Look where tomorrow's utility workforce is coming from

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By Liz Enbysk

SGN Managing Editor

We reported weeks back about the surprising number of smart grid jobs available right now. And we’ve been warning for some time about the labor shortage looming in the utility industry. But where are the skilled workers to fill the openings today … and down the road?

More than a year ago the DOE awarded almost $100 million for a variety of smart grid job training programs to augment another $95 million from universities, community colleges, utilities and manufacturers to train workers for roles in T&D and intelligent grid systems.

Independent from that, we've seen private efforts to bulk up the industry workforce. Just this week home automation company Vivint opened a 10,000 square foot smart grid training center in Austin, Texas to prepare technicians for full scale AMI deployment, including the installation of home area network (HAN) and load control devices.

Given the pressing need, we wanted to offer a glimpse at some of the training programs emerging around the country to prep the future smart grid workforce. Here's a sampling of what we found:

·         A smart grid major in Cincinnati – Last year Cincinnati State Technical and Community college launched a Power Systems Engineering Technology – Smart Grid major program requiring 120 credit hours. It's an interesting curriculum, with courses ranging from algebra and trig to AC circuit analysis, energy efficiency and audits, power systems design – even a couple English comp classes. See the curriculum >>

·         Realistic simulations in Honolulu – The Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) at Honolulu Community College is using a $833,000 smart grid workforce development grant from the DOE to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for deploying and maintaining a smart grid distribution system. PCATT is also partnering with Incremental Systems and PowerData; the companies are providing software that creates a virtual learning environment and with realistic simulations for students to experience how to prevent major power system events. Read more >>

·         Responding to market demand in Kentucky – Working in partnership with Duke Energy, Owen Electric Cooperative and others, Gateway Technical and Community College in Covington, KY is launching an associate in applied science degree in Energy Technologies this fall. The degree includes six certificate options, including Energy Utility Technician, Outside Plant Technician, Energy Efficiency Electrical Controls Technician, Energy Efficiency and Analysis, Solar/Photovoltaic Technologies, and Wind Systems Technologies. Learn more >>

·         Developing smart grid managers in Texas – Working with the nonprofit Texas Institute and a grant from the State Energy Conservation Office, Collin College of McKinney, Texas is developing a Smart Grid Management certification that targets both new and current commercial and residential energy sector employees. With a focus on energy management and efficiency, the certification will address electric grid, electric systems, smart grid architecture and advanced utility metering. Get the details >>

·         Focusing on substations in North Carolina – In Hamlet, N.C., Richmond Community College is partnering with Progress Energy to develop an Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology program. Students in the program will take calculus, trigonometry, physics, and industry-specific courses dealing with high voltage power circuit breakers and transformers. According to the college, only a handful of programs like this are available nationwide, and the starting salary is in the $50,000 to $60,000 range. Read more >>

Click to page 2 for some shorter-term educational offerings in the smart grid industry.

Read Page Two >>