Submitted by qbullock on
Alternative Energy Technology Program
Executive Summary
Alternative forms of energy are becoming significant contributors to our national energy supply. It is expected that the number of jobs will increase dramatically in the coming years. A recent article in Business Week reported that "the current tally of 8.5 million U.S. jobs in renewable-energy and energy-efficiency industries could grow to as many as 40 million by 2030". Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc(EMSI) data show a five percent growth in positions through 2019 in the Capital District (Schenectady, Saratoga, Albany and Rensselaer counties).
General Electric has located its Global Renewable Energy Headquarters in Schenectady at its main energy campus located adjacent to Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). The Schenectady facility is home to a remote operations center where technicians monitor all of the thousands of wind turbines that GE has installed throughout North American. This project represents a $45 million investment by GE that will create new jobs in the Capital Region. Students completing the Alternative Energy Technology program can look forward to steady, high paying jobs in these growth industries, throughout the Capital Region.
To respond to the emerging workforce need, SCCC developed an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program in Alternative Energy Technology. A minimum of 60 credits is required to complete the A.A.S. degree. The mission of the Alternative Energy Technology program is to provide students with both a theoretical and hands-on foundation in the core principles of the design, operation, and maintenance required to work in the production and technical areas of renewable energies. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as qualified technicians in the emerging energy fields of solar and wind technology or battery and fuel cell energy.
Additionally, SCCC developed a Storage Battery Technology certificate program. The mission of the Storage Battery Technology Certificate program is to provide students with both a theoretical and hands-on foundation in the core principles of design, operation, and maintenance required to work in the production and technical areas of storage battery energy. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as qualified technicians in the emerging energy field of storage battery technology.
The Alternative Energy Technology and Battery Storage Technology programs were prepared in consultation with GE Renewable Energy. Both programs demonstrate the critical role SCCC plays in New York State economic recovery.
