News Release
IWV Campus
Wind Technology Boot Camp
March 17, 2009
Cerro
Coso Community College has developed an Energy Technician program to support
the renewable energy industry and the response has been tremendous.
Cerro Coso Community College offered the first
Wind Technology
Boot Camp for students to learn the basics for becoming a wind
technician at the end of January. This Community Education class is limited
to 15 students and is a fee based class and the first class filled within
two days. A second class is scheduled to begin March 30th and is also full.
The next scheduled class begins August 30th. Students interested in
enrolling can contact the Admissions and Records Office at the Indian Wells
Valley campus in Ridgecrest.
"The response to these classes has been phenomenal and we are excited about
offering additional classes to provide a trained workforce for the wind
industry" said Valerie Karnes, Dean of Career Technical Education at Cerro
Coso Community College.
In addition to the community education class, credit level classes are being
offered at the Indian Wells Valley campus in Ridgecrest, California and
South Kern campus in California City beginning this fall. 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 includes wind and solar technologies and will expand to geothermal,
hydro and other energy alternatives. This program is pending approval at the
California Chancellor's Office.
"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." (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 Renewables Inc. of Tehachapi,
California, the first privately held company to develop a comprehensive wind
technician training program. Airstreams Renewables Inc. wrote the curriculum
being used by Cerro Coso (and other community colleges) for the Wind
Technology Boot Camp. "We are committed to creating a strong
educational foundation for the renewable energy industry and are excited to
be partnering with Cerro Coso to work towards that goal. Our educational
programs are designed to transfer our knowledge gained from years of
experience in the wind and renewable energy industry to our students through
a safety-focused and skill-based program", shares ARI's President/CFO Dave
Schulgen. 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. " (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