Funding Awarded: $85,935

INDUSTRY PARTNER:

Easy Energy Systems Inc

Key Partners:

Martin County West Public Schools, South Central Workforce Council

Project Summary:

In the Welcome area, a manufacturer of modular ethanol production systems is providing internships and training for local students interested in employment in the renewable energy industry. Students experiment with different base sources for ethanol production, assist in module manufacturing, research global applications, develop marketing plans and materials, along with other business exposure.

Project Outcomes:

• 12 interns hired/completed internships

Project Description:

Easy Energy Systems, manufacturer of modular ethanol production systems located in Welcome, teamed up with Martin County West public schools (including Sherburn, Dunnell, Trimont and Welcome) to expose current and recently-graduated students to potential careers near their hometowns.

"We had the best and the brightest as interns here. We had valedictorians, salutatorians, the top of the class," said Jayden Grupe, Operations Manager at Easy Energy Systems. "They did everything from metal fabrication & welding to sales calls with real potential clients to research on ethanol feedstocks & different countries' ethanol mandates for future sales."

Students are becoming acclimated to real world work environment, and are working with state of the art technology. Several of them were also able to meet with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chu when he was in the area.

"I got involved in renewable energy first from being a farmer," said Easy Energy intern and now-employee Nick Janssen. "Then, looking for jobs post-college as a mechanical engineer, this seemed to be a great fit - go make something that can help me in both ways." And, he got to stay in his hometown of Sherburn.

This program was also an economic development boost for the area. "We were able to hire 12 kids in high quality jobs last summer and many of them are coming back this summer. We offered positions outside of agriculture and were able to show them opportunities that we'll have available as our company grows," said Grupe.