The central upstate region has had difficult economic times recently; farms have declined at an alarming rate. This region has significant natural capital to fuel a renewable energy industry, primarily in wind and biofuels. These industries require a skilled workforce from local communities to succeed. The success of these industries will boost the regional economy and reduce the energy requirements met with non-renewable resources.
The Morrisville State College Renewable Energy Training Center (RETC) is funded through a $2 million grant awarded under the President’s Community-based Job Training Grants, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. The RETC will create an alliance of employers, training providers, economic development partners, and K-12 schools to address long-term and short-term needs of New York State’s renewable energy sector.The RETC will provide technical short courses for unemployed youths or adults, as well as displaced and incumbent workers. Course curriculum will be based upon employer-identified skills gaps and needs. There will be RETC courses available for all skill levels and previous training. Training sessions will focus primarily on wind and biofuel renewable energy resources. Scholarships will be available for qualified individuals to defer some of the training course costs.