Energy Systems Technology Technician (EST2)

This project is developing an Alternative Energy Systems Technology (AEST) specialization at Brevard Community College to meet the increasing demand for skilled energy system technicians in Florida. By partnering with the state's colleges and universities, professional organizations, and industry employers, this project creates a unified and industry verified training curricula at the post-secondary level throughout the state and provides an education/career pathway for incumbent and dislocated workers. These partnerships also create articulation pathways to four-year institutions offering an Energy Systems Technology option and/or degree and ensure K-12 curricula align to articulate into the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degrees. Workforce assessments from industry and research partners in the field of renewable energy allow the curricula to evolve with changing technologies. In addition, the AEST specialization utilizes existing industry certification requirements and newly developed resources from the NSF Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC). Outreach via summer camps engages middle and high school students in the field of renewable energy and especially provides an opportunity to connect with females and under-represented minorities, groups which are not traditionally employed within this occupation.