Jefferson-Lewis BOCES New Vision Alternative Energy students are gaining hands-on experience installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems thanks to a collaborative project with Jefferson Community College.

   In December, New Vision Alternative Energy students worked with JCC’s Energy Theory and Practice class to construct a 3.3 kW solar photovoltaic system on the college campus. The project provided the New Vision students with valuable experience constructing a working alternative energy system from the ground up.  

   The New Vision Alternative Energy program, launched this past fall, is designed for students interested in exploring the technical, economic, governmental and political aspects of designing and installing renewable/alternative energy systems and careers related to science, technology, engineering and math. Students work hands-on designing and installing residential and commercial scale solar, wind and geothermal energy systems.

   “This one-year program for high school seniors in good standing is the perfect jumping off point for further education,” says Tracy Gyoerkoe, BOCES director of career, technical, adult & continuing education. “Not only do they earn credit toward their high school diploma, but they are also earning college credit while still in high school.”

   Dr. Ronald B. Meyers, director of energy programs at Jefferson Community College says the JCC and BOCES collaboration is an exciting opportunity for the students to work together to learn the skills needed to build renewable energy systems.

   “The educational programs at JCC and BOCES are preparing students for jobs in one of the fastest growing employment opportunities in the state of New York - selling, designing, and installing renewable energy systems,” Meyers said.

   The project provides JCC not only with energy cost savings — the photovoltaic system will provide electricity for the college’s childcare center – but with a valuable teaching tool. While the solar PV system will support learning in several curriculum, it was developed specifically for JCC’s new Renewable Energy Management Certificate (REMC) program.

   According to the college, the Renewable Energy Management Certificate program serves students who want to prepare for employment in the renewable energy field as well as individuals who are currently employed in an energy-related position and need college coursework to broaden their understanding of renewable energy and business practices.

   The program is unique because it couples renewable energy courses with business management courses and can lead to a variety of employment opportunities including sales and marketing of renewable energy systems, assisting in renewable energy business management, and as assistants to installers of renewable energy systems, the college says. 

   JCC’s REMC program was developed in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 910 and the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee(EJATC)in Watertown. Certificate are offered in the evenings and online to fit busy work schedules. The REM program can be completed in two semesters with full-time enrollment and longer for those pursuing part-time study.

   For more information about JCC’s Renewable Energy Management certificate program, contact Dr. Ronald B. Meyers, rmeyers@sunyjefferson.edu or 315-786-2508.

   For more information about BOCES New Vision Alternative Energy program, contact the Bohlen Technical Center at 315-779-7200.