While the Center for Energy Education is in final stages of construction, the partnership agreement will help solidify the Center’s mission in renewable energy education with Halifax Community College as a major education partner.
The Center for Energy Education was founded by the solar development company Geenex. HCC has been a strong supporter of Geenex and partner in the efforts of the Center for Energy Education since its inception.
Ervin Griffin Sr., president and CEO of HCC, welcomed Geenex and its CEO Georg Veit and pledged support for workforce training for solar farm construction and operation, spearheading the development of a special curriculum in renewable energy technologies.
The collaboration has resulted in some unique opportunities, including internships for students of solar PV courses to specialized training for linemen in operation and maintenance of utility-grade solar for Roanoke Electric Cooperative.
“We are very proud and appreciative of the relationship the Center and Geenex have with the community college,” Veit said. “The solar industry continues to grow in North Carolina bringing jobs, investment and new companies to Halifax and the surrounding communities. Geenex plans to build additional solar projects in the area, and continue to develop ways to involve the community in our efforts.
“Through education everyone can participate in this industry, as jobs range from installation to operations to accountants specializing in solar. Our collective goal is to create a well-trained, highly qualified, and diversified solar energy workforce of to meet the projected needs of the region.”
The agreement outlines how the entities will work together in training and education and in the pursuit of grant opportunities to enhance renewable energy education. Halifax Community College has a representative on the Center’s board of directors, and the college president will serve the board in an ex-officio capacity.”
“We are very excited about the partnership between HCC and the Center for Energy Education,” Griffin said. “The fact that we are signing this collaborative agreement today only solidifies our work with the Center for Energy Education in the area of renewable energy education and workforce development training.”
Griffin said HCC’s faculty and workforce development staff have embraced the collaboration in a number of tangible ways. “Our faculty have developed new certifications in the renewable energy education arena as well as two new courses — photovoltaic system technology and advanced photovoltaic system design. These courses are now part of our industrial systems technology program.”
Said Griffin: “Our workforce and economic development division also has collaborated with the Center for Energy Education to provide two classes for Roanoke Electric. The courses Introduction to Solar PV and Operations and Maintenance provided much needed training for the Roanoke Electric employees in the area of renewable energy education.
“ I am excited about the many opportunities our collaboration will provide for the citizens of the Roanoke Valley. I believe that the best is yet to come for renewable education and training in Halifax and Northampton counties.”