This content was published: August 15, 2008. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Training workers for the 'green' revolution in business and industry
Photos and story by Dana Haynes
So did you read Eric Mortenson’s great article in today’s Oregonian (Friday, Aug. 15, Page E1) about hot jobs in green energy?
Guess what: If the voters OK our bond measure, PCC will be able to train even more workers for the fields of solar energy, wind energy and more.
Mortenson’s article mentions the Renewable Energy Technology Program run by our cousins at Columbia Gorge Community College (“cousins” because that college is chartered through Portland Community College). Columbia Gorge has placed upwards of 50 graduates into jobs in wind energy.
The story goes on to talk about PCC teaming up with SolarWorld for a “train the trainer” program, allowing the solar energy giant to move its operations to Oregon.
That’s the kind of jobs that Oregonians need to get geared up for. Experts are anticipating a significant increase in “green” industries and a significant shortage of trained workers.
Passage of the bond measure this November will let us train even more folks for those jobs.
Send your feedback to dana.haynes@pcc.edu. And thanks in advance.
About Dana Haynes
Dana Haynes, joined PCC in 2007 as the manager of the Office of Public Affairs, directing the college's media and government relations. Haynes spent the previous 20 years as a reporter, columnist and editor for Oregon newspapers, including ... more »