Geothermal education: new programs being started in the U.S.
Alexander Richter
22 Şub 2010
As concerns increase in the geothermal energy sector in the U.S., that it might face a shortage in qualified staff for geothermal development, educational programs are in demand and schools start offering some geothermal programs.
In two separate news articles, geothermal educational projects are being described. Both programs hope to educate its students to find jobs in the growing geothermal industry in the U.S. As concerns increase in the geothermal energy sector in the U.S., that it might face a shortage in qualified staff for geothermal development, it is constantly raised that there needs to be done more for education of future employees of the sector. So these two news pieces are definitely interesting and maybe encourage more schools to follow.
The Western Nevada College Fallon created a entry level geothermal class sponsored by Churchill County Social Services Strategic Training Employment Program. “Geothermal is a huge resource in Nevada and especially here in the Fallon area,” said Employment Specialist Michal Hewitt of CCSS.
Hewitt said the geothermal industry is expected to grow in Nevada over the next five to 10 years. Hewitt said geothermal companies have to pay for travel and board for employees brought in from out of the area.
“It’s quite pricey for them to have non-locals working for them,” Hewitt said. “We would like to see that money go to local employees. We’re trying to keep the money in Churchill.”
Larry South, owner of American Well Control and Safety LLC in Bakersfield, Calif., taught the three-week class, along with Monte Morrison, vice president at Magma Energy Corp., who instructed a one-day class on power plant operations.
“They put together a very valuable program to get people started in that business,” Morrison said. (more on the program in this article of Lahontan Valley News)
The other article mentions “a geothermal course at Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin. While the current Classes for the two-year, associate degree for geothermal technician and one-year diploma for geothermal installer technician center on geoexchange drilling techniques and equipment”, there is more planned. This program could then allow students to transfer into the geoscience program and then prepare for hydrogeology jobs. (see news article in Kenosha News)
