IWV Campus
Cerro Coso Community College has developed an Energy Technician program
to support the renewable energy industry and is offering a Wind Technology
Boot Camp for individuals interested in learning the basics for becoming a
wind technician. The Boot Camp class is being held at the California City
High School, January 26 – March 19. Classes are held Monday through Thursday
evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. This Community Education class is limited to 15
students and is a fee based class and the first class filled within two
days. As a result a second class is scheduled to begin March 30th. Students
interested in enrolling can contact the Admissions and Records Office at the
Indian Wells Valley campus in Ridgecrest.
In addition to the community education class, a credit level class is being
offered at the Indian Wells Valley campus in Ridgecrest, California. In the
new Industrial Technology certificate and degree programs, students will
complete an 18 unit core set of courses to provide for a well rounded
skilled technical worker. Courses in computer literacy, technical
communication, blue print reading, basic hand tools, applied technical math,
oxyacetylene welding, and industrial safety are in the core of the program.
Within the degree program there are three initial emphases in which students
can specialize: Energy, Engineering Technology and Electronics. The energy
emphasis will include wind and solar technologies and will expand to
geothermal, hydro and other energy alternatives.
"The Wind Tech" program at Cerro Coso is essential to our industry. It
is imperative that we have access to a pool of trained and educated
individuals; this program will fulfill our employment needs. With the growth
potential and meeting the mandates of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, the
Tehachapi Mojave Wind Resource Area will develop an additional 4500 MW of
wind generation; this growth will also have great employment potential for
the local residents of Ridgecrest and the surrounding area," stated Linda
Parker, Kern Wind Energy Association.
This class is being offered in response to the demand of industry requests
for trained entry level wind technicians. Graduates will have an opportunity
to find employment in both California and global wind resource areas.
"The need for qualified wind technicians is immediate. The industry is now a
national focus given the need for alternative energy resources," stated
instructor Larry Board.
Cerro Coso has partnered with Airstreams of Tehachapi, California wind
professionals. Cerro Coso Community College Instructor, Larry Board has
attended Wind Training classes over the last two years and has completed
Airstreams certified training program. Instructor Board and a variety of
Airstream professionals will be teaching the Boot Camp classes. Airstream
Instructors have 25 years of experience in the Wind Industry.
"Cerro Coso Community College is committed to serving the needs of our students,
employers and industry in our service area and the state. Our faculty has
diligently worked with industry to develop a relevant, skill based program
which will prepare students to enter the workforce, " stated Valerie
Karnes, Dean of Career Technical Education, Cerro Coso Community College.
In the next year, Cerro Coso will work with the primary and secondary
schools to educate the next generation on emerging career opportunities in
the renewable energy industry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260