First Community College on West Coast to Offer Wind Program
With more than 6,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy projected for the Pacific Northwest, many communities anticipate an influx of new jobs. But who’s going to prepare the workers for this high-tech, emerging field?
The Columbia Gorge Community College on the boundary of Oregon and Washington is offering the first training for wind energy technicians on the West Coast. Its location near the center of the Columbia River Gorge is a focal point for wind development in the region and makes the school a natural choice to train the new generation of clean energy technicians. Susan Wolff of Columbia Gorge told Wind Energy Weekly:
“Seeing all the wind turbine components being transported through the Gorge signaled the possibilities of jobs for our region. A feasibility study was completed and resulted in the creation of a new program to provide a highly skilled workforce to this rapidly growing industry.”
The college has partnered with the industry to develop a curriculum for the six-month pilot program that began in January. The Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Training project will also include a one-year certificate and two-year degree programs that begin this fall. Those industry partners include Clipper Windpower, GE Wind Energy, PPM Energy, Suzlon, Vestas, and Western Wind Power.
