By Hillary Gavan - August 21st 2023
BELOIT
Hendricks CareerTek is expanding by 2,220 square feet and renovating existing space to offer new laboratories and enhanced programming for students.
The renovations will be showcased at the upcoming CareerTek Grand Re-Opening set for Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 4 — 6 p.m. at 625 Third St., Suite 200.
“This expansion will allow students in 6th to 12th grades to have extensive hands-on experiences as they work on more in-depth projects,” said Hendricks CareerTek Director Derrick Carter.
Carter credited and thanked ABC Supply Co. Chairman of the Board and Founder Diane Hendricks, Corporate Contractors, Inc. and Hendricks Commercial Properties for making the project possible. Construction began after Labor Day and is expected to be finished on Aug. 25.
The labs are designed to give students a more robust and comprehensive experience as they develop career skills and will enable the formation of innovation and construction clubs for 10th to 12th graders.
Students in CareerTek’s after-school programming will start career exploration in sixth grade and get more hands-on experience as well as industry-recognized certifications as they continue with programming. Students in their later years of the program can also job shadow, obtain apprenticeships or find part- or full-time jobs.
CareerTek will continue with its goal of serving about 1,250 students annually. All programming is free to students.
Carter noted Will Davis has been hired as Pathway Program Director and will instruct construction and technology courses.
The construction club will meet in the new construction lab where students will be able to build a house foundation, practice putting on siding and shingles, and work on wiring, HVAC, and plumbing.
In the innovation club and its new lab, students will have the opportunity to learn more about robotics, pre-engineering, CAD, web design and business.
Some of the new equipment in the labs include laser cutters, CNC machines, chop saws, 3D printers, circular saws and more.
The health lab will be located up front in newly repurposed space.
CareerTek offers scholarships for the CNA program run by Blackhawk Technical College. It was previously located at another location in the Ironworks campus which closed. The classes will now be offered onsite at CareerTek with hospital beds, mannequins, and other medical supplies and training materials donated by BTC.
The CNA program, for 16 to 21-year-olds, is held for 40 students a year in spring, summer and fall sessions. The scholarship remains open to any students who have participated in a minimum of three CareerTek activities.
Carter said he is excited to share information on the project at the upcoming re-opening event.
Brief remarks at the event will be made at 4:30 p.m. by Hendricks, Stateline Boys and Girls Club Chief Executive Officer Mark Rand, Corporate Contractors Inc. President Brad Austin and Blackhawk Technical College Director of Workforce and Community Development Mark Borowicz. Refreshments will be provided.
CareerTek’s mission is to help students, grades sixth and above, achieve their career goals and aspirations by providing college and career readiness support.
Located at 625 Third St., Suite 200 in the Ironworks Complex, Hendricks CareerTek offers a unique space for employers and students to intersect. It provides students with workshops and educational opportunities in high-demand career fields such as coding, healthcare, construction and trades, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and more. It has offered academies on career exploration throughout the summer in fields ranging from coding and culinary arts to heavy equipment operation and fire service. It also offers after-school programming and programming at area schools.