FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 8, 2008
Hinesburg—It’s easy to feel pessimistic about the economy these days, but one bright spot globally, nationally, and in Vermont is renewable energy. Last year, the wind and solar industries grew by 45% and 57% respectively in the U.S. And here in Vermont, two renewable energy companies, GroSolar and NRG Systems, recently received Vermont Business Magazine’s 5x5x5 growth awards in the technology category.
But with that growth, comes new challenges. In a poll conducted by NRG Systems at the WindPower 2008 conference in Houston, competition for skilled labor was seen as the greatest barrier to company growth. Ramping up to meet demand is a strategic priority for all firms in the industry, which requires bringing in new talent and getting them up to speed quickly.
Until recently, institutes of higher education weren’t preparing young people for this type of work, so renewable energy firms were recruiting from outside the industry.
“We’d love more candidates who can walk in the door knowing the industry from day one,” says Jan Blittersdorf, CEO of NRG Systems.
With the creation of the Center for Sustainable Practices at Vermont Technical College (VTC), that’s now possible. The Center for Sustainable Practices is comprised of a growing number of faculty, students and community members who are dedicated to applying emerging green and sustainable technologies and practices in the areas of energy, building, land use and agriculture.
In 2007 NRG Systems granted VTC a two-year expendable scholarship for students studying renewable energy and sustainability. The first scholarships were awarded this fall to eight students, including: Kyle Baitz from East Fairfield, VT; Sonja Foster from Newport Ctr., VT; Craig Fullerton from Plymouth, NH; Jason Jones from Warren, VT; Tim Macke from Calais, VT; Justin Mercer from Clinton, MA; Erik Mueller from Berlin, VT; and Jeff Thompson from Kirkville, NY. Scholarship awards, ranging from $2,500 to $6,000 were based on financial need or academic standing.
“Many of our employees hail from Vermont Tech,” says Blittersdorf. “They arrive with excellent technical skills to manufacture the electronic components of our wind measurement systems. This grant is our way of giving back to an institution that has served our business well. It’s nice to see Vermont Tech take a leadership position in preparing Vermonters for well-paying, green jobs.”
“It is equally nice to have a partnership with one of the leading and most innovative companies in the state,” says Vermont Tech president Ty Handy. “NRG Systems has been a real supporter of Vermont Tech, and it’s extremely gratifying not only to see our students put their education to work in the real world, but to know—with NRG’s help—that we’re building and contributing to the Vermont workforce.”
About NRG Systems
Last year, NRG Systems marked 25 years in the wind energy industry. Its wind measurement systems can be found in 125 countries, serving electric utilities, wind farm developers, research institutes, government agencies, and universities. According to CEO/President Jan Blittersdorf, NRG Systems recently expanded its 46,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to accommodate the company’s growth due to the increasing worldwide demand for wind energy. For more information on NRG Systems, Inc., visit www.nrgsystems.com
About Vermont Technical College
Vermont Tech is the only public institution of higher learning in Vermont whose mission is technical education. One of the five Vermont State Colleges, Vermont Tech serves a unique demographic: 86% of our students come from Vermont and many are the first in their families to attend college. Our technical programs encompass a wide range of engineering, agricultural, and business fields that are vital to understanding and applying the cross-disciplinary solutions required to achieve energy independence and sustainability.
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For more information contact:
Abby White, (802) 482-2255, ext. 149
aw@nrgsystems.com
or
Ben Merrill, (802) 728-1329
bmerrill@vtc.edu