MDC announces funding for Midland College Wind Energy Workforce Training Program
July 31st, 2009 by LIVE Midland : Posted in UncategorizedPRESS RELEASE
Contact: Mike Hatley
Vice President of Economic Development
432.686.3564
MDC ANNOUNCES FUNDING
FOR MIDLAND COLLEGE WIND ENERGY WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM
Midland, Texas- To assist in the promotion and development of new or expanded business enterprises in the City of Midland, the Midland Development Corporation “MDC” approved funding to Midland College for the design, implementation and operation of a primary job training facility and program for the training of workers for the wind energy industry. “Doug, Henson states: “Energy-Related Industries are one of the MDC’s targeted industries and a trained workforce for the renewable energy sector is vital to sustain and attract this industry to the Permian Basin and Midland.”
At their regularly scheduled meeting on July 31, 2009, the MDC approved funding in the amount of $20,000 to Midland College. Midland College will offer a course for the training of workers for the wind energy industry on a quarterly basis. The course will be offered for no less than eight times during the period of September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011.
Renewable Energy Industries continue to grow in West Texas and the Permian Basin and the MDC and Midland College recognize the need for quality training for individuals seeking jobs in the renewable energy field. Midland College already has an energy program that has a wind energy component that starts this year with concurrent classes at the high school level. Several wind energy companies have expressed the need for workers in a shorter time frame than waiting for the students to complete a 2 year certification process. This prompted Midland College to develop curriculum for a two week boot camp training to assist in supplying needed workforce to the wind energy industry.
The MDC and Midland College are also working together with Workforce Solutions Permian Basin to determine if there are available resources through the Workforce Investment Act to assist potential students with the tuition costs.
The MDC actions must now be approved by the Midland City Council before any incentives can be provided.
For more information, please contact Mike Hatley, 686.3564.
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