New Ideas Conference
New Ideas in Educating a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
In 2004, IREC convened 40 representatives from community colleges, training associations, non profits, and state organizations to discuss standard-based curriculum for renewable energy practitioners and technicians, the first time educators and stakeholders met to coordinate curricula for renewable energy and solar practitioners.
Two years later, IREC organized and chaired the first national conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce education at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, New York on November 8 – 10, 2006 where some 200 instructors, school administrators, and industry representatives attended representing 30 states and more than 65 Community Colleges and Technical High Schools. This conference was an important milestone in bringing educators and trainers together to share best practices, curricula, and to formalize a national network.
Because of the enormous success and momentum from the 2006 conference, the second national conference on New Ideas in Education a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency took place from March 18 – 20, 2008, again at HVCC. This time, 350 people from 33 states, 37 community colleges, 15 technical high schools, 19 four-year schools and others from the trades, state and federal agencies attended the conference, and once again, IREC organized and chaired this conference. The program focused on instructional strategies, curricula development, and related training and market trends. Breakout sessions covered topics such as New Approaches to Course Delivery; Designing Training for Different Audiences; Lessons Learned from Training Programs; Hands-On Laboratories; Resources to Start or Improve Energy Programs; Green Jobs Corps; and Training the Electrical Trades. For a complete listing of all the presentations from the 2008 conference, click here.
