May 27, 2009

WVU Parkersburg receives $220,000 grant to develop "green jobs" technical career ladder.

CONTACT:   Dave Thompson, chair of Technology Division, 304-424-8251.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is the recipient of a $220,000 grant to develop a "green jobs" career ladder of energy technology and sustainability programs.

The award is funded by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System as part of its technical program development initiative. 

The grant is designed to address the increasing need for technicians in energy technology-related fields.

The Energy Assessment and Management Technology program will involve a career ladder of related certificate, associate and baccalaureate degrees, noted Dr. Rhonda Richards, executive dean of academic affairs.  Planning will begin in the fall with program offerings anticipated in spring 2010.

"We will design the program to provide training for current and potential employees in the areas of renewable and alternative energy technologies, energy conservation and efficiency auditing through credit and non-credit opportunities," she said.

Students will learn the application of basic physics principles and analysis techniques to measure energy efficiency in buildings with the goal of evaluating and recommending energy solutions.

"As energy efficiency, environmental preservation and sustainability require greater attention, an expanding number of technicians will be required for installing, modifying, assessing and maintaining various energy systems in residential and commercial structures," said Dave Thompson, chair of the college's Technology Division.

"Energy system examples include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration, lighting, power distribution, insulation and weatherproofing.  These solutions yield greater energy efficiency and energy cost savings," he noted.

Graduates will be prepared for employment as facility managers, energy auditors, energy program coordinators or control system specialists for such diverse employers as engineering firms, public and private utilities, energy equipment companies, education and research facilities, and departments of energy.

The program will be developed to serve as a model for the state's other community and technical colleges, including a  faculty development resource center in the areas of renewable and alternative energy, energy conservation and efficiency and environmental science.

In addition to the energy grant, WVU Parkersburg is also involved in a National Science Foundation MentorLinks grant to develop an energy program with the assistance of a mentor.   Roger Ebbage of Lane Community College and the Northwest Energy Education Institute of Eugene, OR, is working with WVU Parkersburg as a mentor for its energy program.  Ebbage has been successful in creating energy and conservation programs worldwide.

cd05/27/09