tagged w/ Ecotech Institute
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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it has formed a relationship with Colorado-based Veterans Green Jobs, whose mission is to engage, transition and connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. About 15 percent of Ecotech’s current student population is made up of military veterans.
Together, Ecotech and Veterans Green Jobs will focus on encouraging and enhancing opportunities for military veterans by promoting career opportunities in the green jobs sector, both in Colorado and nationally.
“Our military population has already been through so much and we want to make sure we’re providing the support they need to excel in school and go on to have productive careers,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Veterans Green Jobs has a similar focus, believing that the right jobs can make all the difference in helping our military veterans enjoy a successful life after service.”
As part of its commitment to military students, Ecotech recently hosted a seminar on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), taught by the Denver Department of Veterans Affairs. Ecotech administration, program directors and instructors attended the session to better understand what many student veterans are going through. According to “Help my PTSD,” one in every five military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has PTSD and in the past year the number of diagnosed cases in the military has jumped 50 percent.
At Ecotech, 67 students are either military veterans or currently serving in the military. Of those, three will graduate on June 21, 2012. One of those students is Monica Soto, who will graduate in June with a degree in Wind Energy Technology. Monica spent more than eight years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic, but after 9/11 she left the Navy to be closer to her son and build a career where she could raise him in one place. After trying some other career paths, she found Ecotech when seeking an opportunity that would capitalize on her training and previous associate’s degree, and also build a bridge between her time in the military and her life as a civilian.
“As a single mom and 100 percent disabled vet, I didn’t know where to find my place in the civilian community and Ecotech met my needs in a variety of ways,” said Soto. “I knew my purpose in the Navy and felt lost after I left; I now feel a purpose again. I’m excited about putting my skills to work to better my own family and our environment.”
Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative cleantech employers.
Learn more about Ecotech Institute, or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in late June and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on renewable energy and... more
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Historically men have dominated green jobs, yet a new report is trying to shift the tides. The report recently released by the Department of Labor, “Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman's Guide to a Sustainable Career,” highlights the fact that green jobs tend to be dominated by men, yet opportunities abound for women as well. It has been noticed as well by Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability. In fact, the school held its first “Women in Renewable Energy” (WIRE) meeting on February 16 to bring together women at the campus to share ideas, help each other with classwork and empower one another as they embark on a green career.
Ecotech is seeing increasingly more women interested in the green revolution and it is a trend the Labor Department wants to see continue. The Labor Department states that according to The National Center for O*NET Development, several green occupations are “Bright Outlook” occupations, meaning they are expected to grow rapidly from 2008 – 2018, with a combined increase of 100,000 or more job openings. Some jobs designated as “Bright Outlook” are wind turbine service technicians, solar photovoltaic installers and recycling coordinators.
The impetus for the report was in support of Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis’s vision of “Good Jobs for Everyone.” The downloadable green jobs guide is designed to help women learn about the opportunities available in the renewable energy space, which they may not have previously considered. According to the report synopsis, “The guide was created to help women at all stages of their careers — whether they are newly entering the workforce, transitioning to new careers, or returning to the workforce — identify and take advantage of opportunities in the clean energy economy.”
“We are focused on making Ecotech a welcoming environment for women because we know they have a lot to offer in current and emerging green careers,” said Susan Pawlak, Ecotech’s Director of Career Services. “Our Women in Renewable Energy Club is just one way that Ecotech encourages women to make a mark in wind, solar, renewable energy and other industries alongside their male colleagues.”
The club held elections on February 23 and the new leaders are tasked with growing the club’s membership and educating more women about careers in sustainability. Tiffany Burton, an Electrical Engineering Technology instructor, is the academic advisor; Suzanne Colton, Senior Recruiter for NextEra Energy Resources is the industry advisor; and Susan Pawlak, Ecotech’s Director of Career Services, is a general advisor.
Ecotech’s curriculum is built to address both job-specific technical training and soft skills (e.g. communication, work ethic and teamwork), which employers demand, through comprehensive coursework and state-of-the-art labs. The Labor Department report parallels Ecotech’s vision for job training and is chock-full of applicable information that defines what a green career really is, explains why there is a growing need for trained professionals, and outlines what training is necessary.
“We have dynamic, driven women in both leadership and student roles at Ecotech and they send an important message of encouragement that females have a promising future in renewable careers,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.
To read the full “Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman's Guide to a Sustainable Career” report click here: http://www.dol.gov/wb/Green_Jobs_Guide/GreenJobs%20Ch%201.pdf.
Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.Historically men have dominated green jobs, yet a new report is trying to shift the... more
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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, announced today that its January quarter kicked off with 100 new students, the largest start to date. With total current enrollment at 473 students, Ecotech witnessed a student population increase of almost 400 percent in just one year.
Ecotech Institute started classes in a temporary facility in June 2010 as it completed an overhaul of an existing vacant building. In January 2011, Ecotech’s 119 students began attending school in its LEED gold-certified campus in Aurora, Colorado. Since then, the facility’s offerings, faculty and student enrollment have continually experienced growth and improvement.
This June, the first graduating class of 39 students is expected to receive their degrees and in December 2012, another 50 students are expected to graduate. Of these students, the most popular degrees include Wind Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.
“We knew we had something special when Ecotech opened its doors, and it’s inspiring to see increasingly more students come from across the country to pursue a degree that can truly make a difference in the world,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “With our first group of graduates in June, we can’t wait to see where they go and to hear their stories of success. This is definitely going to be a big year for us.”
Today, 90 percent of Ecotech’s students are men and 77 percent of the students are from Colorado. However, every day more and more students are moving from other states to pursue a degree at Ecotech, with students from 37 states and Puerto Rico currently represented. The top states from which Ecotech students have relocated include California, New Jersey, Wyoming, Illinois and Texas.
With the growth in students comes a growth in faculty as well. When Ecotech first opened, the school had one program director and two instructors. Ecotech now has three program directors and 24 instructors who teach in 11 hands-on learning labs. Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach gives students a chance to learn first-hand about the technology they will use in the field of their future career. At Ecotech, students also learn soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics and technology skills.
Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.
To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing... more
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By Mike Seifert, president, Ecotech Institute
Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainability curriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.
In 2011, cleantech venture investment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.
As the president of Ecotech Institute, it’s my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability’s growing role in the world.
This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.
Here are some predictions of note:
1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, “Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument.”
He states, “The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings.”
“But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution.”
My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.
2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energy in the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.
My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.
3. According to predictions from www.EnvironmentalLeader.com, solar innovation will serve as a perennial driver.
“Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion.”
My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.
4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, “Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion.”
My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.
5. In “10 solar trends to watch for in 2012,” Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy’s impact on the grid. The article states that, “The increase in solar energy generation has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably.”
“Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery.”
My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.
The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.By Mike Seifert, president, Ecotech Institute
Where will green technology take us... more
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Ecotech Institute recently announced that it has assembled a who’s who of diverse industry leaders to serve as its Local Board of Advisors. Ecotech already boasts a phenomenal National Board of Advisors that continue to be instrumental in shaping curriculum that matches what employers want.
The local board will interface with Ecotech in a variety of ways, such as speaking to students and providing job training input. In addition, the members will help students as they look for jobs and provide informational interviews so students can learn more about the green landscape from people currently working in the space.
“Ecotech is proud to be affiliated with such an impressive group of individuals and their support is invaluable to our students and staff,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We focus on preparing students for life-long careers from the moment they enroll, and our partnerships with approachable, informed leaders is a critical element to that initiative.”
Ecotech’s Local Board of Advisors includes:
• Jennifer Beach, Owner-Manager, Starfire Energy LLC
• Tim Cahalin, Senior Recruitment Consultant/Senior Account Executive/Editor, Energy Central
• Scott Charter, Managing Partner, GGP Energy
• Paul Czarnecki, Member, Colorado Association of Manufacturing and Technology
• Maury Dobbie, Assistant Director, Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy
• Greg Foster, Operations Engineer, Williams Production RMT
• Jeff Hanko, President, Metal Finishing Systems and Advanced Industrial Technology
• Roark Lanning, Turbine Engineering Manager, RES Americas
• Vance Nixon, Manager, Technical Resources, Clipper Windpower, LLC
• Justin Pentelute, CEO, Syndicated Solar, Inc.
• Matt Pevarnik, Account Executive, Alstom Power
• Marietta Silva, Corporate Partnership Manager, Veterans Green Jobs
“It is critical that students have access to industry professionals during their training and Ecotech includes this element as part of their practical education,” said Jennifer Beach, Owner and Manager of Starfire Energy LLC. “I look forward to providing guidance to help ensure that students graduate with a skill set that business owners will be seeking.”
