SWC ANNOUNCES NEW SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Students to Begin Program Fall 2011;
Certificate Can Help Students Land Jobs In San Diego’s Emerging Green Energy Industry
http://sustainableenergystudies.org/
CHULA VISTA, CA – Southwestern College today announced a new Sustainable Energy Certificate of Achievement to prepare students for jobs in San Diego’s growing green building and sustainable energy industries. The Program, approved by the State Chancellor’s Office, will be available to students beginning Fall 2011.
“The region’s economy has demonstrated we need students trained in fields of the future – and Southwestern College is answering. This new certificate can give our students the skills to step into the workforce and become leaders in emerging industries,” Denise Whittaker, Interim Superintendent/President of Southwestern College, said. “We are proud our students can help shape the future.”
The Program takes three semesters to complete and consists of instruction and training in:
green building codes;
alternative energy systems in buildings and landscapes;
weatherization and;
energy auditing.
Taught on the College’s main campus in Chula Vista, graduates will be prepared to use their training for careers in architecture, landscape architecture, and construction inspection and management.
“With increasing energy costs and mandated energy efficient design and construction standards adopted by the state, We will need students who understand how to create and build living, working and playing environments that are energy efficient and follow sustainable practices.,” Corey Breininger, Professor in Southwestern College’s Business, Professional & Technical Education Department, said.
San Diego has approximately 1,120 firms employing approximately 11,627 individuals in the energy efficiency industry. The industry will need an additional 1,224 individuals over the next three years to meet the demand for workers in the first four occupations, and an additional 287 individuals in the next year to meet the demand for solar photovoltaic installers, according to recent reports.
About Southwestern College
Accredited since 1964, Southwestern College is the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, serving approximately 400,000 residents of communities including Bonita, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, Nestor, Otay Mesa, Palm City, San Ysidro, Sunnyside and Coronado. The College offers more than 312 associate degree and certificate options.