Letter to the Editor by Taylor Schneider
The Grand Island Independent
In 2019, Central Community College-Hastings officially started its Energy Technology (ETEC) program. The program is unique by offering certificates in wind and solar energy technology and classes in battery storage technology. Over the next five years, clean energy is expected to grow by 56% while general industry will only grow by approximately 5%. Continue reading here.
Taylor Schneider is an Energy Technology Instructor at CCC-Hastings.
Previously Posted: CCC introduces unique renewable energy program, Hastings Tribune
WIND & SOLAR EDUCATION & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Central Community College at Hastings
Programs
- Associate of Applied Science
Energy Technology AAS Degree - Diploma
Energy Technology Diploma - Certificate
Solar Power Certificate
Wind Power Certificate
Northeast Community College in Norfolk
- Wind Energy Degrees And Programs
- Recommended Reading: Wind Energy Program Featured In Renewable Energy Discussion
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
How much do Biden’s clean-energy jobs pay, and which U.S. states have the most?, MarketWatch
At the start of 2020, clean energy employment could still count about 3.3 million workers nationwide. By comparison, Energy Department data shows that a fewer 1.12 million people had jobs in the traditional fuels sector in 2018, its latest year for complete data, and that number was expected to have risen 3% in 2019, although the site didn’t have final numbers.
“Pipe fitters, welders, steel workers are needed on solar farms, so are sheet-metal workers and construction workers. Many of those positions are entry-level and go up from there as skills help workers differentiate. In fact, there’s often a shortage of skilled clean energy workers,” said Bob Keefe, executive director of E2. “Education is going to be key. We need community colleges to ramp up; we need guidance counselors nudging kids in this direction.”
MORE ABOUT E2 – ENVIRONMENTAL ENTREPRENEURS
- E2.Org
- E2’s Interactive Map: Clean Jobs Midwest
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
U.S. Bureau of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook
UPCOMING EVENT
First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hastings is hosting an online Lenten Justice Speaker Series on Climate. The public is invited.
On March 14, starting at 12:30 pm: Taylor Schneider, an instructor at Central Community College-Hastings, will discuss the college’s wind and solar energy programs. The guest preacher for morning worship will be Dan Deffenbaugh, associate dean of instruction-academic education at CCC-Hastings and author of the 2007 book, Learning the Language of the Fields: Tilling and Keeping as Christian Vocation.
- Everyone interested in the series may participate through Zoom or the church’s Facebook page.
- To participate by Zoom, email pastor@fcucchastings.org
- See a list of all the virtual presentations and discussions.