Advanced certificate in renewable energy technology launching May 2012
By Contributor
Selkirk College is addressing the increased demand for new renewable energy technical and design skills, with their new Advanced Certificate In Renewable Energy Technology launching in May 2012 at the Castlegar Campus.
This intensive six-week program will build on an individual’s existing education and experience, to provide a solid foundation in renewable energy technology system design and planning.
“Careers in renewable energy technology require a varied skillset” states School Chair Derek Marcoux.
“Our program will cover a wide variety of renewable energy technologies and energy conservation strategies, for working professionals and individuals desiring to enter the sector.”
The newly developed program is focused on renewable energy technologies such as small hydro, wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ground source energy, and biomass energy.
Students will take introductory level courses in renewable energy system design, electricity, heat transfer theory, as well as energy conservation and management, along with a speaker series and field trips.
Students will benefit from the hands-on experience of retrofitting a small scale prefabricated building as part of the learning as well.
According to Marcoux, “We have secured capital funding from Fortis BC and possibly other sources, to purchase energy conservation measurement tools and software, solar photovoltaic supplies and various other supplies to create a real applied learning experience.”
Pre-entrance requirements for the program include at least two years of post-secondary program training or university transfer education.
Why renewable energy?
Many commercial businesses and institutions are transitioning to renewable energy technology, increasing the demand for renewable energy expertise in the job market.
In 2011, the Pembina Institute stated that green jobs related to the renewable energy sector created more jobs per unit of energy when compared to the fossil fuel sector.
This can be seen locally just at Selkirk College alone, as there are several examples of renewable energy systems, such as the geothermal and solar hot water systems, that have been operating for years.
Further, a recent seven million dollar upgrade to the Tenth Street Residences incorporated renewable energy technology systems in order to achieve LEED platinum standards for building design and efficiency.
For more information about the upcoming intake for the Advanced Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, please contact School Chair, Derek Marcoux at dmarcoux@selkirk.ca.
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