Nebraska Energy Office - Careers in Energy

CAREERS IN ENERGY

Renewable Energy Career Opportuinties In Nebraska

Nebraska’s Community Colleges now offer programs in renewable energy technologies — wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and biofuels. With American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 grants from the Nebraska Energy Office six community college systems have added coursework and training equipment to prepare students for careers in renewable energy fields. Teams of instructors from the colleges have developed courses using national competency standards, and continue to expand the course offerings. Instructors have received training from organizations such as the American Wind Energy Association, National Hydropower Association, Geothermal Energy Association, Solar Energy Institute, and others who offer the most advanced thinking in renewable energy.

Energy Generation - Milford

Southeast Community College, Milford – Energy Generation Operations Program: A comprehensive program of study that provides training in multiple energy systems: Renewable wind and biofuels specializations and traditional fossil fuel and nuclear programs. Students learn skills for power plant operators, ethanol production operators, wind farm technicians and operators, as well as operators of other types of energy production facilities. Programs are certified by the Wind Energy Association and the Nuclear Energy Institute. Program is designed with five quarters of for several types of energy operations. In the sixth quarter, specific types of fuel operations prepare students for careers in the type of energy generating plant of their choosing. Degree: Associates of Applied Science in Energy Generation Operations. Their website is www.southeast.edu

Southeast Community College (SCC) is offering Energy Generation classes at their Milford Campus.

Introduction to Energy Generation and Distribution ENER 1100
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	John Pierce
Introduction to the history of electric and fluid power in the U.S. including deregulation. Investor-owned and public utilities are discussed. Methods of commercial power generation including fossil fuels, nuclear power and renewable energy generation. Includes overview of electrical transmission and distribution systems. System reliability and governance are covered.

Operator Safety ENER 1110
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Samuelson
Basic operator-based safety topics including: OSHA 10-hour, Personal Protective Equipment, ladders, body harnesses, confined space, lockout/tagout, MSDS, forklift driving, fire extinguishers, and rigging. Students will perform a supervised climb with fall-arrest-protection to above 20 feet.

Electrical Power Theory ENER 1210
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Madcharo
This course introduces the student to the electrical power produced at an electrical generating station. Includes three-phase generation and transmission, power factor and correction. DC transmission, rectification, inverter systems, and grid transfer.

Data Collection (SCADA) ENER 1230
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Madcharo
This course introduces the student to the process of data collection as it applies to energy generation systems. SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) is used as the primary model of data collection.

Instrumentation and Control Systems ENER 1255
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Samuelson
Utilizing PLC’s (Programmable Logic Controllers), this course will cover the essential elements of a process control system. It will cover common types of electrical and pneumatic signals used for data collection while exploring devices used to measure flow rates, pressures, temperatures, levels and analytic control. This course will compare fundamental control concepts such as on/off and PID. It will explain how control concepts are used in the various control loops of feedback, cascade, ratio and feed-forward.

Boiler Systems ENER 2105
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Martin
An introductory course covering boiler operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair. Emphasis throughout is on the vital interrelationship of operation, maintenance, inspection, controls and safety devices.

Advanced Operator Safety ENER 2115
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Samuelson
Follow-up course to ENER1110, Operator Safety. This course provides OSHA basic safety training as well as CPR and First Aid practices that are desirable for any energy generating facility operator.

Steam Turbines ENER 2120
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Ewing
This is an introduction to the basic operation and maintenance of steam turbines. Practical system block diagrams are presented for steam turbine systems as used in biofuels and electricity-generating plants. System flow diagrams, block-level troubleshooting techniques are covered.

Biology for Biofuels ENER 2125
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	Sigle
Introduces students to structure, classification, and ecology of microorganisms, especially as it relates to a Biofuels processing plant.

