Nebraska Clean Energy Brings Brand New Jobs, Education Opportunities and Careers to the State

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Employment of wind turbine service technicians, also known as wind techs, is projected to grow 96% during the next eight years, much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, wind turbine technician ranks as the fastest growing occupation in the United States, with solar ranking 3rd. 

The wind industry has created 3,001-4,000 jobs in Nebraska. Due to the growing demand for jobs in the wind energy sector, there are many workforce training and education resources available in Nebraska: 

• University of Nebraska hosts a Wind Application Center and offers a minor in Energy Services. The Energy Sciences minor comprises four introductory core courses that provide a comprehensive overview of energy in society, fundamental energy principles, the economics of energy, and environmental issues related to producing and using energy. In addition to four core classes, a set of three to five upper division, discipline-oriented elective courses will be developed for each of four thematic areas: energy and natural resources, plant and animal bioenergy, energy engineering and energy economics, policy and human dimensions.
• Northeast Community College offers a diploma in Wind Energy. The turbine installation is part of an ongoing effort to grow the wind energy program at Northeast, which was recently expanded and now offers a 2-year associate degree. The college also offers a one-year, 41-credit-hour program. 
• Western Nebraska Community College offers a Wind Energy Technician Certificate is designed to provide students with the training to apply technical skills to operate, maintain and repair wind turbines. 

Job prospects continue to be excellent. Because wind and solar electricity generation is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade, additional technicians will be needed to install and maintain new infrastructure.