Oklahoma Is Wind Energy: Workforce & Training

Oklahoma's certified skills-tested workforce supports diverse, technologically advanced industries.

Contact: 800-588-5959 

Available, Skilled, Affordable Workforce

Engineering Degrees Supporting the Wind Energy Industry on the Rise
The number of engineering degrees conferred by OSU, OU, and the University of Tulsa from 2001-2006/2002-2006 are on the rise, according to the latest data available from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

• The number of engineering degrees that support the wind energy industry grew by 33% - 375 to 500.
• The number of aerospace and aviation degrees grew by 73% - 64 to 111.
• The number of mechanical engineering degrees grew by more than 54% - 171 to 269.
• And from 2002 to 2006, the number of mechanical engineering degrees grew by 64% - 164 to 269.

Statewide Graduates & Enrollments in Fields Relevant to Wind Manufacturing: (Five-Year Average)
Engineering: Graduates 1,086; Enrollments 6,767
Computer Support: Graduates 722; Enrollments 3,988
Electrical, Mechanic, and Other Support: Graduates 727; Enrollments 3,789
TOTAL: Graduates 2,535; Enrollments 14,543

 Customized, No-Cost/Low-Cost Training
Oklahoma's Workforce Team assists your company with all human resource needs, including recruitment, workforce screening, and no-cost/low-cost customized workforce training through the state's Training for Industry Program (TIP).

Oklahoma's community colleges, universities, technology centers, apprenticeships, technical institutes, nonprofits, businesses, and state agencies work hand-in-hand to deliver companies 3 key benefits.

1. Save money: Save thousands of dollars in expenses for job analysis, training assessment, consultation, curriculum development, instructors, facilities, equipment, materials, and day-to-day training program administration.
2. Train Anywhere on Your Schedule: Your employees can receive start-up training or skills upgrade onsite, online, or take advantage of universities, community colleges, and technology centers in every part of the state. Either way, they won't waste valuable time driving to and from class.
3. Make one call: Tapping into this vast network of workforce training and education options takes one call--the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Call 800-588-5959 today!

Oklahoma's Universities, Colleges, and Technology Centers Launch Wind Turbine Technician Programs
The wind industry expects technician demand in Oklahoma to grow over the next two to four years as transmission infrastructure expands and new wind power plants start producing. For example, OG&E alone expects to need a minimum of 60 technicians per year for the next 15 years, beginning in 2010 as it expands transmission capacity.

To meet this need, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) launched Oklahoma's first turbine technician training program in 2008. The 24-hour, non-credit certificate program includes instruction in the following areas:

• Introduction to wind energy
• AC/DC Fundamentals
• Industrial Electronics
• Instrumentation and Control
• Programmable Controller
• Electromechanical Devices

The college also plans to offer alternative energy and alternative power program options for its existing pre-engineering curriculum. And, OCCC and the Oklahoma Safety Council recently developed a 10-hour, OSHA-approved safety course for technicians currently working in the wind industry. OCCC Wind Turbine Technician Program Course Schedule & Enrollment Information

Oklahoma State University-OKC launched its 61-to-66-hour Associate in Applied Science degree in wind turbine technology for the Spring 2009 semester. New students can apply online at www.osuokc.edu/webenroll or in person. Current students can enroll online at www.osuokc.edu/current or by calling 405-945-8678. For more information about the program, contact Dr. Jerry Nielsen, Science and Engineering Technologies Division Head, Engineering Technology Building, Room 300A, 405-945-3222 or njerry@osuokc.edu. OSU-OKC Wind Turbine Technology Degree Course & Enrollment Information

CareerTech is rapidly developing wind technician curriculum for both mobile and stationary training facilities for its system of technology centers across the state. 

 High Plains Technology Center in Woodward became the first CareerTech center to offer a wind energy technician certificate program, which it launched for the Spring 2009 semester. Classes for the seven-month program are held in the evening. The program also includes an internship component. To Enroll, Contact Kimberlee Smithton, 580-571-6125, ksmithton@hptc.net. High Plains Wind Energy Technician Program & Enrollment Information

Canadian Valley Technology Center in El Reno added a wind turbine technician program in August 2009. To enroll, contact Cody Spikes, the Center's wind energy specialist, 405-262-2629.

Click here to learn more about Quentin Johnson (pictured left), a soon to be graduate of High Plains Technology Center's Wind Energy Technician Program!

Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City offers a wind turbine technician certification program. The seven-week, 215-hour program includes enhanced OSHA 30 training, tower rescue, tools and torque technology, and Electrical I studies. The first classes start May 4 and will be held on the Portland Campus, Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To enroll, visit www.frienergy.com.

Autry Technology Center in Enid offers introductory courses in the wind industry. Classes start this fall. For more information visit autrytech.com.

Oklahoma is America's Training Ground
Through its many niche programs, Oklahoma has truly become America's training ground. Examples of Oklahoma's niche training programs include the Snap-On Diesel Diagnostic Training & Certification Center (the first in the nation) at CareerTech's Francis Tuttle technology center; the National Center for Employee Development in Norman; and the various programs at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center and the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.

Commerce Awarded Wind Energy Grant From U.S. Department Of Energy New!