(Sewell, NJ) - On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) celebrated the inaugural graduation of 11 students from its newly launched Wind Power Ready program. The Wind Power Ready program was launched to equip participants with essential skills for careers as wind turbine technicians, a role that has emerged as the fastest growing job in America. The ceremony took place on the Rowan College of South Jersey's Gloucester Campus.
The program received substantial backing from Leading Light Wind, an American-led offshore wind project developed by lead developer Invenergy and co-developer energyRe, with a $250,000 contribution. Additionally, American Clean Power donated $220,000 towards the initiative. This combined support provided Wind Power Ready graduates with practical expertise and theoretical understanding to navigate the dynamic landscape of wind technology. Wind Power Ready is part of a suite of programs RCSJ is developing in wind technology supported by an $819,000 grant awarded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The other programs include development of a Wind Turbine Technician academic certificate and an Associate's of Applied Science degree in Wind Turbine Technology.
Leading Light Wind, American Clean Power, and the NJEDA join Center for Family Services and Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc., as integral partners in generating workforce training opportunities in wind technology at RCSJ.
“At Leading Light Wind, we recognize that building an inclusive next-generation workforce is critical to the success of the domestic offshore wind industry and growing the clean energy economy," said Jeff Lee Romero, Leading Light Wind's Director of Economic Development. “We are proud to work alongside Rowan College of South Jersey and the Wind Power Ready program partners to ensure New Jersey students have access to high quality training and job opportunities in the clean energy sector."
“The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is proud to support RCSJ's development of wind technician programs that provide students with the necessary skills to thrive in the offshore wind industry," said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy's leadership, New Jersey is harnessing the tremendous potential of offshore wind, which will create thousands of good-paying, family sustaining union jobs. Through critical investments in workforce development, New Jersey is forging the way to become a national leader in offshore wind, creating a greener, healthier, and safer environment for generations to come."
RCSJ's Career and Technical Education Division began the Wind Power Ready program in March 2024, offering a comprehensive 21-week, full-time program that delves into various facets of wind energy. It encompasses essential courses such as Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training and Basic Technical Training, under the guidance of Maersk Training, OSHA 10-Hour Training, and NFPA 70E Electrical Safety.
"Through the Wind Power Ready program, RCSJ's Career and Technical Education division is paving the way for students to thrive in the burgeoning field of wind energy. By offering a comprehensive curriculum encompassing crucial industry standards and safety protocols, we ensure that our graduates are skilled to drive innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector," said Dr. Frederick Keating, President of RCSJ.
Students received a stipend for each training hour and gained hands-on experience during field trips to Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc.'s wind farms located in Aurora, Maine, and Lowville, New York, where they had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience on wind turbines over 200 feet in the air. These visits provided a firsthand glimpse into the intricate processes involved in maintaining and servicing the turbines, ensuring they continue to harness the power of wind to supply energy to thousands of homes and businesses.
“As America continues to expand its energy landscape, the wind technician role has become one of the fastest growing jobs in the country and it's critical that we develop the next generation of technicians to meet the clean energy demands. Programs such as Wind Power Ready will play a significant role in meeting this demand and we're proud to partner alongside Rowan College to provide valuable learning paths, hands-on involvement, and real-world experience for these graduates," said Vanessa Benedetti, Senior Director, Operations Training & Workforce Development, Vestas North America.
As part of the partnership, Vestas has conducted interviews with all graduates and has hired students for employment at their wind farms nationwide.
Graduates from the Wind Power Ready program at RCSJ also earn 15 credits that count towards the Wind Turbine Technician academic certificate. This 33-credit certificate equips students with comprehensive knowledge of wind turbine operation, covering design, installation, repair, and maintenance principles. Alternatively, students can apply these credits towards a Technical Studies degree.
The Center for Family Services worked with students in the Wind Power Ready program to provide comprehensive employment readiness support, including soft skills training, conflict resolution, financial planning, effective communication, teamwork dynamics, and digital literacy, among others, to prepare students for the workforce.
The program operates across two locations, with classroom instruction held at Rowan College of South Jersey's Career & Technical Education facility in Sewell, NJ and hands-on training conducted at Atlantic Cape Community College in Atlantic City, NJ.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. is projected to witness a 45% growth of the employment of wind turbine technicians from 2022 to 2032. This estimation highlights the dynamic nature of the renewable energy sector and its significant role in job creation and economic growth.
For media inquiries or further information about the partnership, please contact:
Shannon O'Brien, Manager, Communications & Engagement, Rowan College of South Jersey (856) 384-6964 [email protected]
About Rowan College of South Jersey
Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is a comprehensive community college that provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds. With campuses in Cumberland and Gloucester Counties, RCSJ offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs designed to meet the needs of the local community.
About Leading Light Wind
Leading Light Wind is an American-led offshore wind project that can deliver 2,400 MW of clean, locally sourced energy to New Jersey – enough to power more than one million Garden State homes. Located over 40 miles off the New Jersey coast, Leading Light Wind is positioned to spur $3.7 billion in economic development benefits, create thousands of local union jobs, and empower local communities and partners across the state through an $150 million community benefits program. Leading Light Wind, one of the largest offshore wind projects in the U.S., is being developed by two American companies: lead developer Invenergy and co-developer energyRe–partners with a proven track record of responsible development. Learn more at leadinglightwind.com.
