Mid Michigan Community College has been at the forefront of geothermal energy education in Michigan over the past few years, and they're now starting up a new technical/trade program to continue that tradition.
The college's geothermal technology program will start holding classes in January of 2013, and offer a 19-credit advanced credential to existing professionals and students in the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning fields.
The program includes hands-on learning with the college's two new geothermal fields in different designs. MMCC is the first college in Michigan to offer advanced geothermal certification, and one of the first two-year colleges in the country.
It's a response to the needs of area employers and local staffing needs, which also informed another new program in the early development stages, MMCC's plastics program.
"MMCC is constantly trying to assess where industry growth and employment opportunities lie," says Scott Govitz, executive director of workforce and economic development. "We want to respond to those opportunities so that we provide our students the best chances to find meaningful local employment. We're really excited about the new geothermal credentialing program, because it is an example of the college making that mission a reality."
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mid Michigan Community College
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