STCC Receives $150,000 Grant for Photovoltaic Practitioner Training Program
Taking another step in a statewide push to promote growth in the sustainable energy, or ‘green’ technology sector, the Mass. Technology Collaborative (MTC) has awarded a $150,000 grant to Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) for development of a photovoltaic (PV) practitioner training program in Western Massachusetts.
Photovoltaic, or solar panel, installations are becoming an increasingly popular strategic initiative for businesses and institutions looking to control and reduce energy costs, said Thomas Goodrow, Vice President for Economic and Business Development at STCC, and the grant will advance efforts to foster job growth and economic development opportunities in this sector.
Elaborating, Goodrow said the focus of the two-year grant is to provide training and practical experience in PV design and installation for licensed electricians, individuals involved in a journeyman electrician-training program, architects, engineers, and general contractors. The project plan includes developing coursework in PV design and system installation, and seeking ISPQ (Institute for Sustainable Power Quality) accreditation for training and continuing education.
The program is slated to begin this fall, with a 3- to 4-month certificate course of study that will provide students with hands-on experience in a field that is expected to offer significant growth opportunities. People completing the program will be prepared to sit for the industry certification exam.
“Gov. Deval Patrick, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and area economic development leaders have all touted sustainable energy as an important potential growth sector for Springfield, this region, the state, and the nation as a whole,” said STCC President Ira Rubenzahl. “This grant from the Mass. Technology Collaborative will help the college and the region take another step forward in the effort to create green-related jobs that will diversify and thus strengthen the area’s economy for the long term.”
A photovoltaic installation has been erected on the roof of the Technology Park at STCC, and another, much larger installation is planned for a building on the college campus, said Rubenzahl. “These facilities will help us curb energy costs, but they will also be instruments of learning for those looking to pursue job opportunities in this field.”
The PV Practitioner Training program will be conducted by STCC’s Center for Business and Technology (CBT), in partnership with the George W. Gould Construction Institute (GCI), the Solar Energy Business Assoc. of New England (SEBANE), a business association of solar energy companies based or doing business in New England, the STCC Assistance Corporation, and renewable energy companies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Grant funds will be used, said Goodrow, to support curriculum development efforts that are already underway, to purchase equipment and materials that will allow students opportunities for hands-on experience, to gain national accreditation for the program, and to establish internship opportunities for students at solar energy companies based in New England.
The project team consists of STCC Assistant Vice President Mary Breeding who directs CBT; Peter Vangel, Professor and Co-Chairperson of the Laser Electro-Optics Department at STCC who will serve as curriculum developer; as well as Michael Kocsmiersky, Vice President for Research and Development at SolarWrights Inc.; and Bill Stillinger, General Manager of Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics Cooperative (PV Squared), PV practitioners with many years of teaching, training, and installation experience in the field.
Individuals who are interested in applying for the program should contact CBT at (413) 755-4502 or 755-4225.