By Sammie Bordeaux
Sinte Gleska University has partnered with Mitchell Technical Institute to train students in maintaining wind turbines, more of which are popping up all over the area as the power inherent in the wind is finally being capitalized in this area as an alternative energy source.
Rosebud Sioux Tribe is preparing to vote on signing an agreement with Citizens Wind from Boston, MA, to build a large wind turbine farm costing about $418 million between the Rosebud Reservation and White River, which makes the program at SGU both timely and useful for students looking for good jobs in the area so they don’t have to leave the reservation after graduation.
An announcement on the Mitchell Technical Institute website gives potential students more information about the program.
What is this program all about?
Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) and Sinte Gleska University (SGU) have partnered to bring a new education and training opportunity. This program will allow qualified students to enroll in the MTI Wind Turbine Technology diploma program and complete the classes on the SGU campus. This training will provide the skills and knowledge needed for employment as an entry level technician for commercial wind turbines.
The program includes a combination of SGU classes, MTI classes delivered via two-way video, and MTI classes taught on the SGU campus by teachers contracted by MTI. There are also some requirements that will be completed on the MTI campus or at some other field location but these will typically be done during day-trips off-campus. Students successfully completing this 39 credit program will be awarded a diploma in Wind Turbine Technology by MTI.
Students must meet MTI admissions requirements and complete the MTI application and enrollment process to participate in this program. Enrollment is limited to 10 students during the 2010-11 school year. Students are registered as MTI students and will pay MTI tuition and fees although the majority of the program will be conducted on the SGU campus. Students must meet MTI academic requirements for successful program completion and comply with policies and procedures set forth in the MTI Student Handbook.
How do I apply?
You can complete an online MTI application online by clicking on this link. Once MTI receives your application we will contact you regarding the next steps in the enrollment process.
Are there any special requirements for this program?
Students need to be comfortable working at heights (up to 300 feet) and they will complete special climbing safety and rescue training. Additionally, industry and safety considerations require a drug and alcohol pre-screening to be done during the first week of classes. Students are also subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the program. The consequences for alcohol or drug use could result in dismissal from the program and details are contained in the MTI Student Handbook.
What will I learn?
At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Demonstrate OSHA-required safety while ascending and descending a 60’ lattice tower.
Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and control systems and sub-systems common to modern wind turbines.
Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills required to maintain a wind turbine.
Demonstrate and understand basic rigging required to maintain a wind turbine.
Identify major components associated with a modern wind turbine.
Demonstrate the concept of tower rescue.
Complete OSHA 10-hour training.
Obtain First Aid / CPR certification.
When do classes start?
Fall semester classes start on August 30, 2010 and end December 22. The spring semester begins January 5, 2011 and ends May 6.
What classes will I take?
Click here for the program of study and classes.
Who will teach the classes?
Classes will be taught by Wind Turbine Technology Instructors from the MTI campus as well as SGU instructors and instructors or lab assistants hired by MTI to teach on the SGU Campus.
Who issues the diploma for successful program completion?
The diploma is issued by MTI.
What is the cost?
The cost for this two-semester program is approximately $8,900 for tuition, fees, books and tools. Enrolled students may apply for federal financial aid and MTI and SGU are working with several agencies to obtain additional funding to assist students with program costs. Support is also being provided through a Community-Based Job Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor awarded to MTI in February 2009.
Who do I contact for more information?
John Heemstra, MTI Outreach Coordinator, (605) 995-7204 or (800) 684-1969, or email john.heemstra@mitchelltech.edu
Sinte Gleska University will be registering students for these classes in the upcoming weeks of registration at the SGU campus. For more information in the local area, contact Jack Herman, SGU Registrar and William Hay, SGU Financial Aid Director.
(Information for this article from the Mitchell Technical Information website)
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