WIND TURBINE PROGRAM APPROVED FOR IOWA LAKES

A new Wind Turbine program – the first in the state of Iowa – has been approved by the Iowa Department of Education for Iowa Lakes Community College.

The program has been under study by the college in the past few months as it became apparent that there’s a big need for trained technicians to build and maintain huge windmill farms sprouting up across Iowa and the Midwest.

“We’re developing curriculum for the program now,” said Dr. Mike Hupfer, President of Iowa Lakes Community College.  “And, we’re exploring the prospects of wind turbines on our Estherville and Emmetsburg campuses.”

“We’re in the midst of talking with General Electric since they manufacture many of the wind turbines on the west coast.” 

The college has also talked with a firm from the Netherlands.

The program is receiving praise from Tom Wind, of Wind Utility Consulting in Jefferson.

“I am very pleased that Iowa Lakes is going to start providing this program,” said Wind.  “There is a strong and growing need for skilled technicians that can install, maintain and service modern wind turbines.”

“These jobs are highly skilled and are an important element in Iowa’s goal to become more energy self sufficient, and in developing well-paying jobs for Iowans which will supplement our agricultural base,” he added.  “I applaud Iowa Lakes’ vision in starting up this program.”  

Since the program is unique, the college expects to advertise in a wide area for an experienced instructor for the class.

“We’re in the process of putting together a recruitment strategy for a licensed instructor,” said Hupfer. 

The Wind Turbine coursework will lead to a two-year Associate in Science degree program.  The first classes will be taught in the fall of 2004.  Currently, starting salaries for new technicians are in excess of $14 per hour.