incentives from federal, state and local governments are expected to create more growth. “Our program is very broad,” said instructor Tom Barnes. “It covers what I consider the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Tom Barnes side, the solar thermal and geothermal energy, and the electrical side, with wind and solar.” JCC’s alternative energy degree will be a good fit for those interested in careers in these new fields, which are still in development, as well as current electricians or HVAC technicians looking to expand their knowledge and skill base. Some courses overlap with JCC’s current programs in electricity (electrician) and automotive. Barnes said the program has a strong electrical and electronic component, because every type of alternative energy has electricity associated with it. Courses and labs within the program provide students an opportunity to learn theory and skills required to design, install, operate and maintain alternative energy systems for both residential and small commercial applications. Specific topics include energy efficiency, photovoltaic (solar) systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, solar thermal systems, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. It is
important for students interested in this field to be college-ready, with satisfactory English and math skills. The program does involve a lot of technical reading with terminology and vocabulary pertinent to the field. Mathematics and beginning algebra skills are also important. Typical job opportunities may be found with firms that produce parts, components, products, and/ or services, including installation and distribution of alternative energy systems. There are opportunities with local upstart companies involved with alternative energy, wind and solar being the biggest. Michael Finch recently became one of the first graduates to complete his associate degree in alternative energy. “I started at the college in electronic technology, Michael Finch then noticed that they had brought in that program and thought it sounded interesting, so I switched,” Finch said. “It’s all gone well. I especially liked learning about solar power, how simple it is to generate power from the sun.”
their own energy for their homes, to supplement or reduce what they have to buy. That is similar to what JCC is doing now, after installing and wiring a 10-kilowatt wind turbine at the Jackson central campus. The turbine is used for instructional purposes to teach students about wind energy, and it is generating a small amount of power for the campus.
Students may benefit personally by learning ways to create some of
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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