CLC offering more education in 'green' industries

College of Lake County has created new courses for students interested in getting into "green" industries.

Trustees recently approved new courses as a response to the trend in sustainability and emerging alternative energy technologies. Pending state approval, the new classes will be added Aug. 15.

CLC plans to have a 25-credit-hour program for an alternative energy technologies certificate. Graduates would be expected to be prepared for entry-level jobs such as installation or maintenance of wind, solar or geothermal energy systems.

Fred Scheu, department chair for electrical engineering and technology, said the alternative energy course would be suitable for someone looking to switch careers or for those involved in building maintenance. It also would be good for someone employed at a company seeking to incorporate alternative energy.

"I think anybody working in the trades right now ... they will add to what they already know," Scheu.

At some point, said Scheu, the plan is for CLC to offer a two-year associate degree specifically in wind, geothermal and solar energy.

Scheu said there is a need on the maintenance end for alternative energy technologies. He said he recently attended a conference where he heard from an Oklahoma energy company executive who related a need for help in wind turbine maintenance.

It would take about a year for a full-time student to earn the 25-credit-hour alternative energy technologies certificate. Scheu said it would be about double the time for a part-time pupil.

CLC's other green offering would be a 16-credit-hour program to earn a certificate in sustainable design and construction. The course would be meant as a post-associate or post-bachelor's degree credential.

An industry professional would have a chance to become more knowledgeable in sustainable and green design and construction. The course would go over requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

CLC officials said the field of sustainable design and construction is a quickly growing segment in civil technology, construction management, horticulture, architecture and heating and air conditioning.