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Central Pa. college launches 5-month training in renewable energy construction technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 6:31 GMT by Penn Live
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Central Pennsylvania College Announces Five‑Month Training Program in Renewable‑Energy Construction Technology

Central Pennsylvania College (CPC), the state‑sponsored community college located in York, has unveiled a new, intensive five‑month curriculum designed to equip students with the technical skills needed to enter the fast‑growing renewable‑energy construction sector. The program, titled “Renewable‑Energy Construction Technology,” will focus on the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, battery storage arrays, and other emerging clean‑energy technologies.

Why a New Program Matters

Pennsylvania’s renewable‑energy market has expanded dramatically over the past decade. In 2023, the state’s solar capacity grew by 38 %, while wind installations added another 7 GW of new capacity. These growth trends have left a clear gap between the demand for skilled labor and the supply of qualified professionals, particularly in the southeastern region of the state where CPC’s campus sits.

“We’re building a bridge between the industry’s urgent need for trained technicians and the talent pool that already exists here in Central Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Erin McCarthy, CPC’s Vice President of Workforce Development. “With a rigorous, hands‑on curriculum and partnerships with local businesses, we’re making sure our graduates can hit the ground running.”

Program Structure

The five‑month program is broken into three phases:

1. Foundational Knowledge (Weeks 1‑4)
   Students begin with classroom instruction covering the basics of electrical safety, building codes, and the science of renewable energy. A mandatory “Solar Basics” module covers PV cell chemistry and the electrical characteristics of a solar array.

2. Specialization and Practical Skills (Weeks 5‑12)
   Participants then choose one of three specialization tracks—Solar, Wind, or Battery Storage—and complete a series of hands‑on labs and mock installations. The curriculum is tailored to reflect real‑world scenarios, such as rooftop solar panel mounting on historic buildings or mid‑scale wind turbine maintenance in rural settings.

3. Industry Immersion and Job Placement (Weeks 13‑20)
   The final phase involves a paid internship with a partner company. Students spend 20 hours a week working under the supervision of a certified technician, while continuing to attend workshops on the latest industry regulations and software tools. At the end of the internship, CPC provides a job placement guarantee to all students who complete the program and pass the final assessment.

The program costs $3,200 per student, with financial aid available through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grants and the CPC’s own scholarship fund.

Partnerships and Real‑World Support

Central PA College has secured several key partnerships to enhance the program’s relevance and impact. SolarCo, a local solar‑install company, will provide on‑site training equipment and mentorship. WindTech Solutions, a regional wind‑turbine maintenance provider, will host internships and conduct joint workshops on turbine diagnostics. BatteryPlus, a Pennsylvania‑based energy‑storage startup, will contribute a full‑time instructor for the battery track.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with these industry leaders,” said Mark Rivera, CEO of SolarCo. “Their expertise and the equipment they’re bringing to CPC will give our students a competitive edge.”

In addition to the industry immersion component, CPC is also coordinating with the Pennsylvania State Energy Office (PSEO) to offer continuing‑education credits to participants and to ensure the curriculum aligns with state‑approved standards for renewable‑energy technicians.

Impact on the Local Community

The new training program is expected to create a ripple effect throughout Central Pennsylvania’s economy. According to a recent analysis by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, each renewable‑energy technician can support up to 2.5 jobs in the region, from installation to long‑term maintenance.

CPC’s Director of Academic Programs, Susan Kline, emphasized the program’s potential for socioeconomic uplift: “Many of our students come from families who have struggled to find stable, well‑paid work. By providing them with a pathway into a growing industry, we’re not only filling a skills gap but also helping to keep high‑wage jobs in the community.”

The program will also contribute to the state’s climate goals. Pennsylvania has pledged to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions by 30 % by 2030 and to reach net‑zero by 2050. Training the next generation of renewable‑energy technicians is a critical piece of that puzzle.

How to Enroll

Prospective students can apply through CPC’s online portal, where they must meet a minimum high‑school graduation requirement and complete a basic aptitude test. The first cohort will begin in September 2025, with classes scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding weekends). The college also offers a flexible evening option for working adults.

“Enrollment is already filling up fast,” reported Kline. “We’re especially looking for individuals who have a passion for sustainability and are ready to learn the technical skills that will shape the future of energy.”

Looking Ahead

While the initial rollout focuses on solar, wind, and battery technologies, CPC has indicated that future iterations of the program may expand to include emerging areas such as green hydrogen production, offshore wind, and electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We’re building a pipeline of talent that can adapt as the industry evolves,” said McCarthy. “By staying connected with industry partners and the latest technological trends, we’re ensuring that our graduates remain employable for years to come.”

The launch of the Renewable‑Energy Construction Technology program marks a significant milestone for Central Pennsylvania College and underscores the institution’s commitment to workforce development in one of the country’s most dynamic sectors. With its blend of classroom theory, practical training, and industry immersion, the program promises to deliver skilled technicians ready to meet the region’s renewable‑energy needs and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.