NWTC Receives Grant for Utilities and Energy Coordination Network

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to create a Utilities and Energy Coordination Network.

According to POWERGRID International, the energy industry is experiencing a workforce shortage with 72 percent of employers as a result of workers that approach retirement and fewer qualified candidates that have the education to replace them.

As the only funded network within NSF’s Advanced Technological Education program, the Utilities and Energy Coordination Network is designed to create a formal platform for colleges as well as other industry partners to engage, share resources, and form relationships with members that lead to expanded training opportunities across the county. This project will lay the groundwork so that the Coordination Network can close the gap of workforce shortages nationwide.

“NWTC has a long-standing history of offering a variety of innovative energy programs,” said Amy Kox, NWTC dean of trades & engineering technologies. “Our programs and model of operation allow us to be a resource for other colleges and employers. This grant will provide a platform for us to share and learn from a growing network across the nation.”

NWTC offers one of the widest varieties of utility related associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates in the Midwest. In addition, the institute’s unique Great Lakes Energy Education Center allows students to train on an epic scale with indoor and outdoor learning facility environments designed for net zero energy.

Students can apply for Summer and Fall 2021 now and class registration for energy and utility programs will be available starting Tuesday, April 6. Learn more about energy education and workforce training.