Atomic Structures ENER 2135
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 4 - March 15, 2012	600 State St. Milford, NE 68405	(not assigned)
This course discusses the basis of all matter. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals required to understand the atom and its components: the electron, neutron and proton. We will discuss how atoms are held together in both a stable and unstable condition resulting in various isotopes of the elements. Additional topics include atomic structure, chart of the nuclides, nuclear reactions, mass to energy conversion, industrial and science applications of nuclear processes, radioactive decay, half-life determination, and radioactive interaction with matter.

Southeast Community College, Milford Energy Generation Registration

For more information on the these courses click here.

To register, call (402) 437-2605. Returning students can register online using the WebAdvisor.

Energy Production - North Platte
Mid-Plains Community College, North Platte – Energy Production: Diesel, electrical, HVAC and welding programs. Energy producers in Nebraska are looking for employees with knowledge in mechanical skills, electrical skills, electronics, hydraulics, welding, motor control, machining skills, computer skills, print and plan readers, programmable controllers instrumentation and process control; Associate Degree of Applied Science in Hydro Electrical Mechanical Technology. Their website is www.mpcc.edu

Safety ELTR 1005
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Direct Current, Theory ELTR 1115
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Alternating Current, Theory ELTR 1130
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Applied Math ELTR 1150
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Electric Motor Controls ELTR 1235
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Construction Wiring ELTR 1265
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Industrial Control ELTR 1530
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Electronics for Electricians ELTR 1545
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Instrumentation & Process Control ELTR 2200
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Fluid Power Systems ELTR 1700
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

All Position Arc Welding ELTR 1210
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Plate, Pipe & Pressure Vessel Welding ELTR 1510
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Heavy Equipment Operator ELTR 1600
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 16 - May 11, 2012	1101 Halligan Drive North Platte, NE 69101	Kent Beel
No course description

Mid-Plains Community College Hydro Electrical Mechanical Technology Registration

For more information you may call Kent Beel at 308-535-3651. You may apply online here.

Mechatronics (wind and solar)- Hastings, Grand Island, Columbus

Central Community College, Hastings – Mechatronics Program: Fundamentals necessary to install, maintain, and repair the latest equipment in varied manufacturing and industrial facilities. In Fall 2012, the Renewable Energy option will prepare students for entry level positions in wind and solar energy installation, operation, and maintenance; Two-year Associate of Applied Technology degree. Their website is www.cccneb.edu

The Mechatronics Program is offered at the following Central Community College campuses:

Hastings - 550 S. Technical Blvd., Hastings, NE 68902

Grand Island - 3134 West Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68802

Columbus - 4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE 68602

Concepts of Electronics I INDT 1100
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Part one of a survey course covering the electronics field.

Concepts of Electronics II INDT 1120
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
The second course in the study of electronics principles. The student will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of alternating current, oscilloscope training and practice, inductive and capacitive effects in series and parallel resonance circuits.

Fluid Power Fundamentals INDT 1170
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long, Wert
A study of fundamental principles of fluid power systems. The student will become familiar with various system components and their function in circuits.

Fluid Power Systems INDT 1190
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Provides an understanding of fluid power systems technology. This is a continuation of INDT 1170 to provide a broader understanding of fluid power.

Fundamentals of Mechanical Systems INDT 1180
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Covers the maintenance and installation of mechanical equipment for persons with no prior training or experience.

Introduction to Programmable Controls INDT 1200
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Fundamental concepts of programmable controls; hardware identification and application; circuit design and utilization of diagrams; system testing and construction.

Control Systems INDT 1220
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
A variety of control circuits and electrical systems presented in both theory and practical laboratory applications.

Applications of Fluid Power INDT 2140
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Covers hydraulics systems applications, maintenance, and repair.

Capstone Processes INDT 2170
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Covers the construction, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Problem identification design of production process, selection of product or component parts for manufacture; develop manufacturing and inspection procedures; cost estimation, equipment selection, and product implementation.

Advanced Programmable Controls INDT 2200
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Advanced concepts of programmable controls; hardware identification and application, circuit design, interfacing communications, and utilization of diagrams, system testing and construction.

