Funding Awarded: $202,500

INDUSTRY PARTNERS:

Alliant Energy, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services

Key Partners:

Workforce Development, Inc, Albert Lea High School, Riverland Community College, Southern MN Initiative Foundation

Project Description:

In four counties in southeastern Minnesota, Energy Academies are being developed by Alliant Energy and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services partnering with Riverland College and Workforce Development, Inc. These academies will expose potential workers to the renewable energy field. This partnership will also enhance the renewable energy curriculum for high school students and offer renewable energy internships.

Project Outcomes:

  • 22 people trained through the Energy Academies

  • 24 people enrolled in Wind Technician program at Riverland College

  • 11 MNREM scholarships awarded to Wind Technician students

  • 2 internships

  • Career Pathways in Renewable Energy booklet developed, produced, and distributed

  • Curriculum developed for high school unit on renewable energy

Background:

The idea for Energy Academies came from Workforce Development, Inc.'s successful training designed for the healthcare and manufacturing industries. They found that giving people information about the expectations, culture, and basic skills required for success in these industries helped make it easier for people to find employment. Industry partners such as Alliant Energy and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services helped Workforce Development, Inc. to develop the curriculum that will help train potential workers and technicians in the field. The elements of the course include basic math, computer skills, and job-seeking tools. "We took the basic ideas and adapted them to the energy industry to better prepare people for Green Jobs," said John Knippen, Workforce Development, Inc., Renewable Energy Coordinator. Another aspect of the project involved collaborating to encourage students to move on from the Energy Academy to the Wind Technician program at Riverland College. Eleven scholarships were funded from the grant. In addition, a renewable energy curriculum was designed to be offered for high school student training as well. Two students were also placed in internships with local employers. One intern has been hired on again for full-time summer employment at the local Poet Biorefinery plant. "They liked Eric so well, that at the end of the summer when he was on his way back to school, they gave him a $1,000 scholarship for his education," said Becky Thofson, Industrial Sectors Projects Manager for Workforce Development, Inc.

As part of this project, the partners have developed a Renewable Energy Pathways to Success Career Booklet . This is excellent information for anyone considering a career in renewable energy, or who wants to find out more about the possibilities.