Going Green
UCC career department adds new certification program
The new Oregon Green Technology Certificate program is now instituted and available to UCC students. So far, nearly 200 Oregon community college students are beginning education through the certificate, according to Patty Lamoureaux of Instructional Services.
The program certifies students with skills needed to excel in industries associated with green jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor issued the grant to the Oregon Consortium that made the new certificate possible. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Green Technology Certificate is a one-year program that is designed for rural unemployed Oregon citizens.
Umpqua Community College is one of nine participating community colleges who changed their curriculum to be in agreement with the certificate. These changes include instructing electrical and mechanical-related courses with a green perspective.
Students who complete the one-year certificate program will possess a variety of skills crucial for many green jobs, including energy auditors, solar site analysts, control technicians, weatherization specialists, power system technicians and home performance retrofit specialists, according to Lamoureaux.
Students who complete the program will also gain knowledge in first-aid, as well as practical math, communication, and customer service skills.
In order to achieve a Green certification, students must go through a period of training, followed by a period of testing. Success in both areas merits the certification.
According to the State Board of Education, all Oregon community colleges will soon have the certificate program available if they want it.
The Green Technology Certificate program is available through the Workforce Development Center, which is located on Diamond Lake Blvd. If students have an interest in pursuing a Career Pathway Certificate at UCC, such as the Green certification, they can contact the Workforce Development Center at 541-440-4668.
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