News Release

IWV Campus

Wind Technology Boot Camp

March 17, 2009

Airstreams logoCerro 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