California powers up wind training

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Looking for a job in this lousy economy?

The wind industry is hiring technicians to keep the nation’s 30,000 wind turbines spinning. Starting pay is $15 to $20 an hour. Crack workers can make six figures a year if they’re experienced and willing to travel.

The trouble is training. Despite all the talk about the U.S. moving to a renewable energy economy, few technical programs are available in the nation’s community colleges and vocational schools. Only a handful of schools nationwide offer wind technician training.

California, the nation’s No. 3 wind state, is trying to speed workers into the industry with a “boot camp” approach. In just eight weeks, (and for $1,000 in tuition) students get a crash course in safety and operating basics.

First out of the gate are Cerro Coso Community College in Kern County and Shasta College in Redding. Seats are scarce. Cerro Coso can take only 15 students at a time. Its current boot camp is full, and so is the next course.

Click here to learn more about how California is powering up its wind training.

-- Marla Dickerson