Advanced Control Systems INDT 2220
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
Covers a variety of advanced control circuits and electrical systems presented in both theory and practical laboratory applications.

Applications of Industrial Sensors INDT 2140
Class Dates	Location	Instructors
January 9 - May 3, 2012	Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus	McCartney, Cox, Arndt, Long and Wert
An advanced course designed to inform students of the theory and applications of many sensing devices commonly used in industrial automated or instrumentation environments. Students will learn the function as all as the application of common types of discrete operating proximity sensors including optical, inductive, capacitive and ultrasonic sensing devices. Students will also learn the function and application of their analog counterparts used for precise distance and displacement measurements. Applications for force and air pressure sensing devices are covered as well.

Central Community College Mechatronics Registration

For more information on any of the these courses and their availability, click here to search online.

To register you may call 402-463-9811. You may apply online here.

Solar - Omaha

Metropolitan Community College, Omaha – Solar Energy Program: Part of the Sustainability Initiative, which includes weatherization, green living, urban farming and related courses. There are three types of active solar: electric, air, and water. Each type of active solar has one theory class, one overview class and three installation classes. Students will have the opportunity to use best practices on the latest equipment and applications. Additional classes: general renewables (wind, hydro, solar), passive solar and solar site selection. There are no pre-requisites. Six types of specialist Certificates. Their website is www.mccneb.edu

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is offering Solar Training classes at their South Omaha Campus.

Solar Electric Install 2 - Grid Tie SNRG 1232
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 13 - 14, 2012	South 27th Street & Q Street Omaha, NE 68107	Michael Shonka
This course is one of three that provide installation training for SNRG 1220 Solar Electric Systems Design. This course focuses on inverter placement, wiring, and utility disconnect requirements. Safety topics include proper circuit breaker and conductor sizing, placement of disconnects, grounding, and inverter wiring.

Solar Electric Install 3 - Off Grid SNRG 1233
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
February 3- 4, 2012	South 27th Street & Q Street Omaha, NE 68107	Michael Shonka
This course is one of three that provide installation training for SNRG 1220 Solar Electric Systems Design. This course focuses on off-grid design considerations including battery placement, DC wiring, and AC connections. Safety topics include proper circuit breaker and conductor sizing, placement of disconnects, grounding, and inverter wiring.

Solar Hydronic Systems Design SNRG 1265
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
March 8- May 23, 2012	South 27th Street & Q Street Omaha, NE 68107	Michael Shonka
This course provides a working knowledge of solar hot water systems. Topics include collector design and placement, principles of heat transfer and fluid movement, various applications of closed loop, drainback and storage designs, pump selection, controller function, and electrical safety. The class meets the needs of residential and light commercial applications.

Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Solar Training Registration

For more information on any of the these courses and their availability, click here, select Sustainable Energy Technology from the Subject drop down menu and click "Search for Classes". Remember that you can only search for classes being held in the current quarter.

To register, call (402) 457-5231. Returning students can register online using WebAdvisor.

Metropolitan Community College is a qualified training provider as outlined by the reEnergize program.

Weatherization - Omaha

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is proud to offer Weatherization Training classes at their new Weatherization Training Facility.

Weatherization Installer I (Fundamentals) - SNRG 1120
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 23 - 27, 2012	Weatherization Training Center, 5626 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha	Douglas Sea
This course presents theory, methods, and techniques for installation of weatherization materials. The focus is on blower doors, combustion safety, building science, safety, and hand/power tools. It also includes the basics of mobile home and multi-family weatherization.

Weatherization Installer II (Intermediate) - SNRG 1121
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
February 20 - 24, 2012	Weatherization Training Center, 5626 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha	Douglas Sea
This course presents theory, methods, and techniques for installation of weatherization materials. It focuses on demonstration and hands-on application of weather-stripping (air sealing), insulation, mechanical ventilation, caulking, and door and window installation. It features more difficult weatherization procedures such as basements and crawl spaces.

