Partnership Provides Path to Jobs in Wind Energy

Friday, March 06, 2009

Oregon’s growing wind energy industry needs hundreds of technicians over the next few years to service and manage the mighty turbines that harness the wind to create electricity. A new partnership between Clackamas, Linn Benton and Columbia Gorge community colleges opens the way for people to prepare for work in this high-demand industry.

Over the past couple of years, Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) in The Dalles has developed a curriculum to meet the needs of the emerging wind energy industry. Nearly 60 technicians have completed the program and are at work in jobs that pay wages ranging from $18 to $36 an hour. More technicians are needed to meet the industry demand. Wind power companies in the Columbia Gorge will need 500 to 600 more technicians in the next four years.

Through the partnership between the three community colleges, students can begin the Renewable Energy Technology Program in their local region and finish at CGCC. Students complete much of the first year of the two-year degree requirement at CCC before transferring to CGCC to finish the program.

To find out more, please call CCC at 503-657-6958, ext. 2062.