SLCC begins offering clean-energy classes

The recent focus on clean energy options has increased the need for more expertise in that area, including jobs, which has created a niche for Salt Lake Community College.

Beginning Saturday, the college started offering continuing education courses on solar energy and energy efficiency, allowing folks to learn how to better maintain and sustain their environments.

"This is a momentous opportunity for Utah," said Sara Baldwin of Utah Clean Energy.

SLCC is partnering with Utah Clean Energy, the Utah Solar Energy Association, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, the State Energy Program and Solar Energy International to offer two new courses, an energy-efficiency management training course and solar photovoltaic installer training.

The hope is to make Utah more a part of the growing green energy movement.

"We anticipate these courses will be highly successful and will open new doors for the students and the state," said Jule Marine, SLCC's continuing education program coordinator. "These students will become tomorrow's clean energy technicians, which is exciting."

Marine added that the initial two courses are the first of a number of new and upcoming SLCC courses emphasizing green and sustainable trades and skills.

"Fostering a qualified, technical clean energy work force is critical to meeting the growing demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency, while helping to create new jobs and economic development opportunities for Utah," Baldwin said.

For more information about the courses and to register, call 801-957-3445 or visit www.utahcleanenergy.org.

---

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com