Weatherization Crew Chief - SNRG 1126
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 31 - February 2, 2012	Weatherization Training Center, 5626 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha	Douglas Sea
This course takes new and experienced weatherization crew chiefs through several modules designed to introduce and expand upon basic safety, proficiency, and productivity skills essential for effective crew management. The following are discussed in detail: the role of crew chief; communication and leadership skills; organizational skills, including the tracking/maintenance of equipment and the tracking/warehousing of materials; and technical expertise, including building/safety codes, quality control, safe work practices, and general weatherization competencies. (New course, added 6/2011 after print catalog publication)

Home Energy Auditing - SNRG 1130
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 - 13, 2012	Weatherization Training Center, 5626 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha	Douglas Sea
February 6 - 10, 2012	Weatherization Training Center, 5626 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha	Douglas Sea
This course takes new and experienced weatherization crew chiefs through several modules designed to introduce and expand upon basic safety, proficiency, and productivity skills essential for effective crew management. The following are discussed in detail: the role of crew chief; communication and leadership skills; organizational skills, including the tracking/maintenance of equipment and the tracking/warehousing of materials; and technical expertise, including building/safety codes, quality control, safe work practices, and general weatherization competencies. (New course, added 6/2011 after print catalog publication)

Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Weatherization Training Registration

To register, call (402) 457-2400. Returning students can register online using WebAdvisor.

Located at 5626 Sorensen Parkway in Northern Omaha, MCC's Weatherization Training Facility is the Midwest's premier training location for home energy training and skill development. All training is provided in compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program.

Metropolitan Community College is a qualified training provider as outlined by the reEnergize program. Both Weatherization Installer Fundamentals and Weatherization Installer Intermediate classes must be taken to receive full Weatherization Installer Training.

Wind - Norfolk

Northeast Community College, Norfolk – Wind Energy Program: Students learn rigging and climbing safety in and around a wind turbine, wind energy fundamentals, blueprint reading, control systems and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems and wind turbine siting. Degree: Wind Energy Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Wind Energy Technology. Their website is www.northeast.edu

The wind energy program will provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to work in positions in the wind energy field. Students will acquire knowledge and skills through concentrated classroom and hands-on learning. Upon completion of the program, graduates are placed into positions as wind energy technicians.

Wind Energy Fundamentals - ELTR 1080
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Introduction to how wind works, its reliability, and its economic, environmental and political issues. Introduces the various applications and the basic principles of wind energy systems. The course will cover the past and the future of the wind industry.

Basic Electricity -ELTR 1010
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Fundamental electrical theory including electrical components and their effects on AC and DC circuits. Covers electrical measurement with emphasis on circuit analysis using Ohm's law, circuit testing equipment, and the use of each instrument.

Wind Turbine Systems -ELTR 1090
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
This course will cover the interconnection issues, system interaction and protection, technical challenges, safety issues, and metering associated with renewable resource generation. The course will provide knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of electrical power systems. This course will also cover construction operation and control of wind systems, their management and planning, operation and control, systems management and correction.

Blue Print Reading -ELTR 1255
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Study of electrical and structural blueprints used in the wind industry. Course includes creating a materials list and cost estimates for constructing wind turbines. Students will also learn how to use a CAD program to blueprint electrical and electromechanical devices used in the operation of wind turbines.

Applied Mathmatics I -ELTR 1020
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Begins development of math skills for success in specific vocational and technical fields with major emphasis on problem solving through numerical methods using a scientific calculator and graphing. The major topics include numeration and operations, measurement, number representation, and formulas. Designed for students in building construction, drafting, electrician, industrial maintenance, utility line, and welding or machinist.

Mechanical Systems for Wind Energy -ELTR 1155
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
This course is an introduction to the form and function of mechanical systems. The emphasis for this course will be on power transmission, lubrication, safety procedures, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment and systems.

