Preparing the Workforce for the Renewable Energy Jobs of Today & Tomorrow

Efrain Silva

Dean of Economic & Workforce

Development

Imperial Valley College

Spring 2014 7th Annual Renewable Energy Summit

2010 Photograph by JOSELITO VILLERO

Renewable Energy Program Mission is

"…to identify, develop and

become a premier energy and

educational resource in Imperial

Valley to achieve a

sustainable renewable

energy future."

• IVC offers comprehensive premier workforce training

in Renewable Energy Technologies by providing:

• Technical programs taught by experienced

instructors held to the highest academic standards;

• Industry endorsed skills training using advanced

technology for balanced lectures, labs and hands-

on training, and

• Facilitation of employment and career pathway

opportunities

• Construction authorized Nov. 2010 and ribbon-cutting is

scheduled for May 01, 2014

• Will allow for the expansion of IVC Industrial technology, Public

Safety, Fire & Emergency Medical Services Training

• Industrial Technology Building 3200 is 30,022 sq. ft. has seven

separate labs including state of the art Renewable Energy Lab.

• The new lab will include Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Wind, Hydro

and Hydrogen Fuel Cell simulators and lab equipment

• All buildings are designed for LEED Certification

• NSF awarded a $200k Grant to IVC for the development of Alternative

Energies Technology Programs with a duration of 2011 to 2014

• Through the efforts of the Grant’s Team & IVC staff the following was

achieved:

• In Oct. 2012 the Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Advisory Committee

was formed including the renewable industry local stakeholders;

• The Advisory Committee recommendations were the foundation of

designing the IVC Alternative Energy Programs, and

• A Regional Curriculum Development Committee was formed by

educational stakeholders from Riverside, S. Bernardino & Imperial

Counties

In August 2013 IVC was registered as NABCEP Solar

PV Entry Level Program Provider and Exam Site

In December 2013 IVC Power Plant Operator & Alternative

Fuels Technology Certification Curriculums

were created and submitted for approval

IVC is in the process of creating an Associate of

Science Degree in Project Management of Sustainability that will be linked to SDSU’s B.S. of Sustainability Studies

(Proposed), in a 2 + 2 program

• SDSU and IVC share academic and technical resources

• IVC students receives support to visit different renewable power plants; Hydro, Solar, Geothermal; on site visits and internship

• Both institutions share the use of their campuses and facilities

• SDSU Power Plant Simulator is available for IVC instructors &

students in the Electric Power Generation related program

• SDSU and IVC are collaborating in curriculum articulation

Qualify students with continually updated programs to meet the industry current and

future standards

Provide community renewable energy educational outreach

Become a clearinghouse and resource for renewable energy & sustainability

information

Assist in the development of public policy related to renewable energy

Provide assistance in developing sustainable energy solutions