NEW ENERGY EDUCATION

College expands energy courses
Sheri McWhirter, January 18, 2009 (Traverse City Record-Eagle)

“Steven Miller wants a new career. He intends to find one in renewable energy…[He] is enrolled in a new Northwestern Michigan College [NMC] class called Principles of Renewable Energy Technology, an eight-week evening course…Students will learn about technologies from solar and wind power to geothermal and biomass energies, plus their potential uses in businesses and homes.

“It's among more than a dozen courses or workshops on renewable energies the college will offer in coming months.

“Mike Schmerl owns Panoramic Electric in Traverse City, an electrical contractor specializing in solar and wind technology installation…taught electrical classes for the community college…chose to enroll in a solar course…later transformed his business into a renewable energy outfit…[and] teaches NMC's introductory and advanced solar classes as a local expert and adjunct instructor."

Illustration by Erika Schneider in Fast Company (click to enlarge)

“The field lacks trained workers to meet a growing demand…

“Conrad Heins, an NMC professor…will teach students about various renewable energies, including solar thermal, photovoltaics, biomass, hydropower, wind energy, geothermal and tides and waves.

“NMC worked the last five years to build a renewable energy program in unison with the building construction program…It took laboratories, equipment, technicians and instructors…More students are enrolling in the noncredit courses that initially had trouble filling seats. Now college officials look to expand offerings and also begin tracking their students in the work force…”