Career Training

Solar energy is a growing technology that may be one of the best options for oil in the future. To answer the call within the solar industry, more community colleges are coming on board to train a new workforce of solar energy technicians. From a new solar energy lab in Maine to programs in solar thermal systems across the country, those who are interested in this exciting, growing field can get the training they need to launch a rewarding career in the solar energy industry.

Solar Technology Lab Opens in Maine

Kennebec Valley Community College has plenty to celebrate this year. The school is opening a new Solar Heating and Cooling Lab in the Muriel P. Frye building on the Fairfield campus, according to a report in the Morning Sentinel. The college was chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2009 as one of nine regional resource and training locations nationwide. The Department of Energy partnered with the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education to launch the Solar Instructor Training Network at community colleges across the country.

The Solar Instructor Training Network is designed to prepare trainers for solar technology programs across the country. The trainers that complete the program will then go to various colleges to prepare students for careers in the solar heating and cooling industry. According to a report at WABI TV5, the lab at Kennebec has been in development for more than a year and serves as an example

If you love the ocean and are fascinated with the creatures that live within its depths, a career in marine biology might be the right choice for you. While this career has traditionally required a minimum of a four-year degree to get your foot in the door, many community colleges are now offering marine biology programs - in addition to aquarium science ones - that allow students to land jobs as research assistants and other entry-level positions in much less time. This article will cover what the career of a marine biologist looks like and highlight some of the community college programs now available in this field of study.

What is Marine Biology?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marine biologists commit their careers to studying saltwater organisms, focusing on the molecular biology of the living cells in creatures living within saltwater bodies around the world. Marine biologists may also be referred to as oceanographers, scientists who study the physical characteristics of the ocean, as well as the ocean floor. The work of a marine biologist is typically done in the field or a laboratory rather than in an office setting.

Marine biologists usually have a minimum of a four-year degree in the biological sciences, and many pursue post-graduate work as well. However, thanks to the addition of marine biology programs at community colleges, students can now find entry-level work in marine biology in a much shorter period of time, gaining on-the-job

Solar energy may still make up a relatively small percentage of the energy used in this country, but federal, state, and local governments are offering significant incentives to promote the expansion of this industry. Today, solar photovoltaic installation has become a rapidly growing field, but the lack of training has made it difficult for some companies to find qualified professionals to handle the workload. Some community colleges around the company are now answering the call, providing solar technician training to prepare students for rewarding jobs in this field.

What is a Photovoltaic Installer?

According to an article on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, the American Solar Energy Society estimates that there were about 7,600 jobs in the solar energy industry in 2006. The majority of this number was photovoltaic installers, professionals who place solar panels on roofs to allow homeowners to capitalize on the sun's energy to heat and cool their homes.

There are many different types of solar panels today to accommodate for a wide range of shapes and sizes of buildings. Photovoltaic installers determine the best panel for the individual building and then install the panel and the additional components to get solar energy up and running for that structure.

Qualifications for photovoltaic installer positions begin with a high school diploma and usually continue with some sort of vocational training. People who begin their careers in the construction industry are often well suited for photovoltaic training because they are accustomed to the

Are you looking for a whole new field of study at community college? Why not give glass blowing a try? This popular hobby is now being offered in courses at community colleges across the country. Whether you are looking for a profession as a glass blowing artisan or simply want to add another piping hot hobby to your repertoire, glass blowing might be the opportunity to let your inner artist shine. This article will explore the history and craft of glass blowing and provide a few samples of colleges that are offering formal training in this skill.

What is Glass Blowing?

According to Wise Geek, the history of glass blowing dates back to approximately 200 BCE. During those very early years, glass blowing was primarily used to create vessels to hold liquids. Through its long evolution, glass blowing has become an art form used for creating beautiful pieces that lovers of the craft can proudly display in their homes and office buildings.

The process of glass blowing requires very hot conditions, created by heating ash and limestone in a fiery furnace. The glass is heated to a molten state, where it can be molded and shaped into everything from large vessels to tiny detailed forms. The shaping takes place through a blowpipe that the artist blows into to form a bubble within the molten glass. Details can be added to the glass during the blowing process, using tweezers to pull and shape the glass into

Home brewing has become a popular pastime for brewmasters across the country. The art of mixing hops, malt, and yeast to produce a wide range of beer flavors mixes the best science, math and home economics have to offer. If this list sounds like a roster for higher education courses, that is apparently what some community colleges have thought as well! This craze has moved to campuses, with more and more colleges offering classes in how to brew the perfect glass of ale. We have a listing of some of the colleges featuring beer brewing training, along with the details of the courses they offer.

This video describes the craft brewing, packaging and service operations certificate class at Grand Rapids Community College's Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

Cabrillo College Gets into the Brewing Act

California resident Mark Taylor has a love of beer brewing that dates back more than a decade. This amateur brewmaster mixes a variety of ales at home, and he keeps four beers on tap in a converted refrigerator. Taylor decided he wanted to share his love of his craft with others and sent proposals for a home brewing course to four different community colleges nearby. According to a report at the Santa Cruz Sentinel, those first four offers fell short, but another community college eventually took Taylor up on his offer.

Cabrillo College in Aptos decided