Contact: Gary Kohn (608) 757-7769 or cell (608) 436-9578 gkohn@blackhawk.edu
JANESVILLE, WI – In an effort to accommodate more students, Blackhawk Technical College is opening its popular two-year Culinary Arts program to spring enrollment immediately for new students.
That means students who once had to wait until fall semester to begin their culinary studies may now take courses in the spring and summer semesters to get on the same graduation track that fall enrollees are on.
“Our fall semester is loaded to the point where we are full and would-be students were frustrated because they couldn’t get in the program and had to wait a full year before they could get started,’’ said Chef Joe Wollinger, a culinary instructor.
“It was hard to talk to a student who was trying to get into a class and saying, ‘Sorry, there’s not enough room. You’ll have to wait a year.’ Saying we have something in January makes it a lot more current.’’
Barrett Bell, BTC’s director of enrollment services, said the change is “a good opportunity for more students to go through the program. The program has been filled by mid-summer over the past three years.’’
Bell said there are 17 students who were placed on the waiting list last fall for Culinary Arts, a program which accommodates about 80 students. Spring enrollment will help reduce the waiting list and accommodate more students, he said.
The Culinary Arts program combines elements of artistry, science and business skills to prepare for a career in food service. Students study principles of food preparation, quantity production, equipment layout and operation management skills.
Students are involved in preparation and serving experiences in the food service lab and receive additional opportunities in catering, ice sculpting and food presentation.
The Culinary Arts program at Blackhawk has been honored by the Wisconsin Board of Vocational Technical and Adult Education with the Exemplary Educational Service Award. The Blackhawk Technical College Culinary Arts Program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Students interested in learning more about the new spring offerings can contact Katie Lang at 608-743-4463 or by email at klang5@blackhawk.edu.
ABOUT BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Blackhawk Technical College is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. BTC has five campus locations in Monroe, Milton, Beloit and Janesville, WI offering more than 50 programs including two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, BTC is a major provider of customized training and technical assistance for the Rock and Green County business community. More than half of all adults living in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training during the last decade.
