Wind Technician graduates ready to test new skills

Extensive online research and visits to other institutions led David Doheny to the Wind Turbine Technician Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He came from all the way from Arizona to be part of the third class in the program.

"I researched wind for two years," Doheny says. "I checked a lot of programs. Once this one was up and running and I saw what it had to offer in terms of hands on experience, I knew this is where I wanted to be."

That KVCC's training program is the only one in the country to offer field experience on wind turbines made it superior to others Doheny investigated.

He comes to the business after 17 years as a fire fighter. He briefly considered pursuing work in the solar energy field, but then decided to settle on wind energy. He is excited about his possibilities considering the fact that he had a job offer even before graduation. He couldn't take it because he had hurt himself and would not be ready in the time frame the new employer was looking for, but the offer bodes well for his future job search.

Seven students in the most recent class had accepted job offers before graduation ceremonies and some missed the celebration so they could report to work.

The Wind Turbine Technician Academy was launched at KVCC in the fall of 2009 and is the first in the nation to certify the skills of its highly skilled technicians. Wind Turbine Technicians are employed by turbine manufacturers and firms that provide operational and maintenance services as well as construction companies.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: David Doheny, KVCC
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