Representatives from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College recently visited the Beech Ridge Wind Turbine project, built and operated by Invenergy Corp., in Greenbrier County, WV, in preparation for the wind turbine technician program that will begin at DSLCC in the fall. From left: Steve Nicholson, DSLCC adjunct instructor; Earl Dodrill, DSLCC Workforce Coordinator; Erik Duncan, Development Manager for Invenergy; Dr. Michael Scott, DSLCC Vice President for Instruction and Student Services; Chris Meehan, Technical Manager for Invenergy; DSLCC President Dr. Richard Teaff; and Remy Luerssen, Mapping and Education Specialist with the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium at James Madison University.

DSLCC Receives DOL $500,000 Grant for Wind Turbine Technician Program   U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Jim Webb announced that Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has received $500,000 as part of an economic stimulus package to fund a new program to train workers for wind turbine technician jobs in the region’s emerging “green” technology manufacturing and renewable energy industries. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor, will provide new workforce training opportunities for residents of the area. “The …Energy Partnership is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration we need to help jump-start our economy and create next-generation jobs in the clean energy field,” said Senator Warner. “This investment in training workers for new green energy represents an exciting opportunity for the entire region.” “One of the largest barriers to economic growth in many communities is the shortage of a skilled workforce, and I am pleased the Shenandoah Valley (region) will benefit from this investment,” said Senator Webb. “Proper job training and workforce development will create jobs and enable Virginia to take advantage of the growing technology and renewable energy economies.” “We were thrilled to receive notification of this award”, commented Dr. Richard Teaff, President of DSLCC. “The grant was one of only 55 awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor for projects to enhance job training programs and employment services. DSLCC will use the funding to jumpstart a program to train Wind Turbine Service Technicians. Graduates can expect good opportunities for employment and become a part of the nation’s focus on green jobs. We are ready to begin the first classes in August and many individuals in the area have already started to express interest in this exciting training opportunity.” Students in the first few classes may be eligible for special scholarships that were included as part of the DOL grant. To learn more about the new DSLCC program and requirements to enroll, contact Earl Dodrill, Coordinator of Continuing Education and Workforce Services at 540/863-2902 or email edodrill@dslcc.edu.

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