Wind Energy Technology

Texas State Technical College – Sweetwater, Texas  (On-line course!)

The Wind Energy Technology (WET) Associates Degree Program is designed to provide graduating students with the skills necessary to facilitate an easy transition into many levels of the Wind Energy Industry. Curriculum was developed through the collaborative efforts of subject matter experts from Texas State Technical College West Texas and an advisory board of Wind Energy Managers.  Texas State Technical College,  West Texas has developed an online version of its wind energy certification program.  This program is eligible for GI Bill benefits.  The first course began March 2008.

Mesaland Community College - Tucumcari, NM

The North American Wind Research and Training Center provides instruction in wind turbine technology, turbine maintenance, tower safety, and wind economics.  Students in these 1-year (basic) and 2-year (advanced) programs will be prepared for rewarding and profitable careers in this industry.  There is no state residence requirement for veterans to attend this program.  For more information, contact Tracy Roscoe (Navy and Army veteran), director of wind energy training .

Iowa Lakes Community College - Estherville, Iowa
 
The Wind Energy and Turbine Technology Program is the first in the state of Iowa. Since the number of wind turbines in the state of Iowa is growing quickly, Iowa Lakes Community College is working help meet the growing demand for skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and service modern wind turbines.

Iowa State University - Ames, Iowas   BS, MS and PhD degrees are offered in Atmospheric Science and Agricultural Meteorology to meet the weather and climate needs of the wind industry. 

University of Iowas's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering - Iowa City, Iowa

An MS degree program in Wind Power Management and is offered, along with course work in Energy Systems Design.  The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has chosen the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) to receive its 2008 State Leadership Award.   Also see Iowa Alliance for Wind

Columbia Gorge Community College - The Dalles, Oregon  
Wind power is a fast-growing industry in our region.  Columbia Gorge Community College will be the first community college in the Pacific Northwest to offer training programs for the wind power generation industry.   Beginning Fall 2007, Columbia Gorge Community College will offer a 1-year Certificate and a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Renewable Energy Technology.

Lakeshore Technical College - Cleveland, WI  Wind Technician Associates Degree.  On campus grid tied Vestas wind turbine for student projects and training.  Two completed wind farms within 50 miles of campus.  Course work in renewable energy and sustainable living, anerobic biogas digesters and photovoltaics. 

 

Green Construction

Cedar Valley Community College   (On-line course!)
The Energy Efficient Green Building Institute at Cedar Valley College is in its first year of offering training and education in the green building field. Students new to the building sciences as well as students with experience in related fields receive training based on distance learning strategies, as well as other strategies, leading to a variety of certifications and two-year degrees.

Green Building Certification Institute   The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) was established as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council. GBCI administers credentialing programs related to green building practice. These programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating Systems™.

The Green Advantage   
Green Certification Available for Building-Related Practitioners
Today's environmentally conscious client prefers structures that are: energy and water efficient, durable and disaster resistant, healthier and environmentally friendly. Green Advantage® certifies your knowledge of the latest in "green" building practices, technologies and techniques.

Fuel Cell Technology

TexasState Technical College – Waco, Texas   Fuel Cell Technology graduates qualify for entry-level positions with companies providing fuel cell and fuel cell systems power for large-scale building complexes (hospitals and nursing homes, hotels, office buildings, schools, utility power plants, airport terminals, etc.); residential and transportation.  However, as the demand for fuel cells increases over the next three to five years, graduates will have their choice of career specializations in fields such as miniature fuel cells for laptop, cell phones, digital cameras, power tools, hearing aids, smoke detectors, and building and auto security.

Solar Technology

AustinCommunity College – Austin, TX     
The NABCEP Entry Level Certificate is designed for those wanting to enter the solar field. It will be a way for students to show that they have achieved basic knowledge, comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) system operations. The certificate will demonstrate that the student has passed an industry-designed exam based on learning objectives developed by subject matter experts. While the Certificate of Completion by itself will not qualify an individual to install photovoltaic (PV) systems, it does recognize an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system. Students receiving the Entry Level Certificate will then be eligible to enter the workforce to get the required two years of on-the-job training, including installing four PV systems, to eventually be able to sit for the NABCEP certifying exam.

Hudson Valley Community College - Troy, NY  
The Photovoltaic Installation Certificate program provides the training students need to enter the growing industry of solar panel installation and maintenance. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) worked with Hudson Valley to develop the program as the agency anticipates a high demand for qualified PV installers with hundreds of PV systems expected to be installed in the upcoming years.  The 21-credit hour program consists of required and elective courses in the Electrical Construction and Maintenance A.O.S. degree program. These courses include a basic AC/DC electricity course and residential and commercial construction wiring courses which serve as a foundation for two courses in PV theory and practice.

 

 

Wisconsin
College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point has majors in natural resources management, wildlife, forestry, soils and waste management, water resources management and fisheries, paper science and engineering (and, sustainable technology in the near future)  

Wisconsin Rapids Mid-State Technical College Campus offers programs in Biorefinery Technology; Renewable Electricity Technician and Renewable Thermal Energy Technician.    
   
Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Custer, WI offers hands-on training in renewable energy skills. It also hosts the largest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair in the country the third weekend of June annually.