The Sustainable Energy Career Academy (SECA) at Nunez Community College stands out as a unique career academy designed to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce ready to power Louisiana’s expanding renewable energy sector. SECA distinguishes itself by offering specialized certificate, diploma, and degree programs meticulously crafted with direct industry input and aligned with the evolving economic demands of Louisiana.
The academy’s inaugural pathway is specifically engineered to comprehensively train aspiring wind turbine technicians. These professionals are crucial for the renewable energy industry, possessing the expertise to install, maintain, and repair complex offshore wind turbines. The Wind Energy Technology program at Nunez is committed to delivering training that meets the highest international standards. It rigorously adheres to training practices, curricula, and certifications endorsed by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), the globally recognized benchmark for wind energy professional training. This dedication to GWO standards ensures that the program remains at the cutting edge, continuously integrating new standards as they emerge to reflect industry best practices and training requirements. Graduates of the Nunez program are not just trained; they are proficient, confident, and prepared to contribute immediately to the burgeoning wind energy sector in the Gulf of Mexico region and beyond.
For currently employed wind turbine technicians seeking to maintain their professional edge, Nunez’s Workforce division provides targeted courses for GWO recertification. These include refresher trainings and opportunities to acquire additional certifications, enhancing their skillset and career prospects. Furthermore, SECA serves as a valuable resource for professionals in related industries contemplating a career transition. These incumbent workers can leverage GWO trainings to upskill or reskill, aligning their competencies with the specific needs of employers in the renewable energy sector. Individuals and companies interested in non-credit/workforce SECA training through Nunez Community College are encouraged to reach out to the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department for detailed information.
Program Learning Outcomes
Nunez’s Sustainable Energy Career Academy is committed to equipping its graduates with demonstrable skills and knowledge. Upon completion of their chosen program, students will be able to:
- Expertly Install, Inspect, Test, Service, and Repair Wind Turbine Components: Graduates will possess the hands-on skills necessary to manage the intricate mechanical and electrical systems within wind turbines.
- Prioritize Safety and Hazard Mitigation: A core competency will be the ability to correctly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), identify potential hazards in the work environment, implement effective hazard mitigation strategies, and safely ascend wind turbine towers.
- Apply Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Graduates will be trained to utilize cognitive skills and deductive reasoning, combined with manufacturer specifications, to effectively troubleshoot and maintain wind turbine systems in diverse operational scenarios.
- Communicate Professionally and Effectively: The program emphasizes clear and responsible communication, ensuring graduates can convey pertinent information to stakeholders under minimal supervision, fostering efficient teamwork and project management.
Diverse Certifications and Degree Pathways
SECA offers a tiered approach to education, providing multiple entry points and pathways for professional growth in the wind energy sector. Available credentials include:
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Career and Technical Certificate, Offshore Safety and Survival: This foundational certificate includes essential Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certifications:
- GWO Basic Safety Training: Equipping individuals with fundamental safety knowledge and skills for the wind industry.
- GWO Advanced Rescue Training: Providing advanced techniques for rescue operations in wind turbine environments.
- GWO Enhanced First Aid Training, CPR, First Aid: Ensuring readiness to respond effectively to medical emergencies with enhanced first aid and CPR certification.
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Technical Diploma, Wind Turbine Mechanics and Maintenance: Building upon the certificate, the diploma program expands technical expertise and includes a broader range of GWO certifications:
- GWO Basic Safety Training
- GWO Advanced Rescue Training
- GWO Enhanced First Aid Training, CPR, First Aid
- GWO Basic Technical Training: Providing core technical skills for wind turbine maintenance.
- GWO Blade Repair: Specializing in the inspection and repair of wind turbine blades.
- GWO Control of Hazardous Energy (CoHE), Lockout Tagout: Ensuring safe control of hazardous energy sources during maintenance and repair.
- GWO Lift Training: Focusing on the safe operation of lifts used in wind turbine maintenance.
- GWO Slinger Signaler: Training in safe slinging and signaling practices for lifting operations.
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Associate of Applied Science, Wind Energy Technology: The most comprehensive offering, the Associate’s degree provides in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in wind energy technology, incorporating all GWO certifications from the diploma program:
- GWO Basic Safety Training
- GWO Advanced Rescue Training
- GWO Enhanced First Aid Training, CPR, First Aid
- GWO Basic Technical Training
- GWO Blade Repair
- GWO Control of Hazardous Energy (CoHE), Lockout Tagout
- GWO Lift Training
- GWO Slinger Signaler
In conclusion, the Sustainable Energy Career Academy at Nunez Community College delivers a unique career academy experience, offering specialized, industry-validated training for the high-demand field of wind energy technology. With its comprehensive curriculum, commitment to GWO standards, and multiple program levels, SECA is positioning graduates for successful and sustainable careers in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
