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Kansas Department of Commerce awards $155,000 to CCCC to expand Wind Energy Technology programFunding to help CCCC train technicians, position Kansas as wind energy leader Kansas The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $155,000 to Cloud County Community College to help the institution expand its Wind Energy Technology program and increase Kansas' capacity for wind energy production, officials announced May 21. The funding will help CCCC acquire new staff and equipment for its Associate of Applied Science degree program in Wind Energy Technology, the only such program in Kansas and one of just five nationwide. The grant will be used to purchase software and technology and help develop distance education classes. These classes will be available to train traditional students and technicians working in the wind industry. The award comes from the Workforce Solutions Fund and is a response to the state's immediate need for technicians in the wind energy industry. With five existing wind projects, one project in the construction phase and more than a dozen proposed projects, Kansas will need nearly 625 new technicians in the next few years as projects reach full operating capacity. Nationwide, more than 800 technicians will be needed to service the turbines installed in 2008 alone. "The demand for wind energy is there, and Kansas wind energy producers need more technicians to meet that demand," said Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson, who serves as Co-Chair of the Kansas Energy Council. "This Workforce Solutions Fund award is a direct response to that need. By partnering with Cloud County Community College, we're ensuring a steady supply of wind technicians, and we're positioning Kansas to be a leader in wind energy production for years to come." Manhattan Area Technical College and wind energy company Horizon Wind Energy will partner with CCCC on the project, lending a combination of financial and technical support. "This award from the Kansas Department of Commerce is instrumental in helping us grow our program and establish valuable partnerships that will benefit higher education in the state and the wind industry," said CCCC President Dr. Richard Underbakke. CCCC's wind energy technology program includes a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree that qualifies individuals to work on and repair various aspects of wind turbines and advance their careers in the wind industry. The college has campuses in Concordia, the location of the wind program; Junction City (the Geary County campus) and Solomon (Dickinson County campus) and online, along with outreach classes in 35 communities in 12 counties. The Workforce Solutions Fund allows Commerce to help workforce training institutions respond to the needs of Kansas businesses. Funds are invested into projects that enhance postsecondary institutions' training services or facilities for the benefit of all Kansas companies. The Workforce Solutions Fund has funded various workforce projects since its inception in 2004, most recently at Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College and Hutchinson Community College. Project details: Over the course of the grant, CCCC will: --Hire an additional Wind Energy Technology instructor and staff the project with personnel to market, recruit, coordinate and deliver training and education for emergent, incumbent and customized needs; --Purchase simulation software to help establish foundational information and platform for online/distance coursework; --Develop and deliver Wind Energy Technology courses via on-campus and online instruction; --Install computers, simulators and instructional equipment for start of classes; --Train 60 to 100 students annually during the next five years. 6/2/08 Date: 5/29/08 Advertisement
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