04.17.2009

LUBBOCK – Texas Tech University (TTU) along with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) has created an Institute whose focus is to educate a workforce to meet the needs of a rapidly growing wind power industry in Texas.

The vision of the Institute is to position Texas as the frontrunner in technical, managerial and professional education of the wind power industry. The Institute’s acceptance of a million dollar grant from the Workforce Commission has provided means to support this vision.

Through the Institute, TTU and TSTC are already offering dual-credit courses, two wind technician certifications, an associate degree in applied science in Wind Energy Turbine Technology, safety instruction and professional development short courses. The first doctoral degree program in Wind Science and Engineering in the country is also being offered. Some of the courses and programs are online with the hopes to offer additional online programs in the near future.

Liz Joost, program director of the Institute, said there are plans to develop additional face-to-face and online programs. The courses taken at a distance are designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, allowing for the opportunity to advance their career. Additionally, TSTC has created several strategic partnerships throughout the state with several community colleges and other public and private stakeholders to create career and business opportunities for clients in their regions by providing ready and convenient access to instruction and workforce education in wind energy.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.texaswidnenergyinstitute.ttu.edu or e-mail txwind@ttu.edu.