Winds of Change: Offshore Wind Power and Centura College
Written by Ashleen Brydum
Last week President Biden released the details of an ambitious plan to increase offshore wind production drastically over the next ten years. Most of these commitments are to take place off the East Coast of the United States. Centura College is uniquely situated to provide the essential training for the skilled workers that will be in high demand as production increases. With the only certified wind turbine technician program in the state of Virginia, Centura College teaches the skills needed to become part of this booming industry.
President Biden’s plan announced, “new leasing, funding, and goals that employ President Biden’s whole-of-government approach, position America to lead a clean energy revolution, and create thousands of jobs across the country with the choice to join a union”. The White House brief mentioned programs that are already slated in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and up to ten additional projects that are to be announced later this year. With Dominion Energy already building the Nation’s first Jones Act compliant wind turbine installation vessel, Virginia is situated to be at the forefront of the move to offshore wind power.
Along with the production of many gigawatts of clean energy, the increase in offshore wind power will bring with it plenty of jobs. The Washington Post reports that, “unlike other renewable-energy sectors, offshore wind represents one of the most labor-friendly opportunities for U.S. workers because these projects require regular operations and maintenance support.” Centura College’s Wind Turbine Technician program provides students with the technical skills to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. The program provides the opportunity to complete Maritime based certification(s), the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introduction to Power Industry and Wind Turbine Maintenance level I certification(s), and CPR/Basic Life Support.
Offshore wind represents the fastest-growing sector in renewable power. Pair that with the Biden administration fast-tracking approval for offshore wind projects on the East Coast, and you have the formula for a career in high demand. The winds of change are turning, and the time is now to start situating yourself to be ahead of them.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
