Energy Careers Section
Energy Sector Job Training
Energy Career Training In Nebraska
Nebraska’s Community Colleges now offer programs in advanced energy technologies— wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and biofuels. With American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 grants from the Nebraska Energy Office, four community college systems have added coursework and training equipment to prepare students for careers in renewable energy fields.
Teams of instructors from the colleges have developed courses using national competency standards and continue to expand the course offerings. Instructors have received training from organizations such as the American Wind Energy Association, National Hydropower Association, Geothermal Energy Association, Solar Energy Institute, and others who offer the most advanced thinking in renewable energy.
Energy Generation Operations — Milford
Southeast Community College, Milford — Energy Generation Operations Program: A comprehensive program of study that provides training in multiple energy systems: Renewable wind and biofuels specializations and traditional fossil fuel and nuclear programs. Students learn skills for power plant operators, ethanol production operators, wind farm technicians and operators, as well as operators of other types of energy production facilities. Programs are certified by the Wind Energy Association and the Nuclear Energy Institute. Program is designed with five quarters of for several types of energy operations. In the sixth quarter, specific types of fuel operations prepare students for careers in the type of energy generating plant of their choosing.
Degree: Associates of Applied Science in Energy Generation Operations.
Their website is www.southeast.edu.
Southeast Community College (SCC) is offering Energy Generation classes at their Milford Campus.
To register, call 402-437-2605 or visit the college admissions webpage.
Mechatronics (wind and solar) — Hastings, Grand Island, Columbus
Central Community College – Mechatronics Program: Fundamentals necessary to install, maintain, and repair the latest equipment in varied manufacturing and industrial facilities. In Fall 2012, the Renewable Energy option will prepare students for entry level positions in wind and solar energy installation, operation, and maintenance; Two-year Associate of Applied Technology degree. Their website is www.cccneb.edu
The Mechatronics Program is offered at the following Central Community College campuses:
- Hastings - 550 S. Technical Blvd., Hastings, NE 68902
- Grand Island - 3134 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68802
- Columbus - 4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE 68602
To register call toll-free in Nebraska 1-877-222-0780 or visit the college admissions webpage.
Wind — Norfolk
Northeast Community College, Norfolk — Wind Energy Program: Students learn rigging and climbing safety in and around a wind turbine, wind energy fundamentals, blueprint reading, control systems and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems and wind turbine siting. Degree: Wind Energy Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy Technology. Their website is www.northeast.edu.
The wind energy program will provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to work in positions in the wind energy field. Students will acquire knowledge and skills through concentrated classroom and hands-on learning. Upon completion of the program, graduates are placed into positions as wind energy technicians.
To register call 402-844-7260 or visit the college admissions webpage.