/CEO of Scot Forge Company, said Scot Forge is a proud partner of Blackhawk and the Forging Industry Association.

“Many people talk about what will help strengthen our communities and our nation. However, only a small number of them lean in and take action like Dr. Pierner and Mr. James Warren (President and CEO of the Forging Industry Association). When Jim visited Blackhawk, he saw in Dr. Pierner an academic leader and a unique curriculum delivery methodology worth investing in. Blackhawk is a community treasure, and we collectively thank the FIA and FIERF for their support in helping proliferate their impressive model.”

About the FIERF

Established in 1961, the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) operates as a supporting organization to the Forging Industry Association (FIA). The Foundation’s Mission is to support the forging industry through technology development and education.

About Scot Forge

Scot Forge is an employee-owned manufacturer based in Spring Grove, Illinois, with five U.S. facilities and 500 employee-owners. Scot Forge offers the most modern and unique metal shaping, machining and downstream capabilities in North America.

About Blackhawk Technical College

Blackhawk Technical College helps students in Rock and Green counties build their future with a flexible education in a supportive environment by delivering innovative education to enrich our communities.