To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 1-877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in January 2012 and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Multiple sources have named Ecotech a military friendly school, including Military Times Edge, which named Ecotech Institute one of the best schools for veterans: http://militarytimesedge.com/projects/best-for-veterans/best-colleges-for-veterans/2011/2-year/.Ecotech Institute recently announced that it has assembled a who’s who of... more
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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced a growing suite of services focused on student life and success. With students coming from all walks of life across the country, Ecotech’s administration is committed to extending assistance beyond the classroom. Ecotech’s Student Services department, Career Services department and mentorship program all serve as examples of the school’s focus on fostering an engaging, well rounded experience.
As part of that initiative, Ecotech recently named Kim Stromire as Manager of Student Services. Kim and her team help students in all aspects of settling in, from the enrollment and orientation process to relocation plans for out-of-state students. Under her direction, Ecotech provides students with local and community resources, including housing information, part-time job opportunities and more. In addition, Student Services implements student activities and clubs; supervises the Military Strategy Committee and the Political Action Committee; provides campus communication tools; and offers tutoring assistance and advisement.
Under the Student Services umbrella, Ecotech also offers a unique mentorship program for students. The program, MORE (Mentoring Others Results in Excellence), is open to all first-term Ecotech students to help them acclimate into a new school – and, for many, a new city. Since more experienced students have expertise and knowledge about Ecotech, course material and the Denver Metro area, students are matched up to get the “inside scoop.”
During students’ tenure at Ecotech, they will also become acquainted with Susan Pawlak, who Ecotech recently named as its Director of Career Services. Susan is committed to matching students with renewable energy careers that fit their skills and personal assets. She is well connected with sustainable companies nationally and locally and ensures that Ecotech students are in front of hiring managers in their respective fields.
“A school is just a building without its students. We are focused on producing graduates who are fulfilled from an educational experience that meet all of their needs,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We have built a team that truly cares about every person in our diverse student body.”
To help with relocation, Ecotech has also created a relocation guide that details information about Aurora and the Denver Metro area. That guide can be found at http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/ecotech-location.cfm.
Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing... more
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Ecotech Institute today announced that it is bolstering the wind energy training and safety labs, offering students access to cutting-edge equipment that prepares them for careers in the wind industry. According to the Department of Energy, wind power is the fastest growing energy source in the world. By using the newest equipment at Ecotech, students will have the most up-to-date training that employers want.
“Ecotech’s Wind Energy Technology Program is arguably the best in the world and our labs are a critical piece of the student experience,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “The ever-growing area of wind energy requires tremendous knowledge and a commitment to learn proper, safe techniques, which this equipment will help provide.”
Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach includes hands-on labs, soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics, technology and more. However, the labs serve as the showcase of the campus and Ecotech has purchased state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that students have the renewable energy training that will help them excel in their careers.
The labs, which will be complete in time for the first graduating class to enjoy, use a wide variety of real-life elements for complete training.
The Wind Training Lab now contains a generator trainer, fiber optic splicing kit, specialty tools, a Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Nacelle Trainer, Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Hub Trainer, and several wind farm simulation software packages.
The Wind Safety Lab now includes a 25-foot climb and rescue tower, Miller Evolution Harnesses and Lanyards, Rescue Randy dummy, Miller Safe Escape Rescue Device, Lab-Volt cranes and a rigging trainer. Ecotech will also soon have a TorcUP torque and tensioning trainer.
“The integrated systems approach offered by LabVolt’s Wind Turbine Training Simulators provide a very realistic view of the functionality and programming of a large, commercial wind turbine,” added Shawn Lamb, program director at Ecotech Institute. “These are leading-edge technologies that effectively prepare students and get them excited about going into the field.”
Ecotech Institute’s Wind Energy Technology program is a two-year associate’s degree program focused on the generation and transmission of energy using wind power. Designed with employer input, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as wind energy technicians.
This program might be right for people who:
• love working outdoors.
• want to help develop cleaner, more sustainable energy.
• are interested in working on mechanical devices.
• enjoy math and science.
• like working with power tools to assemble, repair or install.
Learn more about Ecotech’s Wind Energy program at www.ecotechinstitute.com/wind-energy-technology-schools.cfm.
Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.Ecotech Institute today announced that it is bolstering the wind energy training and... more
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Ecotech now has seven computer labs, nine clean energy labs and 11 lecture classrooms, including labs that focus on electricity, electronics, solar, wind and safety, as well as one outdoor solar residence lab. All labs offer progressive equipment to facilitate practical learning of basic and advanced electronics, the fundamentals and applications of wind and solar power generation and safety skills. Electricity, electronics, power, solar and hydraulics labs contain Lab-Volt® systems.Ecotech now has seven computer labs, nine clean energy labs and 11 lecture classrooms,... more
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Everyone is talking about “green jobs.” While many people are eager to become employed in the sustainability sector, there are naysayers who don’t believe that they actually exist. This article provides examples of changing industries outside of the traditional cleantech sector.Everyone is talking about “green jobs.” While many people are eager to... more
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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for alternative energy careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, today announced growing demand for its Electrical Engineering Technology Program. As research continues to underscore the importance of an overhauled power sector, related job skills will be critical and Ecotech’s program is in the forefront for career training.
Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Denver, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical renewal energy degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills that are valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.
According to The 21st Century Electric Utility: Positioning for a Low-Carbon Future, a Ceres Report authored by Navigant Consulting, “The successful 21st century electric utility company will be very different from the utility of the 20th century. To remain competitive, today’s utility must respond to the risks and opportunities from climate change, carbon costs, volatile fuel prices, emerging clean technologies, expanding energy efficiency programs, increasing customer expectations and competing third party energy providers. Responding to these challenges will require new core competencies and revised business models for U.S. utilities.”
“Ecotech’s Electrical Engineering Technology Program is in high demand for its ability to prepare graduates for careers that require highly technical knowledge in the new energy economy,” says Alison Wise, Director of Career Services at Ecotech Institute. “For example, as the aging grid moves toward Smart Grid technologies, our students will have the knowledge base to sustain lifelong careers in this changing industry.”
This program prepares students for alternative energy careers while focused on the fundamentals of electrical engineering. Ecotech’s state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities allow students the opportunity to apply theory and graduates will be well prepared to become electrical engineering technicians.
The Electrical Engineering Technology Associate degree requires 96 credit hours of education. Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
• Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge to design, build, repair, calibrate, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery;
• Perform diagnostic electrical analysis;
• Meet industry standards within the electrical engineering field;
• Apply safety principles; and
• Coordinate a successful job search.
To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/. Applications are being accepted now and financial assistance is available.Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing... more
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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, today announced that students are now taking classes in its brand new facility. Located at 1400 South Abilene Street in Aurora, the school has transformed a vacant, large-footprint building into a progressive campus focused on educating future leaders in the ever-growing green landscape. Ecotech Institute launched its first round of classes in July 2010 in a temporary facility and the third quarter commenced last week in the new facility with almost 200 students enrolled.
The building is home to 30 classrooms, 12 state-of-the-art computer and science labs (e.g. electrical, wiring, solar, wind safety, controls, environmental science), studios, student and faculty lounges, a library, and a variety of other amenities.
In addition, the building incorporates energy and resource savings throughout. Some of the sustainable design components of the new campus include:
• Twelve polycrystalline rooftop photovoltaic solar panels with a system capacity of 2.8 kilowatts.
• Integral thin solar technologies embedded into the glass of the front building canopy. This system has a capacity of 9.4 kilowatts.
• Eight small wind turbines mounted on the roof to generate up to 4.8 kilowatts of electricity.
• A Vertical Axis wind turbine that can generate a total capacity of 4 kilowatts.
• Two solar trees, each providing 16.9 kilowatts of electricity, that will generate over 50,000 kilowatt-hours per year of electricity.
• Energy efficient lighting that will reduce energy consumption by 30 percent below standard lighting energy levels.
• Water sense, low-flow fixtures in lavatories.
• Motion sensors and a programmed schedule to limit lighting in unoccupied rooms.
“Beginning courses in our new building marks a tremendous milestone in our evolving growth,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “This campus embraces what we are most passionate about: access to exceptional education and commitment to the environment.”
“Green jobs are in demand in Colorado and around the country and we are pleased to provide top-notch, hands-on education that will deliver graduates to companies that are leading the cleantech sector,” Seifert added.
According to the Colorado Cleantech Action Plan, “Cleantech is growing in Colorado and creating thousands of jobs.” Citing the Pew Center’s report, The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investments Across America (http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedfiles/clean_economy_report_web.pdf), “Between 1999 and 2009, Colorado’s cleantech industry grew at an annualized rate of 18 percent, more than twice the rate of the Colorado economy as a whole (8 percent).”
Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills that are highly valued by today’s renewable energy employers. The programs include:
• Electrical Engineering Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Energy and Environmental Paralegal, Associate of Applied Science
• Energy Efficiency, Associate of Applied Science
• Environmental Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Sustainable Interior Design, Certificate Program
• Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. Applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing... more
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