Fluid Fundamentals -ELTR 2050
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
The study of fluid characteristics, the operations of valves, pumps and cylinders, and the basic steps in hydraulic troubleshooting.

Electrical and Operations Safety for Wind Energy -ELTR 1058
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Basic study of the electrical safety guidelines for the wind industry.

Motor Control -ELTR 1230
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Practical source on various circuits commonly used to control electrical motors, including practice in troubleshooting and wiring control circuits in a laboratory situation.

Applied Mathmatics II -ELTR 1060
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 9 -May 12, 2012	801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469	Kory Hildebrand
Continuation of MATH 1020 developing skills in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry for success in specific vocational and technical fields. Numerical methods presented in MATH 1020 are supplemented by geometric methods. Use of a scientific calculator still plays a prominent role in the course. The topics to be covered include algebraic operations and properties, equations and formulas, graphing, geometry and constructions, and trigonometry.

Northeast Community College, Norfolk Wind Diploma Registration

For more information on any of the these courses and their availability, click here and apply by choosing an option that best applies to you.

Wind - Sidney
Western Nebraska Community College, Sidney – Wind Turbine Technician Program: A one-semester Skill Award focused on entry-level training: basic maintenance, physical ability, safety and electricity fundamentals. Long-term plans include a 36-Credit Certificate and industry specific training/retraining. Their website is www.wncc.edu

Wind Energy Technician - C2.1505
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 11 -May 11, 2012	371 College Drive, Sidney, NE 69162	Jason Stratman & Larry Cooper
The curriculum will address training in the areas of introduction to wind power, basic electricity, industry tools, tower climbing, rescue, windplant systems, hydraulic systems, safety, drive train, high voltage, electrical systems, diagnostics and test equipment, supervisory control and data acquisition, and troubleshooting.

Wind Energy Technician -PSA.1505
Class Dates	Location	Instructor
January 11 -May 11, 2012	371 College Drive, Sidney, NE 69162	Jason Stratman & Larry Cooper
This Professional Skill Award is designed to provide students with the entry-level technical skills to operate, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The curriculum will address training in the areas of basic wind power, basic electricity, industry tools, tower climbing, and safety.

To register you may call Bambi Sell Admissions Counselor bambi@wncc.edu at 308-635-6043

Western Community College, Sidney Wind Program Registration

For more information on any of the these courses and their availability, click here and apply by choosing an option that best applies to you.

Financial Assistance

The Nebraska State Energy Sector Partnership syNErgy Project

syNErgy is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership grant and is coordinated through the Nebraska Department of Labor. The goal of syNErgy is to place skilled workers in unsubsidized employment in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency fields by preserving and creating new jobs in power generation, transportation, building, agriculture and waste management markets while reducing the environmental footprint of these energy intensive industries.

Officials at Northeast Community College recently learned that the Nebraska Department of Labor’s syNErgy Program grant funds for students interested in green careers have been increased from $2,000 to $6,000 per student. The grant awards will be available for tuition, fees, books, and required materials for those studying renewable fuels (ethanol), wind energy, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, industrial technology, building construction, and welding at Nebraska colleges. Participants must complete their studies by December 2012. For more information, contact Shanelle Grudzinski at (402)844-7692, email shanelle@northeast.edu or contact Theresa Kratochvil, Nebraska Department of Labor at (402)564-3124, email Theresa.kratochvil@nebraska.gov.

Check with your local community college financial assistance office for information on syNErgy grants.

U.S. Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) Nebraska Grant -- $4,839,511
In June 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the availability of approximately $190 million in grant funds to State Workforce Investment Boards of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. The Nebraska Department of Labor recieved $4,839,511.

The creation of the Nebraska State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) will align the Governor’s Workforce Vision with an educated workforce skilled in renewable energy production, bio-fuels, and energy efficient building industries. The overall purpose of the SESP is to support and grow Nebraska’s ‘green’ economy resulting in jobs for our citizens.