Michigan state partner and advisory committee
Northwestern Michigan College
Who We Are:
In 2004, Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) was selected as one of eight Michigan Energy Demonstration Centers and began to build capacity to deliver quality renewable energy and energy efficiency education. Since then, NMC has received funding to construct and install training labs for solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal, biodiesel, wind, and fuel cell technology. In addition to the training labs, NMC partnered and affiliated with organizations like the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, NextEnergy, the Michigan Energy Office, the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth (DELEG), the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), Traverse City Light and Power (TCLP), the Building Performance Institute (BPI), and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) to build and deliver energy training in Michigan.
Beginning with a course entitled, “Renewables are Ready” that enrolled 6 students, NMC has grown its renewable energy programs into a comprehensive training and education program that consists of Associate degree programming and continuing education certificate programs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These training and consumer education courses have served over 800 students since 2005.
In 2010, NMC has joined forces with the MREA as the Local Training Partner for the State of Michigan and will help to coordinate efforts to build and expand solar training capacity throughout the state.
Our Team:
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Bill Queen, Program CoordinatorMichigan Energy Demonstration Center |
Our Goal for Michigan:
To support and build the capacity of training institutions statewide enabling both community colleges and non-profit organizations to deliver high quality, nationally recognized training and certification programs through a comprehensive professional development program for instructors.
Our Advisory group:
Brian Schultz, Grand Rapids Community College
Chuck Ammond, AmmEn Design, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kim Walton, MAREC – Grand Valley State University
Darryl Tietz, Basic Solar & Renewables LLC.
Robert Pratt, RGP Pro, Inc./Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
Allan McKay, Delta College Corporate
Jesse Harlow, Michigan Public Service Commission
Dr. Conrad Heins, Northwestern Michigan College
Participating Instructors and Institutions:
Dr. Conrad Heins, Northwestern Michigan College
Chuck Ammond, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer
James Ryan, Macomb County Community College
Dan Goodchild, Northwestern Michigan College
Randy Smith, Northwestern Michigan College
Mike Finelli, Delta College
Sam Volker, Lake Michigan College